What makes the ideal golfing holiday? It goes without question that the course you’re playing has to be something very special, both in terms of its challenge and its design. But even avid golfers don’t spend the entirety of their holiday firing down the fairways. You also need to consider the location, the weather, the accommodation and its amenities, and of course, all the other enjoyable things you can do while you’re away. If you are looking to tick all those boxes, then a golf holiday, Barbados style, doesn’t get better than at Royal Westmoreland. Here’s why.
A golfing nirvana
For anyone teeing up at the first hole at Royal Westmoreland Golf Course, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were standing on Mount Olympus. Robert Trent Jones Jr. might not be a Greek deity, but his world-famous architectural talents are clearly in evidence as you ponder the best of Barbados golf courses. Not only has he designed a course that is as beautiful as it is challenging; he’s framed it perfectly within the surrounding landscape. Lift your eyes slightly above the lush, green fairways and you find yourself staring at the glorious west Barbados coastline and the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.
What follows at this unique Barbados golf club is an 18-hole adventure. Along this 7,058-yard, par 72, championship standard golf course, you’ll find stunning views at every turn and a raft of unique challenges, particularly the resort’s signature Par 3s which are well-known for their trickiness. The great thing about this course, however, is that no round is ever the same. As the gentle sea breeze and the sunlight shift direction, the look of the course changes and new challenges arise. What seemed easy the last time around might suddenly become the most demanding shot of the day.
Of all the golf courses in Barbados, none has a hidden secret like Royal Westmoreland. When you get to the 9th hole, you’ll find yourself at Halfway House. So, if you are in need of refreshment and a break mid-game, this delightful little spot is there to serve. You are also justly rewarded for completing the course. The elegant Club House with its colonial-style building and lakeside view is just the ticket whether you’re finishing off the game with a drink or having dinner.
Of course, there’s much more to admire about Royal Westmoreland. Golfers used to first-class courses will be more than happy with its comfortable changing rooms, the well-stocked and professionally staffed Pro Shop, and the complimentary use of a buggy. The practice greens and driving range, meanwhile, are perfect for honing your skills; though, if you want guidance from a real pro, you can always book a session with Sean Edey, Barbados’ first certified British PGA Golf Professional. He’s a rare talent and a great instructor. Overall, if you’re aching for fabulous golf, Barbados’ Royal Westmoreland is on the top shelf.
Staying on course
If you’re having a golfing trip, why stay anywhere else when you can holiday within walking distance of the course? Royal Westmoreland isn’t just a golf club, it’s Barbados’ premier resort. You won’t find it crammed with holidaymakers though. This resort contains just 250 villas, apartments and townhouses, and these are sprinkled over an estate of 750 acres of tropical gardens with enviable views of the Caribbean coastline. For the most enthusiastic golfers, there are also six golf cottages which are advantageously situated right by the side of the 12th green.
The accommodation at this gated resort matches the setting. The luxury accommodation is both pleasing to the eye and highly comfortable. Designed for open-plan living, you’ll discover find designer kitchens, generous living spaces, dining terraces and en-suite bedrooms, all artfully designed and well-equipped. You’ll also find many villas have their own swimming pools and gardens, while all guests have access to communal pools.
The resort’s amenities, as one would expect, are first-class. Dining options include the aforementioned Club House and Halfway House, together with the Rum Shak, which serves up the traditional Barbadian dishes and divine rum cocktails that the island is known for. Just a stone’s throw away at Mullins Beach, you’ll also find the Royal Westmoreland Beach Club. With a free shuttle provided to get you there and back, you can enjoy menus created by award-winning chefs, served up on a terrace overlooking one of the island’s most beautiful paradise beaches. For cosy nights in, there’s also the option to have your favourite meals dished up for you by the resort’s private chef service.
When you’re not playing golf or dining, you can also enjoy the floodlit tennis courts and the well-equipped gym, or you can indulge in a pampering session at the nearby Singita Wellness Spa, courtesy of the special packages offered to Royal Westmoreland guests. Meanwhile, your housekeeper will keep your accommodation clean, and the excellent concierge will take care of everything from transport and reservations to event tickets and arranging a babysitter. So, when you want to go out and experience everything else Barbados has to offer, the resort can help you with that too.
Do golfing holidays get any better than this? Given you’ll be playing the best golf in Barbados on a stunning and challenging course, and staying in luxury accommodation with world-class amenities, then Royal Westmoreland has everything you could ask for.
