A curious green monkey pokes its head through a bearded fig tree to say hello as we round the corner to our villa in a golf buggy, and just over the horizon a rich green golf course commands cinematic views stretching all the way to the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. With vibrant flora punctuating every scene and monkeys greeting us at every turn, the drive to and from breakfast at Apes Hill Barbados is never dull.
Situated in the very heart of the island, spanning 475 acres and spread across three parishes, Apes Hill is a powerhouse of a place with plenty to offer; from wellness and sport to the ultimate relaxation and, of course, creature comforts in the form of their high-end villas. But the sheer beauty of this special place is where Apes Hill really shines. Here’s everything you need to know about this Barbados hidden gem (and, no, you don’t need to be a golf pro to enjoy an unforgettable stay).
Where we stayed
There’s a variety of fully-serviced villas on offer at Apes Hill, with options ranging from the cosy Courtyard Villas to the newly opened, ultra-luxurious four-bedroom Hilltop Villas. We stayed in a three-bed Courtyard Villa which was a true home away from home, with everything we could possibly need for an idyllic, stress-free stay. We’ve always been suckers for a small detail and on arrival the fridge was stocked with breakfast essentials, including eggs from the chickens reared on the grounds and an enormous bottle of home-made rum punch.
When it comes to the interiors, think slick, light and airy, with floor to ceiling windows allowing the Bajan sunlight to stream in - the definition of mood-boosting. After a restful night’s sleep in the snug bed in the master bedroom, we always enjoyed our morning coffee overlooking the fairway just beyond our private infinity pool. Bliss.
The warm and super friendly hospitality team are nothing short of incredible, and if there’s anything you need help with during your stay (no matter how big or small) they will get it sorted via the convenient WhatsApp concierge service. You can also make or amend any bookings this way, or alternatively you can pop in to see them at the Clubhouse which is located just by the main entrance.
What we did
While Apes Hill is ideal for families looking for flexibility via the ease of villa life, it’s also a perfect spot for wellness enthusiasts on the lookout for the next group getaway. Sunrise yoga and homemade pre-dinner cocktails by your own private pool? Yes please.
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Yoga
When it comes to wellness, Apes Hill has you covered. As well as the golf, padel and tennis, you can arrange for a yoga instructor to come to your villa for a personalised poolside experience, or if you’re an early-riser, the resort also offers take-your-breath-away sunrise yoga classes right next to the fairway. And when you’re ready for total relaxation, why not book an in-villa massage or facial? There’s also an on-site gym, plus future plans for a health club with a pool and fitness studios.
Golf
You don’t have to be a pro to enjoy golf here (just ask me, a total golf novice). As well as the world-class 18-hole course, there’s a family-friendly - and learner friendly - Little Apes nine-hole, par-three golf course, and a state of the art performance centre where you can study the science behind your swing. I enjoyed my first-ever lesson with a very patient instructor who helped guide me through the basics and quickly helped elevate my posture and launch angle to a level that I felt pretty proud of.
Resort tours and nature walks
A drive toward sustainability is at the heart of everything they do here, and a tour or nature walk will show you just how seriously they take it. We were lucky enough to get a tour from Ed, the Golf Course Superintendent, who is responsible for much of how the resort looks today and is a brilliant encyclopaedia of knowledge when it comes to the intricacies of flora and fauna.
Apes Hill has a huge 60 acres dedicated to organic farming, plus 17 acres of fruit trees, and 40 beehives to aid pollination and produce honey for residents and guests. Breadfruit, bananas, Bajan cherries, papaya, pineapples, mangos and more are all grown on site - a lot of which you can get a close up look at when you’re exploring the grounds. Couple this with the stunning views down to the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean (you’re 1,000 feet above sea level at the highest point of the island), and you’re in for a truly amazing experience.
Visit the beach club
Sea lovers will adore the easy access to the chic beach club which is located in the heart of historic Speightstown on the west coast. The affiliated ‘Breezy Days’ luxury catamaran departs and returns to the club, and includes stops for swimming with turtles, kayaking and paddle boarding. All the activities can be booked through the concierge desk, and there’s a complimentary transfer service to whisk you to and from what will easily become your favourite Barbados beach hangout.
Where we ate
20th Hole
Apes Hill has adopted a farm to fork concept at their restaurants, with food sourced locally and on site where possible. We headed to the 20th Hole for breakfast most mornings, where the likes of fully loaded breakfast wraps and yogurt bowls heaving with fruit, toasted coconut and granola were served up by attentive chefs who are clearly passionate about the plates they’re creating. It’s a casual dining experience with unforgettable views directly overlooking the 19th Hole (a bonus ‘island green’ hole used to settle tied matches) and bar stool seating for anyone who wants to tune into the TV to watch the latest game. You can also stop by for lunch or a light bite.
The Noisy Cricket
For dinner, the clubhouse restaurant provided a delicious range of excellent, perfectly prepared dishes, with my favourites being the spicy snapper with grilled okra and the duck taco starter. Other menu highlights include the blackened mahi mahi and crispy wings with BBQ rum sauce. It was out of season when we visited so reservations weren’t necessary, but tables can be booked via the resort’s concierge service.
In-villa dining
If all you want to do is chill out after a long day playing golf or relaxing on the beach (yes, sunbathing is hard work), you can arrange for the Apes Hill chefs to prepare dinner in the comfort of your villa kitchen. Sitting under the stars on our patio, we feasted on hearty mac and cheese, grilled prawns, warming breadfruit salad, fried chicken, rice, coleslaw and more. It was such a treat and the chefs were outstanding.
Beyond Apes Hill Barbados
Hunte’s Gardens
Located just a 20 minute drive from Apes Hill in the parish of St Joseph, Hunte’s is a botanical paradise that’s a must-see while you’re on the island. Formerly a sugarcane plantation, it’s been transformed into a floral sanctuary with a blend of stunning flowers and plants. There’s also lots of dainty shaded seating spread across the gardens if you just want to stop and take in just how peaceful the place is. We highly recommend a visit.
Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park
The immersive cave tour takes you deep under Bajan soil to see the limestone caves that run around a mile and a half long. On the guided tram tour you’ll get to see foot-long stalagmites and stalactites, crystal clear-water pools and a breathtaking underground waterfall. You’ll also be given a rich history of Barbados and how the island came to be. Once you’re back at sea level, there’s an Aviary where you can feed the birds, a zip-line if you’re feeling adventurous and also a Mount Gay rum tasting if you’re feeling a bit boozy.
Mullins Beach
One of the closest beaches to Apes Hill, this west coast spot boasts a beautiful secluded bay with white sand and crystal clear water. There’s a cool little cocktail shack right on the beach, and the top-rated Sea Shed restaurant, which offers everything from breadfruit fishcakes with scotch bonnet jam to rum-glazed beef short rib, is located just next door. Alternatively, pack your snorkel and take a trip down to Harbour Lights Beach Club in Carlisle Bay where, if you're lucky, you'll be able to swim alongside turtles.
Other things to know:
- You have to book a minimum of three to seven nights, depending on the season.
- Apes Hill Barbados is located approximately 45 minutes north of Grantley Adams International Airport. We hired a car for our stay but the Apes Hill team can also arrange transfers if you enquire.
- For more information and booking, head here.
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Zoe Shenton is the Site Director at Cosmopolitan UK. As well as looking after the day-to-day running of the website, she oversees video, e-commerce and social for the brand. Starting out in teen magazines (RIP, Bliss), Zoe has worked in the media industry for almost 15 years and has a background in entertainment journalism, having interviewed the likes of Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. She also spent three and a half years living in Los Angeles where she covered red carpets and discovered all the best spots serving bottomless mimosas. Find her on LinkedIn.
