Treasure Island – We Discover One Of Planet Golf’s Finest Holiday Destinations

While Mark Twain is often misquoted as saying “Golf is a good walk spoiled”, what he almost certainly did say was that “you gather the idea that Mauritius was created first, and then heaven; and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.” And he’s right. This is a sumptuously gorgeous island, even without its dozen and more lovely courses. Most of the golf is dotted along the beautiful, jagged coastline, although the oldest club is a few miles inland at Vacoas, the historic Gymkhana Club.

Probably the real star of the show is one of the most photogenic courses in the world, the amazing Ile Aux Cerfs at Le Touessrok. It perfectly fits on a tropical island, and can only be reached by a short, gentle boat ride from the adjacent hotel over the clear waters of a shallow lagoon. Bernhard Langer , who was also responsible for the excellent course recently upgraded and rebranded as Jameson Golf Links at the Portmarnock Resort, designed this fantasy island course just over two decades ago. And while it’s certainly demanding, it’s also exhilarating and spectacular. On many shots there is the need to carry the ball over sea, swamp or lagoon, and it is kept in fine condition with every hole separate, framed by trees, shrubs and water.

On the south coast, the Heritage Club at Domaine de Bel Ombre is home to two superb and very different courses. The Chateau offers fine views in every direction, including over the neighbouring Valriche Nature Reserve where you may catch glimpses of all manner of interesting wildlife. The design takes full advantage of the two rivers that run across the property and there are several lakes which come into play offering plenty of risk and reward.