Apes Hill Barbados Lands on Golf's Top 100 Resorts List

Apes Hill Barbados has landed on Golf's list of the Top 100 Resorts in the World, anchored by a championship course from the late architect Ron Kirby on a bluff-top site 1,000 feet above sea level.

What makes the course stand out?

The resort sits across roughly 475 acres of rain forest terrain with views of both the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts. Kirby's layout moves through ravines and forested gullies with coral cave backdrops, running along ridgelines before dropping toward the water. The par-3 12th plays downhill with ocean views in the distance, and a bonus par-3 19th hole features an island green.

Is there a course for beginners?

Apes Hill added a second course, Little Apes, two years ago. It is a nine-hole, par-27 layout built for children and newcomers to the game, though the resort designed it to still challenge more experienced players.

A par-27 companion course gives a tropical resort room for both serious golf and a casual round with a drink in hand.

Who is connected to the resort?

Former Masters champion Ian Woosnam serves as a brand ambassador and seasonal resident at Apes Hill. He hosts the Barbados Legends, an annual event pairing amateur golfers with professionals in tournament rounds.

The resort takes its name from the Barbados green monkey, a species introduced to the island from West Africa roughly 350 years ago and now a local emblem. The monkeys are regularly spotted in the trees bordering the course.

What else is there to do at Apes Hill?

Beyond golf, the resort runs a beach club along Barbados's northwest shore, along with hiking trails, catamaran cruises, padel and tennis courts, and water sports. Dining options range from casual to refined.