Your Guide To Mauritius

Your Guide To Mauritius: A name that instantly conjures up picture-perfect heavenly image

It is perhaps no surprise Mauritius has developed into every golfer’s ultimate paradise destination. The game has great pedigree on this Indian Ocean island – the rst course was laid out way back in 1844 – and it has developed more impressively than other similar destinations in the last 20 years.

The result is that there are now 12 courses on the island – a remarkable number when you consider it is barely more than 2,000km2. Mauritius has taken golf to its heart – and the feeling is mutual, because thanks to its breathtaking natural beauty, the game is showcased idyllically here – leading to Mauritius having previously being named Golf Destination of the Year in Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf States at the prestigious IAGTO awards. Perhaps the most famous course here is Le Touessrok. But there is a lot more to Mauritius than just one signature track.

The two contrasting but outstanding championship courses at Belle Mare Plage and the Ernie Els design at Anahita are stellar additions too, while Paradis might have the most stunning location of all, given the views from its course are more expansive and unimpaired than anywhere else.

Located on the Le Morne peninsula in the south west, Paradis mixes aesthetic perfection with luxury off the course. The clubhouse and its 18-hole course – which stretches out amid the lush greenery of the stunning peninsula – is just a 30m stroll from reception.

The course’s signature is the par-5 16th, with the ocean forming a dog-leg on the right. In addition to the superb Paradis, Beachcomber now also offer guests staying at Trou Aux Biches Resort a brand-new course to play – Mont Choisy. It literally breaks new ground for Mauritius because it is located in the northern tip of the island. The Beachcomber group has eight hotels on Mauritius as well as the ocean-edge Paradis. This uber-playable new course has been designed by South African Matkovich, who has created an especially stunning back nine including the sporty par-4 13th and island- green short 15th.

Don’t forget about Heritage’s course in Domaine de Bel Ombre or Rodney Wright’s fresh Tamarina track. And that aforementioned course from 1844, Gymkhana, is well worth a stop-off, if only for a post-round refreshment in the British pub-style clubhouse. So, Mauritius has enough truly top-quality golf to satisfy even the most discerning golf traveller. But that is but part of its lure, with a list of attractions as long as it is varied.

The weather is the most obvious one, with Mauritius at no point in the year requiring you to pack a jumper; it simply never dips below 20 ̊C here during the day. The resorts are all uber-stylish and boast a comprehensive array of facilities – from sports to spas. Oh, and the service is second to none – the Mauritian staff are routinely superb. Away from the resorts, you can snorkel in the sea, kite-surf, deep-sea sh or take a tandem sky-dive.

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