Barbados’s famously golden beaches, colourful culture and seductive mix of glitzy resorts and down-to-earth local spots have lured international holidaymakers, in particular Britons, to its shores for decades. Now, the island would appear to be experiencing a surge in British people keen to own their own slice of Caribbean sunshine. Those are the findings of the upmarket Apes Hill Golf Resort, which reports an increase in overseas demand for its luxury villas in 2024, with 40% coming from the UK.
One recent new homeowner at the exclusive residential community is Douglas Craig, a British businessman who opted for a ‘Courtyard’ golf and sea view villa.
“Barbados is an ideal second home destination with a favourable year-round climate, low crime and political stability,” he said. “The west coast has a relatively small coastline and thus there are only so many properties to make your home. The exclusive nature of the area produces a foundation for a great investment and legacy for your family.”
Located 1,000 feet above sea level, Apes Hill Barbados is the most elevated golf resort in Barbados. Besides its Ron Kirby designed championship 18-hole course and 9-hole course, its 475 acres include lush tropical vegetation, natural gullies and panoramic views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
Douglas continued: “Under the new ownership, the course has been transformed beyond recognition. It is no longer a resort course but an exclusive vibrant living community reflecting serious investment and strong leadership. It offers a complete and varied golfing experience in a community that exceeds expectations and sets itself apart as the best in
the Caribbean.
“The golf course is unique as each hole has its own character with 3 holes resembling Jurassic park with spectacular views over both oceans at once. The 16th par 3 over water is the most challenging and my favourite. Although the 12th par 3 is the most memorable as my elder son got his 3rd hole in one there this year!”
Residences at Apes Hill seamlessly blend with the natural environment. Modern in design, they range from three-bedroom golf and sea view ‘courtyard’ villas to bespoke homes of up to six bedrooms. Sustainability and biodiversity are priorities at Apes Hill.
The estate now includes 60 acres dedicated to farming livestock, 40 beehives, vegetable gardens, and 17 acres of fruit trees. Passion fruit and lime trees, as well as other native plants help the team there to maintain a vibrant ecosystem. And of course, the fresh produce produced on site is used and served from ‘farm to fork’ in the first-class cuisine served at Apes Hill.
Visitors in 2025 will be able to experience the new four-bedroom Hilltop Villas. These single-storey villas overlook the resort’s Little Apes short course and the 19th Hole, with westerly sea views of the Caribbean Sea. The environmentally kind and sustainable design of the Hilltop Villas is enhanced by the incorporation of PV solar systems, electric vehicle charging points and charging points for the complimentary electric golf carts provided to guests and residents during their stay.
Multi-generational families find Apes Hill particularly appealing thanks to a range of facilities. These include include the
9-hole Little Apes course, Padel and traditional tennis courts, hiking trails and a choice of nearby beaches. With additional services including in-villa massages, bespoke chef’s dinners, and onsite babysitters, the new villas have been designed to create the perfect family getaway.
Each season, the team at Apes Hill create a jam-packed activity schedule to keep younger guests entertained. From enchanting Easter celebrations with the Easter Bunny to kite-making, Padel tournaments and sport workshops, every moment is designed to dazzle younger guests.
And there is just as much going on for adults. From taking part in golf’s Legends Tour tournament hosted by Ian Woosnam, exploring the many hiking trails, playing and taking Padel lessons or learning to free-dive to enjoying one of the various wellness and cultural programmes.
Douglas concludes: “My favourite days at Apes Hill are those shared with the family, starting with padel tennis and then playing some golf with the children on the short course, topped off with one of the special BBQ themed musical evenings. In short, Apes Hill offers a complete and varied golfing experience in a community that exceeds your expectations and sets itself apart as the best in the Caribbean.”
