Going for Golf

Royal Westmoreland - Caribbean golf among the stars

Royal Westmoreland

But If you’re tempted by Caribbean sun, idyllic surroundings with exclusive leisure facilities and some of the world’s most desirable holiday homes, plus the odd celebrity neighbour – and you’ve half a million dollars or more to spend on a seriously luxurious lifestyle – you’d be hard-pressed to top Royal Westmoreland, in Barbados.

The brainchild of UK leisure entrepreneur John Morphet, Royal Westmoreland is ranked among the best resorts in the Caribbean. He bought the estate – one of the island’s most exclusive – in 2004 and four years later secured the neighbouring 250-acre Lancaster plantation to perfect his vision of the ultimate island retreat: a glamorous hideaway that spans 750 idyllic, landscaped acres overlooking the pristine white sands of the Platinum Coast.

The resort’s championship golf course – a 7,045 yard, par-72 course of outstanding architecture that boasts an ocean view from every green – was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, who claims it’s one of the most challenging and rewarding of his career. The layout, which opened in 1995, makes outstanding use of the natural environment, located as it is on a hillside some 200 to 300 feet above sea level, and affords stunning vistas at every turn.

But despite the memorable design and the outstanding milieu, Royal Westmoreland also offers a hefty challenge. Many holes require long carries over terrain into which you’d be advised not to venture and the course is set up to punish errant shots. Water hazards are scarce – but when it does appear the water is exactly that, hazardous, and will prey on the mind of even the most experienced golfer. Likewise wind may come into the equation, but in this environment you won’t need to wrap up like a North Sea fisherman.

The par-threes are regarded by many as four of the best short holes in the Caribbean. The third, for example, plays toward the sea, dropping 171 yards to a ‘glass’ green on the edge of a cliff which is defended by rock outcrops and bunkers. The fifth and sixth holes were laid out around an old coral stone quarry and the short, 327-yard, par-four sixth has some quirky history behind its name: Hermit Hole. During construction, workers found a recluse living in an abandoned cement mixer where the hole is now laid out. That’s the story told anyway and one can allow for a little artistic licence if it’s been applied. The hole itself, the shortest of the par-fours, doglegs to an elevated, sloping green surrounded on three sides by high quarry walls. Class.

After a challenging day’s golf, the grand, colonial-style clubhouse with sweeping views across the course towards the ocean, is just the place for a relaxing drink as the sun sets over a shimmering Caribbean – and sunset is definitely the best time to partake.

As if such a stunning course were not enough of a delight, Morphet has commissioned the equally notable Rees Jones, younger brother of Robert Trent Jones, to design a second 18-hole course, which will be fed by a new, 65-million gallon reservoir designed to capture water as it trickles back to the sea. The resort will also soon open a short-game academy, with four USGA greens and space for players to hone their pitching, putting, chipping and bunker skills. It’s a tribute to Royal Westmoreland’s golfing credentials that former Ryder Cup captain and US Masters champion Ian Woosnam owns a property at the resort and has described the par-threes therein as some of the best he’s played anywhere in the world.

The resort also has a number of vacation homes to suit the most discerning of tastes. Guests can choose from the five-star luxury of the Royal Villas, elegant penthouse apartments and – the ultimate indulgence – the opulent Celebrity Villas, owned by ‘celebs’ and available on a strictly limited basis. To make sure their stay is focused firmly on privacy and relaxation, guests have a housekeeper and concierge service at their disposal.

The captivatingly secluded setting of this gated community makes Royal Westmoreland a favourite destination for the rich and famous: Michael Vaughan, Joe Calzaghe, Rio Ferdinand and Andrew Flintoff are among its high-profile sporting home owners.

The villas are every bit as alluring as you’d expect at such an exclusive resort: stylish, sophisticated and finished to an extremely high specification. Owners enjoy full use of the outstanding leisure amenities that include the Mullins restaurant, Indulgence Spa, preferential beach access at Mullins, world-class golf, garden tennis courts, and boutique shopping. Tee-times for visitors, however, are strictly limited from 10am to 11am daily, with no access at all on Saturdays.