The world’s most sustainable and eco-friendly travel destinations
Barbados is one of the world’s most sustainable and eco-friendly travel destinations. The island has promised to be 100% green and fossil-fuel-free by 2030. To support this goal, the island has implemented several initiatives including the Mindful Travel Campaign. This lets guests help the environment during their stay by reducing their carbon footprint, conserving water, and supporting local businesses.
At the Cop26 climate talks in Glasgow, Barbados’ prime minister, Mia Amor Mottley gave a really powerful speech. Demonstrating that the government in Barbados takes climate change very seriously. Apes Hill is a huge tourism project that’s currently being developed on the island. It’s committed to sustainability, just like the government. This is evident in the re-development of its golf course and the construction of new villas and leisure facilities.
The 475 acres of tropical vegetation are a precious part of Barbados’ natural heritage. The development is located 1000ft above sea level, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The Scotland District is one of the oldest parts of the island. The jungle-like vegetation is a great example of what Barbados looked like hundreds of years ago. It’s before it was settled by the British. Some of the area’s distinctive characteristics include coral caves, a network of fascinating gullies, and large troops of green monkeys. To reduce pollution, Apes Hill plans to get power from a solar farm in three years.
The resort aims to have luxury villas with views of the golf course and Caribbean Sea. It’s environmentally friendly, with sustainable architectural designs. The villas were designed and developed by local design consultants, paying attention to things like natural fenestration and passive ventilation. They’re also complemented by electric vehicle charging points and charging stations for electric golf carts. The Ron Kirby renovation of the 18-hole golf course also focuses on nature preservation and sustainability. The design protects, preserves, and sustains the natural environment.
Roddy Carr, a consultant overseeing the golf course development, commented: “Sustainability isn’t something we just talk about. We’ve invested in drought tolerant grass to reduce water consumption, cut the number of sprinkler heads on the course by 56% and established 77 acres of farming on site. We’re far from finished, but we’re one step ahead.”
An artificial lake is being installed to collect rainwater for future irrigation. The latest irrigation technology is being used and it minimises watering with weather forecasting and remotely controlled watering. The artificial lake has a watershed of 246 acres. This not only feeds Apes Hill, but it also reduces the impact of water flowing downstream and settling in flood-prone areas on the coast like Holetown and Weston, St. James.
The developers are setting aside twelve acres to grow indigenous fruits and vegetables, including pineapple, mangos, coffee, aloe and sweet potatoes. Apes Hill will also be creating more farmland for hosting livestock and growing fresh produce on the east coast side of the golf course bordering holes 12, 13 and 14. Additionally, they plan to establish beehives in the gullies and habitats created to promote butterfly breeding in ponds around the course.
Upon completion, Apes Hill will have:
- A fully renovated 18 Hole, Par 72 championship golf course
- A new Par 3 course
- A state-of-the-art Golf Performance and Teaching Centre and short game practise facilities
- A clubhouse with bar and veranda restaurant
- A luxury spa
- A 2,600 sq. ft. fitness and sports centre with lap pool and swim-up Bar, tennis and padel-tennis court
- Hiking and biking trails with outdoor calisthenics gym
- Pro shop and farm shop, which will sell the fresh produce grown on site
Grand Fairway Villa
Apes Hill, Barbados | £3,560,000 (unfurnished)
This Grand Fairway Villa at Apes Hill has a contemporary design. It has 4 bedrooms and is 3,780 square feet. The open kitchen flows into a large lounge area with double height vaulted ceilings and high expansive windows. The property is filled with natural light. The master suite on the first floor has its own terrace, a walk-in dressing room, and large ensuite bathroom.
The 36 ft private infinity pool has beautiful unobstructed westerly sea views over the first green and the fairway. Owners have access to extensive leisure facilities on site including 18-hole and 9 hole golf courses; a luxury spa, fitness and sports centre with lap pool and swim-up bar, tennis courts, hiking and biking trails.
Turnera Villa
Apes Hill, Barbados | £5,900,000
This villa is 5634 sq. ft. and is located on a 35,600 sq. ft. lot that has views of the sea.
It has large windows that let in a lot of light and the technology used reduces heat gain. This keeps the interior cool. The ceiling heights are 3 ft. higher than other homes, which makes the villa feel more spacious. All four bedrooms have their own ensuite bathroom. Three of the bedrooms also lead out onto terraces or balconies. The living space has large sliding doors that open up to an expansive terrace. There is also a 60 ft. infinity pool.
There is an enclosed garage, perfect for a car or golf buggy. Owners have access to leisure facilities on site, including 18-hole and 9 hole golf courses; a luxury spa, fitness and sports centre with lap pool and swim-up bar, tennis courts, hiking and biking trails.
