Mauritius – A Golfing Paradise

Earlier this year we sent a note to our members asking them if they had a favourite golfing destination anywhere in the world that they would suggest for us as our next ‘big’ international golf trip.

The answers were very interesting ranging from a Norwegian gem where you tee off at midnight and play through the night, Old Head in Cork, Ireland (wonderful but, unfortunately, not really Golf in the Sun!), Vietnam (up and coming), Teeth of the Dog, Casa del Campo, Dominican Republic (definitely one for the future), Thracian Cliffs, in Bulgaria (some logistical issues here), but no less than four of our members suggested Mauritius, and specifically Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course, and guess what, on further research it transpires that earlier this year Golf World Magazine (UK) ranked this Mauritian gem as the world’s top golf course to play before you die.  Even Colin Montgomerie calls it essential.

High praise indeed, and the thought of our first beach holiday, combined with some wonderful golfing delights, filled us with exciting fantasies to look forward too.

So, with my researchers hat on, and the wonderful invention of the internet continuing to shrink the world as I write, I set about looking into the possibilities of taking a Golf in the Sun group to Mauritius, with a plethora of questions in my head to be answered.  When is a good time to visit Mauritius and what part of the island is the best place to be?  Outside of Ile aux Cerfs, is the golf good in Mauritius, is it expensive, is there plenty for non golfers to do, do regular flights make it accessible, what about jet lag, the list goes on and on…….

So, first things first.  Is there a good quality hotel close to Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course?

Yes, absolutely.  We have found a beautiful 5* hotel just a stone’s throw from our No 1 golf course dream, and as a bonus, there is a second championship golf course on site, the breathtakingly beautiful Anahita Golf, designed by Ernie Els.

The Bay Club Hotel is a special 5* retreat that includes an exclusive beach on Ile aux Cerfs, fine gastronomy, plus much more…..

But of course, being true to our desires to make any Golf in the Sun trip extra special, we have looked to embellish this particular trip with a stay at another 5* golfing resort, on the south of the island, called Le Telfair, which also has two championship golf courses on site.

For good measure, if you decide to join us on this wonderful adventure, you will play four of the best five golf courses in Mauritius!

So when are we planning this trip?

This will be in October 2027 when daytime temperatures average around 25 to 27 degrees C, the heavy trade winds from the cooler winter months have settled, and golf courses are lush, green and running firm.

What part of the island is the best place to be?

The south coast features dramatic scenery and is far less crowded than the rest of the island, offering a slow paced village like feel, while the east coast is best for iconic island views, oceanside fairways, and high-end resort prestige. Imagine waking up to a sunrise over the turquoise Anahita lagoon with a glass of something bubbly to hand.

Is Mauritius expensive?

Not necessarily, but our price includes half board accommodation so most of our cost of F&B will be taken care of.

Is there plenty for non golfers to do?

Yes, absolutely, check out below for the full activity schedule, quite apart from the chill and relaxation offered at such a chic location.

How about regular flights from the rest of the world?

Mauritius is surprisingly well connected, especially considering it is an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean.  There are direct flights from Paris and London, and for the Spanish contingent Malaga to Mauritius, via Madrid, Paris or Istanbul is probably the best option.   The transfer to and from the airport from either resort is less than an hour.

How will jet lag affect us?

Another benefit is that Mauritius is just 2 hours ahead of Malaga, so very little jet lag.

Itinerary

Day 1 –  Arrival and welcome evening dinner at Le Telfair Resort

Day 2 – Golf – Le Chateau

Day 3 – Grand Bassin (full group): the sacred Hindu lake of Grand Bassin, the Black River Gorges viewpoint, and a stop at the Bois Chéri tea estate.

Day 4 – Golf – Le Reserva Links

Non Golfers – Day at rest

Day 5 – Golf Le Chateau

Non Golfers – Swimming with dolphins: a half-day trip from Le Telfair.

Day 6 – Check out of Le Telfair and travel to the Bay Club (approx 2 hour transfer).  Check in to the Bay Club.

Day 7 – Golf Anahita Ile aux Cerfs Island Experience – golfers play the course, while non golfers enjoy a private full-day 5 Islands tour to Île aux Cerfs, with lunch. 

Day 8 – Port Louis and Curepipe (full group): the Central Market, Caudan Waterfront, the Champ de Mars racecourse, and the Trou aux Cerfs crater in Curepipe with its views over the island.

Day 9 – Golf Ile aux Cerfs (the Golf in the Sun Ile aux Cerfs Championship)

Non Golfers – Ile aux Cerfs Island Experience – golfers play the course, while non golfers enjoy the north of the island for swimming, lunch etc.  Save the best to last!!

Day 10 – Golf Ile aux Cerfs (the Golf in the Sun Ile aux Cerfs Championship)

Non Golfers – Day at rest

Day 11 – Check out and prepare for International Flights home

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