19 October 2025

Apes Hill – a golfer’s paradise in paradise

We’re proud to be featured in Irish Golfer, where Mark McGowan trades rain for trade winds and discovers Apes Hill is far more than just a beautiful place to play.

McGowan charts his journey from London to Barbados, describing the view from 1000 feet above sea level as the first clue he’d arrived somewhere extraordinary. With sweeping vistas of both the Atlantic and Caribbean, a course carved through gullies and rocky outcrops, and a few green monkeys for good measure, he calls the Apes Hill Championship Course “spectacular”.

 

The par-3s are singled out as showstoppers, including the iconic 16th known as ‘The Cave’, a hole framed by water in front and a natural arch of rock behind. The run from 12 to 14 is described as our very own 'Amen Corner', and the 19th hole offers one last chance to settle the score. There’s even an Irish connection too, as Roddy Carr worked closely with the late Ron Kirby on the redesign.

"I could play this course every day and never tire of it."

Mark McGowan, Irish Golfer

McGowan shares how the Apes Hill experience continues off the course. From a quick tune-up at the Performance Centre with Director of Golf Jody Addison to the playfully crafted Little Apes short course, where iconic par-3s from around the world are reimagined on a smaller scale, there’s something for every kind of player.

 

Staying in the Hilltop Villas, he describes a welcoming rum punch on arrival and evenings spent by the pool or gathered around the outdoor dining table. Every detail reflects a lifestyle that’s effortlessly elevated yet grounded in ease, from buggy access to in-villa dining.

 

Throughout the article, McGowen recognises our unwavering commitment to sustainability, highlighting our 60 acres of farmland, 40 beehives to the on-site reservoir and solar-powered systems. McGowan notes that long-term sustainability is not just a buzzword here. It’s an ethos.

 

He also takes time to explore the walking trails, Padel courts, and 20th Hole restaurant, where Bajan ingredients meet global flair. There’s even a moment of local storytelling by firelight at the old lime kiln, one of those signature Apes Hill moments that remind you this isn’t just a resort. It’s a way of life.

 

Read the full article here.

 

 

For press  and media enquiries please contact:

   

Roddy Williams:  Roddy@theazaleagroup.com

Sean Noble:  sean.noble@theazaleagroup.com