Mauritian - Golf Mauritius

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF bEACHCOmbER HOTElS 

Ambition 

MAuritius ■ trAVEL 

Mauritian 

One of the world’s hottest travel spots has golf on its mind. BY TONY WEBECK. 

Paradis Golf Club wraps 

around the spectacular 

Le Morne Peninsula. 

AUGUST 2007 Australian Golf Digest 115

trAVEL ■ MAuritius 

Le Touessrok Golf 

Course is all that 

occupies the Ile 

aux Cerfs island. 

‘With azure blue waters lapping at white 

sand beaches and the backdrop of an 

ancient volcanic mountain, I don’t know 

of any golf sites that compare.’ 

Hands up those of you who fancy taking a 

golf trip to Mauritius? 

If my rudimentary research is anywhere near accurate, 

98 per cent of you are currently reading this magazine onehanded 

and drawing quizzical looks from newsagents or 

your partners at home. 

For the other 2 per cent: You haven’t seen what I’ve seen. 

Synonymous with pure, white-sand beaches and an ability 

to attract the holidaying rich and fabulous, Mauritius has 

long been renowned as one of the premier travel destinations 

anywhere in the world, and a regular on all honeymoon 

wishlists. 

While this trend shows no sign of abating, it is the golf 

tourism market that resort developers and the government 

have identified to fill an economic void left by the European 

Union’s discontinuation of import subsidies for Mauritius’ 

most lucrative export, sugar. 

But more on that later: We’ve got a holiday to plan. 

116 Australian Golf Digest AUGUST 2007 

– BERNHARD LANGER 

Lifestyle of the rich and famous 

Mauritius, to me, has always seemed like a dream. One of 

those exotic destinations in the world where movies and music 

videos are filmed; where the beautiful people of the world go to 

escape the rest of us (no offence) and that, even if I did take the 

plunge and booked my flights, I’d be crestfallen when turned 

away at Mauritian customs for not having enough money in 

the bank. 

The reality, however, is far different and a Mauritian holiday 

should thus be a dream that every Australian with such an 

aspiration should make a reality. 

Located in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometres 

from the east coast of Africa, the major stumbling block to a 

holiday in Mauritius is the flight. It’s not long by any means 

(only six hours from Perth when you take into account the 

time difference), but for the distance covered the flight is 

somewhat expensive. But it’s worth asking yourself, if you’re 

going to spend close to $2,000 (including $300 in taxes) on 

COURTESY OF lE TOUESSROk GOlF COURSE


an international flight, why not be on a plane that lands in 

Mauritius? After all, a flight to Great Britain normally lands in 

London, and I know where I’d rather end up. 

Once you have arrived in 

Mauritius, the incidentals that 

can sometimes completely blow 

out that holiday budget are 

very reasonably priced. Someone 

reliably informed me that a beer 

delivered to you while lazing by 

the resort pool at Le Victoria 

Hotel and charged directly to your 

room only sets you back about $5. 

Unfortunately, I was working too 

hard to be able to verify this. 

Beyond the stunning golf 

courses, there is much to explore 

in Mauritius, and of course you 

have the option of doing absolutely 

nothing, laying by the hotel pool or 

taking the dozen or so steps to the 

pristine coastline, where hotel staff 

will gladly wander by and inquire 

as to whether you need a thirstquencher 

or a bite to eat. (Again, 

working too hard, someone told 

me that happens.) 

But, like any destination, the 

memories are indelibly linked to the people who live there, and 

while the African mainland is littered with war-torn, povertyravaged 

nations, Mauritius shines as a beacon to the rest of 


‘It is the mix of 

races and religions 

that harmoniously 

co-exist that gives 

Mauritius its 

unique identity.’ 

the world that peace and harmony need not be confined to the 

realms of fairytales. It is the mix of races and religions that 

harmoniously co-exist that gives Mauritius its unique identity. 

Hindi, Christians, Creole, Franco- 

Mauritians, Muslims and Chinese 

live and work together, and on the 

occasions of religious celebrations, 

each denomination shares in the 

festivities of the other. 

Such is the willingness to share 

each other’s ideas and opinions in 

Mauritius, Stephen R. Covey used 

this island nation as an example 

to the rest of the world in his 

best-selling book, The 7 Habits of 

Highly Effective People. 

“People who are truly effective 

have the humility and reverence 

to recognise their own perceptual 

limitations and appreciate the 

rich resources available through 

interaction with the hearts and 

minds of other human beings. 

That person values the differences 

because those differences add to his 

knowledge, to his understanding of 

reality,” Covey says. In illustrating 

this principle, Covey could find no 

better example than the Mauritian people. 

Although English is the official language of Mauritius, the 

French occupation between 1715-1810 left a lasting impression 

Sugar has been 

the lifeblood of the 

Mauritian economy, 

however European 

Union subsidies are 

being phased out. 

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AiR mAURiTiUS 

golf in paradise 

paradis hotel & golf club is the golfer's 

ultimate destination in Mauritius. 

Apart from its own 18 hole golf course, often described as the most spectacular on the island, 

guests at Paradis have access to some fantastic golfi ng facilities. These include: 

• Paradis Golf Academy • State of the art computerised swing analysis equipment 

• 3 resident golf professionals • Driving Range, Practice putting and chipping greens 

• Free group lessons for beginners • Private golf instruction 

Paradis guests also receive reduced rates and preferential tee times at the neighbouring 

courses of Golf Du Chateau and Tamarina Golf Estate. 

In addition, Paradis is the only resort on the island to off er a special Golfers Package which 

includes 5 days of green fees (unlimited play), motorised golf cart and bottle of water for every 

round, unlimited use of practice facilities and practice balls, Golfers gift pack consisting of 

“logo” polo shirt, sleeve of balls and tee bag, and a Golfer’s Massage at the Spa by Clarins. 

What do you do on your days off ? Well, there’s deep-sea fi shing, diving, free water sports 

including free water skiing, windsurfers, sailing boats, glass bottom boat trips, kayaks, pedal 

boats and much more. On land you can play tennis (free) or join in one of the team sports, visit 

the gymnasium, try a spinning class, have a sauna, visit the spa. 

And in the evenings, after a stunning sunset, have a drink at one of the three bars, then dine 

at one of our 7 world class restaurants (4 at Paradis and 3 at neighbouring Dinarobin). 

Finally, enjoy the evening entertainment and fi nish up with a dance to our resident band. 

Paradis – much more than just a golf holiday! 

Tel 1800 624 268 

www.beachcomber.com.au 

Holiday Marketing Pty Ltd trading as Beachcomber Tours ABN 84 066 954 381 • LIC TAG1291


on the local dialect. Those with a penchant for the language of 

love will relish the opportunity to brush up on their French in a 

more relaxed environment. Trust me, trying to pull off “A ham 

and cheese baguette and a glass of orange juice, silvous plait” 

on the Champs-Elysees is a much more intimidating experience 

than exchanging “bonjours” and “mercis” in Mauritius. 

Such a sharing of ideas also translates to the culinary 

delicacies Mauritius has to offer and the infusion of French, 

Indian and African cooking produces taste sensations that will 

form a great part of your holiday memories and may require a 

new belt from one of the local markets prior to your departure. 

The range of seafood and the expertise of the resident chefs 

makes it hard to go past anything on the menu that has come 

from the surrounding Indian Ocean, and while the Le Morne 

venison found on the south-west corner of the island offers 

a local red meat alternative, on more than one occasion we 

found the prime Australian Angus beef prominent on the 

restaurant menus. 

Water left, right & in front 

While the majority of Mauritian visitors aren’t there for the 

golf, we are here to play, and the discerning golf traveller simply 

must cross off this idyllic wonderland from their “must play” 

list before heading off to play the 18 upstairs. 

The range and quality of Mauritian golf courses is nothing 

short of stunning, with course designers to have visited the 

island each doing a wonderful job of delivering a unique golf 

experience that manages to complement the other layouts 

found across the island. 

Until recently, golfers heading to Mauritius have had 

their rounds largely dictated by the part of the 1,865-square 

LIke all of Mauritius’ golf 

courses, the Paradis 

takes full advantage of 

its wonderful setting. 


kilometre island where their choice of accommodation has 

been located. 

On the north-eastern coastline, the two courses found at 

the Constance Belle Mare Plage often deemed it the ideal base 

from which to imbibe all that the island has to offer while 

also being able to indulge in their passion for golf on two very 

different, yet equally challenging, golf courses. 

Host to the annual Mauritius Open (won by our very own 

Rodger Davis in 1998), the Legend course was first opened 

in 1994 and joined by the Links course in 2002, the pair now 

co-hosting the national championship. 

With almost as much blue shaded areas as green on the 

course map, the drive to the first tee at the Belle Mare Plage 

Legend course is a somewhat nervous one, as you try to 

convince yourself that the eight balls in the bottom of your bag 

should be enough. 

The reality is less daunting, however, as the landing areas 

are relatively generous, save for the par-5 14th, which looks so 

tight from the tee you wonder whether the golf cart will fit. 

That’s not to say that the constant fear of a carve or snap 

hook is not omnipresent, as many golfers need just the 

suggestion of a water hazard to tighten up. 

It is a strong finish to the Legend course with the stunning 

152-metre par-3 17th placed precariously on the edge of 

a river inlet while the par-5 18th offers the opportunity to 

finish the round with a birdie. However, you need to be brave 

off the tee and flirt with the large lake to the right to set up a 

straightforward second before a wedge into the large green. 

Although created with the design influence of famed English 

player/commentator Peter Alliss, the Belle Mare Plage Links 

course is poorly named, as it does not resemble a links course 

COURTESY OF bEACHCOmbER HOTElS 

VISIT OUR WEBSITE 

www.tourism-mauritius.mu 

Mauritius will enchant you, 

... will uplift your soul, 

... making you feel that you belong to the chosen few. 

... Every visitor enjoys personal attention. 

... Every encounter is an opportunity to discover a friendly face. 

... Behind each smile lies the promise of a unique holiday. 

... The contrast of a multitude of colours and tastes, the island, 

set in its turquoise sea, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. 

Mauritius... a melting pot where past and present 

are smoothly blended together, 

... off ers an essential beauty that.... 

will compel to return to its shores time and time again. 

Le Touessrok is one of the world’s truly great resorts – the essence of cool, modern 

elegance, imbued by the cultural warmth of tropical Mauritius. It is set upon a beautiful 

stretch of white sand coastline overlooking the tranquil Trou d’Eau Douce bay. 

Le Touessrok is now managed by a group of people who treasure the richness of pleasure, romance and discovery that has made this resort so exquisitely 

desirable. Le Touessrok an even greater sense of style and perfection – more contemporary, more chic and more vibrant than it has ever been. 

Th ere can be few more magical courses in the world than Le Touessrok Golf Course on Ile aux Cerfs, a small island just off the east coast of Mauritius. 

Th e fi ve-minute boat trip, through a Crystal-clear coral lagoon, simply adds to that special feeling. 

Le Touessrok Golf Course was opened on 1 November 2003 and now seems to have been there forever. Th e course is one of the longest in Mauritius, 

7,056-yard course is a magnifi cent 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course, designed by Bernhard Langer, captain of the winning European Ryder 

Cup team in 2004. Th e course is designed to appeal to all levels, from advanced players to recreational golfers, with four sets of tees on each hole. 

Th e Golf Club provides its own Golf Academy, off ering practice facilities and computer aided analysis. 

No wonder, then, that the UK magazine Golf World included Le Touessrok’s golf course in its “Top 10 golf courses in the world” in November 2005 

and that Germany’s Golf Journal placed it in its “Top 20 golf courses in the world”. 

For more information please contact : info@letouessrok.mu


at all. Instead, piles of volcanic rock, dense bushland and water 

carries are the dominant landscape features that you will find 

little evidence of in Scotland and Ireland. 

Where it does call on the imagination needed to conquer 

some of Britain’s best links layouts is around the greens. 

Generous off the tee (particularly on the front nine), the raised 

greens penalise any approach 

shots that are short or wide 

of the target, often rolling 

some 30-40 feet down the 

slope to challenge all aspects 

of your short game. The 

back nine features much 

more water and the stretch 

from 11-14 provides a stern 

examination of your inner 

fortitude and shot selection. 

Volcanic rock is littered 

throughout the golf course 

and provides the layout with 

much of its character. Indeed, 

it seems a shame more thought wasn’t put in to incorporating 

this unique aspect into the course’s actual name. The boys in 

the pro shop told us that wayward shots often bounce off the 

rock back into the fairway, however during our round they 

only seemed to ricochet further into the jungle. 

Since 2003, Belle Mare Plage has been joined by Le 

Touessrok Golf Course, 20 minutes to the south and offering 

what must rate as one of the most spectacular golf experiences 

to be found anywhere in the world. 

To somehow set the scene, a game at Le Touessrok involves 

catching an intimate ferry to an island off the mainland. After 

Measuring 178 metres, 

the 13th at Golf du 

Château is a nice test 

of your long irons. 


‘When Australian cricket 

captain Ricky Ponting 

wed his wife-to-be 

Rhianna back in 2002, 

the newlyweds headed 

straight for the Paradis 

Hotel and Golf Club.’ 

the 10-minute journey, one of the staff from the pro shop will 

meet you at the jetty, put your clubs in the back of a golf cart 

and drive you to your tee-time. If there’s a better way to start a 

round of golf, I haven’t found it yet. 

One of only a small number of courses to have the design 

signature of German legend Bernhard Langer, the Le Touessrok 

golf course occupies its 

own island, Ile aux Cerfs, 

and as such offers some of 

the most stunning golf holes 

you will ever have the pleasure 

to play. The par-5 11th 

gets so close to the coastline 

that the local kids momentarily 

lost track of their 

football while playing beach 

soccer and it finished in the 

middle of our fairway. 

As Langer himself says, 

with the “azure blue waters 

lapping at white sand 

beaches and the backdrop of an ancient volcanic mountain, 

I don’t know of any golf sites that compare. A truly unique 

golfing experience with 18 holes of ocean views,” he added. 

The man responsible for maintaining this gift to golfers is an 

Aussie, Phillip Knight. Formerly the course superintendent at The 

Lakes in Sydney and Canberra’s Federal Golf Club, Knight oversaw 

construction and the early years at Sheshan International in 

China before the exotic allure of Mauritius proved irresistible. 

Langer will soon have competition as an international golf 

professional with a course design credit in the very near vicinity 

with an Ernie Els course at Anahita anticipated to open by the 

PETER CURTin 

Golf Mauritius 

Package Tours 

Airfares, taxes, transfers, 6 nights accommodation, 

meals as specifi ed & selected watersports. 

Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort (BD) from $3,893 

Belle Mare Plage The Resort (B) from $3,151 

Paradis Hotel & Golf Club (BD) from $4,396 

Le Touessrok (B) from $4,746 

Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa (BD) from $5,361 

(BD) Breakfast & Dinner included (B) Breakfast only 

LIC TAG1291 

Mauritius & Africa 

Golf & Game 

Sun City, Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Victoria Falls, 

Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania - all of these destinations are easily 

accessible from Mauritius and, apart from great safaris and sightseeing, 

off er some of the world’s best golf courses. We can tailor make a Golf 

and Game package that includes Mauritius and Africa combinations. 

In addition we specialise in taking small groups to these destinations 

- great for you and your golfi ng mates or families. 

Give us a call on 1800 624 268 to organise 

your Golf & Game safari today. 


Holiday Marketing Pty Ltd trading as Beachcomber Tours ABN 84 066 954 381 • LIC TAG1291 

Combination Tours 

Airfares, taxes, transfers, accommodation, meals as specifi ed & 

selected watersports. 

6 nts Belle Mare Plage (B) & 7 nts Paradis (BD) from $6,257 

6 nts Le Touessrok (B) & 7 nts Dinarobin (BD) from $8,748 

3 nts Belle Mare Plage (B), 4 nts Telfair (BD) & 6 nts Paradis (BD) from $6,418 

Packages based on travel between 01-31 May 2008 

for bookings and information on other dates call 

1800 624 268 • www.golfmauritius.com.au


Fact File 

GettinG there 

Air Mauritius offers the most direct 

routes from Australia to Mauritius, 

with a weekly departure from Sydney 

via Melbourne and a twice-weekly 

departure from Perth. Airbus A340 

aircraft with First class, Club Mauritius 

and Economy class are used. 

Entertainment on board the Airbus 

features individual LCD screens for 

movies in all classes. Air Mauritius has 

many excellent connecting flights to 

numerous points in Europe and Africa, 


as well as the islands of the Seychelles, 

Reunion and Rodrigues. For more 

information visit airmauritius.com or 

call 1300 658 572. 

GettinG A room 

Beachcomber Hotels operates eight 

sumptuous resorts throughout Mauritius. 

For a full listing of the resorts and their 

facilities, visit beachcomber.com.au or 

call 1800 624 268. 

The Constance Belle Mare Plage 

is on Mauritius’ north-east coast. For 

full details of the Belle Mare Plage 

and other Constance properties visit 

constancehotels.com. 

GettinG Around 

MTTB Mautourco can look after all of 

your transfers and also co-ordinate a 

large number of activities throughout the 

island. For more information on their list 

of services visit mautourco.com 

Le touessrok GoLf Course ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ 

Par 72, 6,452m. Green fee: Free for 

guests of Le Touessrok resort 

Ile aux Cerfs, Trou d’Eau Douce 

Web: letouessrokresort.com 

ConstAnCe BeLLe mAre PLAGe 

Legend Course ★ ★ ★ ½ 

Par 72, 6,018m. 

Green fee: Free for guests of the Belle 

Mare Plage and Le Prince Maurice 

Links Course ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Par 71, 5,942m. Green fee: Free for 

guests of the Belle Mare Plage and Le 

Prince Maurice, non-guests pay €90 

Poste de Flacq 

Web: bellemareplagehotel.com 

PArAdis hoteL & GoLf CLuB ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Par 72, 5,899m. 

Green fee: $A120 approx./$18 for 

Beachcomber Hotel guests 

Le Morne Peninsula 

Web: paradis-hotel.com 

tAmArinA GoLf estAte & BC ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Par 72, 6,886m. Green fee: $A110-150 

Tamarin Bay 

Web: tamarinagolf.mu 

GoLf du ChÂteAu ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Par 72, 6,498m. 

Green fee: $A72-120 approx. 

Domaine de Bel Ombre 

Web: domainedebelombre.mu 

mAuritius GymkhAnA CLuB ★ ★ 

Par 68, 4,873m. 

Daily memberships: $A56 approx. 

Suffolk Rd, Vacoas 

E-mail: mgyclub@intnet.mu 

“King Kong” provides 

the backdrop for a 

number of holes at 

Tamarina Golf Estate. 

TOnY wEbECk 

Holiday arrangements you can rely on. 

Just lie back on the sand and relax! 

Experience Mauritius our Way 

Tél (230) 670 4301 - Fax (230) 674 3720 

Email : mtco@mttb-mautourco.com


end of the year. According to the Big Easy, the par-72 course at 

Anahita “will move in and out of the trees, along the water, and 

back, giving players great variety. I tell you something, when it’s 

finished it will be awesome. Several of the holes play down by 

the ocean and the views are spectacular. It’s going to be a special 

place,” Els said via his website. 

Where mountains 

meet the sea 

If you were heading to the 

south-west corner of Mauritius 

to holiday on the Le Morne 

Peninsula, the Paradis Golf 

Club was the only 18-hole 

alternative until 2005, when 

Golf du Château opened 

to the public. And just last 

November, the Rodney Wrightdesigned 

Tamarina Golf Estate 

and Beach Club completed a 

wonderful triumvirate. 

Rather than feeling 

threatened by the emergence 

of two new golf courses in 

the nearby, Paradis’ director 

of golf, Mario Desvaux de 

Marigny, was quick to identify 

the positive opportunities the 

new arrivals offered. (Perhaps 

it was his Aussie education at 

Sydney’s Drummoyne Boys 

High and Newcastle University 

that made him so clever.) 

The three courses have formulated 

a pricing structure 

that rewards guests staying at 

one of the corresponding hotels. 

For instance, if you are 

staying at either the Paradis 

or neighbouring Dinarobin 

resort, you receive more than 

40 per cent off the normal green 

fee rate at both Golf du Chateau 

and Tamarina. On an average 

exchange rate of $A1 to 25 

Mauritian rupees, that second 

round of golf is now only costing you $72, and I promise you, 

$4 per hole at both courses is unbelievable value for money. 

When Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting wed wifeto-be 

Rhianna in 2002, the newlyweds headed straight for the 

Paradis Hotel and Golf Club. Despite only being in his first few 

days as a husband, ‘Punter’ was allowed to indulge his passion 

for golf with a round at Paradis. I sincerely hope Mrs Ponting 

went along for the ride because as it wraps around the Le 


‘Like the ethnic 

melting pot of 

its people, it is 

the diversity of 

Mauritius’ golf 

courses that makes 

it such a rewarding 

experience.’ 

Morne Peninsula and sits below the imposing Morne Mountain 

like an obedient pre-schooler at storytime, Paradis is without 

doubt one of the world’s most geographically blessed layouts. 

Due to its exposed nature to various weather patterns, the 

wind direction at Paradis is largely dictated by how it hits the 

Morne Mountain and in which 

direction it wraps around. 

As such, the par-3 sixth looks 

like an innocent one-shotter 

from the tee, but based directly 

The par-3 14th 

completes a tough 

stretch on the Belle Mare 

Plage Links course. 

beneath the mountain means 

the wind direction can literally 

change in a matter of moments, 

placing a premium on club 

selection and ball flight. 

After a gentle start, Paradis 

starts to show some teeth as 

you near the turn, however, it is 

the stretch of holes 12-17 that 

really captures the imagination. 

They wrap right around the 

peninsula and must surely rate 

as one of the world’s most 

beautiful five-hole stretches 

of golf. At 430m, the 16th is 

a relatively short par 5 but is 

played along the left of the 

water’s edge and your approach 

into the green is played directly 

towards the peninsula. The 

view is so breathtaking, as I 

checked my alignment I literally 

stopped and took a moment to 

take it all in. 

Located 20 minutes north 

at Tamarin Bay lies Tamarina 

Golf Estate and Beach Club, 

the first project constructed 

under the Integrated Resort 

Scheme, a project that is set 

to deliver as many as five new 

golf courses to Mauritius in the 

next decade. 

The IRS scheme was 

established as a means of 

addressing two critical issues 

to the future prosperity of the Mauritian economy. Since 

a trade protocol on sugar was established by the European 

Union in 1975, Mauritius’ sugar exports have been a primary 

source of income for this small island. According to Nasseem 

Ackbarally from the Inter Press Service in Johannesburg, 

“this preferential access to the EU market has translated into 

Mauritius receiving an additional 4 billion Euros over and 

above the world market price for sugar between 1975 and 

peter curtin 

Any Resort Golf Course needs to provide a 

challenge for the better player, yet provide 

a playable and enjoyable experience for the 

recreational golfer. Le Golf du Château has the 

right balance and variation in length of holes, 

width of fairways, green sizes and ultimately the 

risk and reward element that is crucial on any 

Championship layout. I hope that you will all 

enjoy the experience, accept the challenges and 

reap all the rewards of a golf course, designed 

with passion, love and attention to detail. 

Peter Matkovich 

Golf Course Designer 

Golf du Château 

Coastal Road, 

Bel Ombre, Mauritius 

Tel: (+230) 623 56000 

e-mail golf@domainebelombre.mu 

www.domainebelombre.mu 

Situated on the west coast of the island, Tamarina Golf Estate and Beach Club, is the fi rst stand alone Golf 

Estate on the magical island of Mauritius. 

Designed by the international golf architectural company, Wright Golf Design and headed by Rodney 

Wright himself, this new 18 hole championship golf course is unmatched by its layout, location and beauty. 

Etched out of land that was previously a deer hunterʼs paradise, Tamarina Golf Club is surrounded by 

beautiful mountains and a crisp blue ocean. A game here will challenge and enchant you. 

A rare gem of a course on a gem of an island. 

Tamarina Golf Estate 

Tamarin Bay, Mauritius 

Tel: (+230) 401 3000 

www.tamarinagolf.mu


Mauritius remains one 

of the world’s most 

idyllic locales. 

2005”. Unfortunately for 

Mauritius’ sugar producers, 

the EU has decided to 

phase out such preferential 

treatment, with the price for 

sugar to be cut by 5 per cent 

this year, 17 per cent next 

year and a further 11 per cent 

in 2009. 

It is estimated that due to 

this EU decision, seven of 

the 11 existing sugar cane 

factories will close. Facing 

a massive dearth of future 

income, the government 

opened the way for greater 

foreign investment via IRS schemes, which dictate that 

developers may create a resort-type environment where a golf 

course/hotel component is included and for the first time ever 

enables foreigners to buy property in Mauritius and apply for 

residents’ permits. 

The Medine Sugar Corporation was the first to take the 

IRS plunge and it has reaped immediate dividends, with every 

single allotment at Tamarina selling out at a minimum of 

$US500,000 per allotment. 

Our sensational taxi driver, Yves, suggested that the likes 

of French football star Zinedine Zidane and former French 

president Jacques Chirac are two of Mauritius’ newest home 

owners and the success of Tamarina looks set to pave the way 

for even greater golf course development. 

“Previously, Mauritius has been primarily a beach destination, 

but now it has the potential to become a major golfing 

destination, with four or five world class golfing resorts in the 

pipeline,” said Louis van Niekerk, who heads up Pam Golding 

Property’s International Division, the company appointed 

to (successfully) market Tamarina to potential international 


‘Previously, Mauritius 

has been primarily a 

beach destination, but 

now it has the potential 

to become a major 

golfing destination.’ 

– LouIs vAN NIEkERk 

investors. “The existing golf courses are already 

over-subscribed and there is a natural demand 

for golfing opportunities there.” 

Providing an equally spectacular alternative 

to the coastal courses already in existence, 

designer Rodney Wright chose to focus on 

Mauritius’ mountain views, particularly the 

monolith locals refer to as “King Kong” for its 

resemblance to the famed celluloid gorilla. 

Slightly more African in its ambience, 

Tamarina even allows for a local rule stating 

that, “in the case of a monkey visibly ‘stealing’ 

your ball, a free drop may be taken at the 

nearest point of ‘theft’”. For the record, I didn’t 

see any monkeys but I did lose a couple of balls. 

Golf du Château at Bel Ombre will soon 

join Tamarina as an example of an IRS project 

with 288 villas to be incorporated in the 

Villas Valriche precinct, 

overlooking the Peter 

Matkovich-designed golf 

course that also boasts a 

nine-hole par-3 course in the 

centre of the property. 

One of South Africa’s 

most heralded course 

architect’s, Matkovich has 

managed to mould elements 

of both the coast and the 

mountains into the layout 

that stretches to 6,498m 

from the back tees. In terms 

of an Australian reference 

point, Golf du Chateau 

most resembles the Heritage’s St John course near Melbourne, 

somewhat coincidental as the Mauritian golf course shares 

some common shareholders with the adjacent Telfair and 

Heritage Golf and Spa resorts. 

The sixth is a beautiful downhill par 4 but as head 

professional Garrick Barnard explains, you must “try not to be 

fooled by its beauty. The river runs all the way up the left side 

and cuts in front of the green, so you need to hit your approach 

cleanly to this well-bunkered green,” he added. 

Barnard will try to goad you into going for the green at 

the 305-metre ninth and there isn’t a soft touch to be found 

anywhere on the back nine, particularly the par-5 18th that 

plays 523m from the back tee with water all down the left. 

Having out-driven Barnard at the tough 17th, I was quickly 

put in my place at the closing hole with an impromptu lesson 

in driving the ball long and straight (and keeping it dry). 

Like the ethnic melting pot of its people, it is the diversity 

of Mauritius’ golf courses that make it such a rewarding 

experience and the benchmark for which all future golf trips 

will be measured against. ● 

courtesY of BeachcomBer hotels 

A perfect sanctuary for body and soul 

A luxury resort, stunning suites, an exotic Spa, sumptuous restaurants, a white sandy 

beach, and, most importantly, your golf cart delivered to your suite half an hour before tee-off ! 

Dinarobin is considered one of the most luxurious resorts in the Indian Ocean and it boasts a 

service that matches its outstanding facilities. And the service isn’t limited just to golf. 

Whether you are at the Spa, having a quiet drink, dining, or just relaxing on the beach, you will 

fi nd the hotel’s personnel both attentive and discreet. 

Dinarobin off ers unique touches of luxury: aromatic baths, degustation menus, lobster on the 

beach and a Private Club, a place to catch up on both relaxation and business – if necessary! 

Golfers at Dinarobin have direct access to the Paradis Hotel & Golf Club, its restaurants, facilities 

and special Golfers Package. And when a change of scenery is required play a round at the 

nearby 18-hole courses Tamarina Golf Estate and Golf du Chateau and receive reduced rates and 

privileged tee times. 

Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa – THE luxury golf resort 

- where your Golf Cart is delivered to your door. 

Tel 1800 624 268 


Holiday Marketing Pty Ltd trading as Beachcomber Tours ABN 84 066 954 381 • LIC TAG1291 

Mauritius

paradis, mauritius. 

where golf is 

so much more 

than a game. 

three 18-hole golf courses, including the 

spectacular par 72 paradis championship 

course set between a turquoise lagoon and 

thestunninglemornemountains.thegreensrun 

along the spectacular seashore, with water 

hazards set amidst lush tropical landscaping. 

tee off just a few steps from your suite. 

play golf in a unique setting and pursue your 

passion from tropical sunrise to sunset... 

www.paradis-hotel.com 

dream is a serious thing 

i n f o r m a t i o n : t e l 1 8 0 0 6 2 4 2 6 8 • f a x 0 7 3 3 5 3 6 2 1 4 • e m a i l : i n f o @ b e a c h c o m b e r . c o m . a u 

r e s e r v a t i o n s a t y o u r l i c e n s e d t r a v e l a g e n t 

holiday marketing pty ltd trading as beachcomber tours abn 84 066 954 381 • lic tag1291 

consulting avenue

Mauritian - Golf Mauritius

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