The Best Exotic Golf Destination In The World

Mauritius is the place to be for golfers looking for Southern Hemisphere luxury

If you’re looking for “exotic”, your mindset has already accepted a day of flights each way, probably with a stop-off.   You’re expecting good weather, exciting scenery, welcoming people and international food.  You’re also hoping that the value will be better than mainland Europe.   Mauritius gives you all the plusses you want and is only a 12 hour direct flight from London. And as I write at 10.30 GMT on a snowy December 11 near Henley-on-Thames, it’s 86 Fahrenheit in Mauritius….Read on for the inside track on golf and hotels in Mauritius.

Mauritius was a very important stop-off on the old trading routes and the French, the British, the Dutch and the Portuguese have all claimed the island.   Now, it’s an independent member of the British Commonwealth, having declared independence in 1968.  Driving is on the left and education, health and administration is wee-organised.   Hindus, Christians, Muslims and Bhuddhists live side by side.  It’s a veritable eutopia…And that’s before the Bacchus within me sings of the praises of the superb French-influenced cuisine!

For accommodation, luxury brands such as Four Seasons and Shangri La are present as well as well-established Mauritius-based hotel companies like Constance and Awali.   South Africa (just a four-hour flight away) has invested heavily too.   Mauritians are gentle, generous and intelligent and the service and style they offer is more than just good training, it’s part of their nature.   Land is relatively cheap so hotel bedrooms and living spaces are huge.   Mauritius is definitely classed as a five-star hotel destination.

For golf, there’s not one weak course on the island.   They are either fun and pretty or terrific and beautiful.   My favourites are Anahita, Belle Mare Links and Tamarina.  And the newest course, Avalon, is already very good and could well be the best by as early as 2019.  Close behind is Le Paradis, Bel Ombre and Belle Mare Legends.   And I haven’t forgotten Iles aux Cerfs which is a Ferrari of golf courses but too difficult for ego-boosting holiday golf – nevertheless, make sure you play it at least once but bring plenty of balls!

Price-wise, if you can avoid the Christmas and New Year season, Mauritius is very good value and if you can holiday between late April and late September, it’s nothing less than amazing value.  Take a look at our offers:

And the flights are at their lowest prices too during the summer months when you can expect to pay around £700 return.  The weather is pretty much ideal throughout the year.  November to February is summer time where there are brief but strong showers in the morning and evening with warm sunshine during the day.   Winter time in Mauritius doesn’t exist with their worst day being the equivalent of a decent summer’s day in the UK.   

My advice is to stay clear of the busy “winter sunshine” period and make your money go further by holidaying anytime between April and October with the bargains to be had May to September.  You’ll be amazed at the quality, delighted with the weather, pleased at how quiet the fairways are, and proud of your choice.