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For centuries Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean 2000 kilometres off the south-east coast of Africa, was seen as an ideal port for resupplying the ships of the early seafaring nations and Arabs, Dutch, English and French,

among others, walked its shores.

Today Mauritius is a growing, modern and independent country. It boasts a population and diverse culture drawn from the descendants of those early voyagers, idyllic scenery, luxury hotels and resorts and, sitting just above the Tropic of Capricorn, a sub-tropical climate which makes it an alluring year-round holiday destination. In fact, it is still its position, which was once of such strategic importance to the early explorers, which makes Mauritius so attractive.

It is located where the East can meet Africa and where the West can embrace its all-encompassing charm, and it is no surprise that visitors flock there in their hundreds of thousands.

An 11 hour direct flight from Melbourne, the island features a vast central mountain plateau, subtropical forests, streams and waterfalls, all embraced within 177 kilometres of white sandy beaches. And, if golf is your game, it is alongside that magnificent coastline that you will find most of the island’s golf courses.

Golf Victoria takes a look at some favourites.

16 Golf Victoria

Golf Victoria 17

Renowned as one of the most romantic destinations in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius invokes images of an idyllic paradise,

cobalt blue seas, limitless activities and a vibrant island life. Now, the island’s national airline, Air Mauritius, is on a mission to tell the world more about the fabulous golf courses

that pearl the shores of its palm-fringed beaches.

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Blending elegance and recreation, Anahita

The Resort, managed by worldwide

leaders in hotel and resort management,

Four Seasons, is refreshing and modern.

Located on the east coast of the island,

it is set in a spectacular landscape of

213 hectares of lush vegetation, and is

surrounded by a vast, crystal-clear lagoon

and one of the newest golf courses

in Mauritius. A masterpiece designed

by Ernie Els, arguably one of the most

successful and popular golfers in the

history of the game.

The resort itself has 70, one to three

bedroom luxury suites offering the ultimate

in privacy, with either breathtaking views

of the turquoise lagoon or views of the

lush fairways set against a stunning

mountain backdrop. All are just a short

stroll away from the beach, resort

amenities and a lively waterfront village.

Measuring 6,828 metres, Els’ 18-hole

championship course benefits in as many

ways as possible from its beautiful, natural

setting; there are spectacular rocky outcrops,

majestic native trees and jaw-dropping views

of the mountains and Indian Ocean.

As you would expect, the course is in

magnificent condition and generous

fairways, each with five tee positions,

give everyone the opportunity to enjoy

a satisfying round of golf, particularly if

they can find some form with their putter

on fast and undulating greens.

The par-five fourth, par-three fifth, plus

16 and 17 alongside the Indian Ocean,

are beautiful, and the 18th is one of the

most impressive holes in the world.

In addition there is a 300 metre grass

practice range and the Four Seasons Golf

Academy offers a complete approach

to game improvement, using the latest

computer and video technologies.

Adjacent to the 18th hole, the Golf

Clubhouse has a grill and bar with both

indoor and outdoor seating that offer

panoramic views, the perfect setting to

relax after a satisfying game.

Go to: www.anahita.mu

Anahita The Resort and the Anahita Championship Golf Course

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18 Golf Victoria

Le Touessrok Golf Course on the island of Ile aux CerfsAcross the water, just a short ride by boat, is the offshore paradise of Ile aux Cerfs,

with its spectacular championship golf course designed by Bernard Langer.

The deer have gone from the ‘island of deer’, Ile aux Cerfs, but what has been

created there by Langer is often described as being so beautiful it has to be

played to be believed. Several holes run alongside the white sand beaches and

turquoise-blue waters of the Indian Ocean, and it features an amazing variety of

exotic flora and fauna.

Bernhard Langer designed the 18-hole, par-72 championship course to challenge

advanced players, while remaining exciting and playable for recreational golfers.

This is achieved with four sets of tee decks for each hole, so the angles of attack

and approach vary. There is a generous provision of fairway where appropriate,

strategic bunkering and the greens are, in the main, small and undulating, requiring

precise approach shots.

Black volcanic rock outcrops come into play on several holes and mangrove swamps

feature on many others. In all, water hazards test your accuracy on 13 holes.

Langer says that what he aspired to create with Le Touessrok is a golfing

experience that truly arouses all the senses. “From the amazing natural setting

to the challenges presented by the course, I want it to be a game to remember

for all who play.” And it truly is.

Go to: www.letouessrokresort.com

The Heritage Golf Club in the Domaine de Bel Ombre An international golf course, in the heart of

the unspoiled south of Mauritius attached

to the Heritage Awali Golf and Spa Resort,

the magnificent 18-hole Heritage Golf Club

layout which covers 100 hectares, is the

creation of architect Peter Matkovich, of

Peter Matkovich and Hayes, a renowned

South African architectural practice.

Situated between a crystalline lagoon

and lush green mountains in an

undulating landscape interspersed with

lakes, streams and tropical trees, the

championship par-72 course is both

technically challenging and varied.

Views of the Indian Ocean shimmering

in the sunshine are enjoyed from many

holes, the beautiful lakes test the golfer

on others, and 17 and 18 rise up into the

foothills of the Bel Ombre region. Lakeside

boulders enhance the look of an already

spectacularly beautiful golf course.

Other facilities include a practice putting

and chipping area, driving range, a nine-

hole par-three course and the historic

Château de Bel Ombre clubhouse, a

tastefully restored house dating from the

nineteenth century.

Go to: www.heritage-resort.com

A flight to fancy Air Mauritius flies to some 25 destinations

across the globe via its beautiful and

wonderfully cultured island home, and the

Mauritian experience starts immediately

on board with tropical island on-board

interior designs and the captivating

Mauritian hospitality.

The airline provides the most direct service

to Mauritius and if using Air Mauritius to fly

internationally you could well find yourself

staying in paradise. When flights don’t

connect, a generous, up to two night’s

accommodation, transport and meals is

offered in either direction.

There is a generous baggage allowance

and your golf clubs travel free of charge.

Air Mauritius operates weekly flights from

Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to Mauritius,

with connecting flights from other

Australian cities through Virgin Australia.

Go to: www.mauritius.com.au

Golf Victoria 19

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One of Australia’s leading tour operators African Dreams Holidays has a strong alliance with Air Mauritius in offering services to Mauritius including a complete travel solution for leisure, honeymoon and business travel.

A member of IATA, African Dreams Holidays was established in 1982 and has a reputation for innovative ideas, forward thinking and a hands-on approach to customer service.

African Dreams Holidays is located at 950 Centre Road, South Oakleigh.

www.mauritius.com.au

1800 804 651

Air Mauritius is a full service airline, offering both business and economy class travel and flies to some 25 destinations across the globe via its beautiful island home of Mauritius.

Generous baggage allowances include golf clubs and when flights don’t connect up to two nights’ accommodation, transport and meals is offered in either direction.

Air Mauritius is the quickest and most convenient way to travel to Mauritius with services from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

www.airmauritius.com

1300 332 007