It's amazing to think that what were once a mere handful of modest golf courses in Scotland ushered in a journey that has seen the game spread around the world, with that extraordinary growth ultimately leading to the creation of thousands of varied layouts, including many that occupy the most spectacular locations on the planet.
This is especially rewarding for those keen travellers among you who are able to embark on daring adventures to some exotic destinations that can be enjoyed with golf clubs by your side.
Mauritius is a place that you may not have previously considered for golf, but we reckon that is about to change emphatically.
Situated on the south-west of the island, Bel Ombre is a tranquil coastal village that is home to the remarkable Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort, a venue that is internationally renowned for the supreme luxury and hospitality that it offers guests.
The golf courses here are superb, the setting is breathtaking, and the facilities themselves provide everything that you could wish from a trip to this famed jewel of the Indian Ocean.
Here is what you need to know about a golf experience that you simply will never forget.
Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort
Showcasing plantation architecture that was inspired by the French colonial past of Mauritius, Heritage Le Telfair is a visually striking gem on the beachfront, where you can gaze out towards the endless blue ocean before you.
There is an understated grandeur to a property that presents elegant villa-style accommodation that is enhanced by the boutique and personalised service that you can sample during a stay that will be packed with unforgettable moments to savour.
You have a choice of 158 refined suites and rooms, all of which blend tradition with contemporary comforts, while private balconies and terraces showcase views of the gardens, river or sandy beach.
The nature of this accommodation crafts the feel of being part of a small village, which only adds to the sense of relaxation as you escape from the grind of daily life into a retreat that is truly magical and transporting.
Being a certified wellness destination, you are sure to depart feeling your best, which is particularly evidenced by the exceptional facilities offered by the Seven Colours Spa & Wellness Pavilion.
This can offer guests everything from yoga, meditation and Tai Chi sessions, to outdoor pavilions and treatment suites, personalised wellness programmes, in addition to a warm vitality pool and hydrotherapy.
You also have the option to sample the lagoon-front swimming pools, a fitness centre, tennis courts, engage in the likes of kayaking, snorkelling, and paddleboarding, or even explore the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve on foot or during a cycling excursion. There is also a considerable amount of activities for kids too, making this an ideal hotspot for families.
If you are someone who likes to eat well, then you are also in for a treat at Heritage Le Telfair.
The best restaurants include Annabella's, Gin'ja, Le Palmier, and the Cavendish Bar, all of which ensure that every culinary taste will be satisfied during your time here.
However, if you're reading this, then you are most likely a golfer, so let's have a chat about the on-site courses you can play.
The Golf Courses
Opened in 2004 and designed by Peter Matkovich, La Chateau quickly became one of the most impressive courses launched this century, hosting several editions of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open on the DP World Tour.
Featuring stunning views and a layout that has been formed around mature centenary trees, lakes, streams, and gentle foothills, this is a highly playable design that introduces generous fairways and large greens, but it retains a significant degree of strategic challenge to make it an engaging test for golfers of all standards.
But as great as this course is, there was room for another in this area, and that's what was thrillingly crafted in the form of La Reserve Golf Links.
For this, Matkovich was joined by Louis Oosthuizen, the 2010 Open champion at St Andrews, who created a contemporary seaside course that offers panoramic ocean vistas and an exciting layout that encompasses several characteristics of links golf such as natural grasses, pot bunkers, and dunes, but this is very much a modern design and one that will excite every golfer who embraces the opportunity to play here.
Between them, these are two incredible courses that provide an intoxicating golf experience.
How to Get There
Positioned on the south coast of Mauritius, Heritage Le Telfair sits approximately 45 minutes from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Air Mauritius and British Airways operate direct flights from London Gatwick (LGW) that take around 12 hours, meaning that it's more accessible to get here than you may have thought.
In terms of the climate, we would recommend visiting during the dry, cooler winter months from May to December, when there is less rainfall and temperatures are more comfortable.
Ultimately, Mauritius is a holiday destination of dreams, but it's a fantasy that you can make reality, and for golfers, this is truly somewhere to be reckoned with internationally.
It could be your next golfing adventure - and the most special yet.
For more information and the best packages, please visit our travel partners Golfbreaks by clicking here.
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