Golf in Mauritius

Like most other paradise islands, Mauritius is sheltered from mass tourism and offers a range of top-class hotels set on gorgeous tropical beaches. What some people may be surprised to learn is that it is also the perfect place to combine golf with tropical island luxury. Yes, this paradise island is pretty well off when it comes to golf courses, the catalyst having been the creation in 1994 of Belle Mare Plage.

There are now two courses at this plush resort, one having been designed by South African Hugh Biaocchi and the other by Peter Alliss, the BBC's 'Voice of Golf'. Biaocchi's creation is called the 'Legend' and features 18 holes each offering an individual challenge, the course having been carved out of bush-covered volcanic rock in some areas and shaped over low-lying flood plains in others. Accuracy down the indigenous tree and bush-lined fairways is the main challenge, with most holes culminating in large, receptive greens set in breathtaking natural backdrops.

Biaocchi's favourite hole is the 17th, the 160-yard par-3 offering spectacular views across the sparkling waters of the adjoining bay. Belle Mare Plage is the home of the Mauritius Open, an event which has been won by the likes of Rodger Davis, Michael McLean, Philip Golding, Jonathan Lomas and Scotland's Gordon Sherry.

A number of other European Tour players, including Lee Westwood, Andrew Coltart, Barry Lane, Ronan Rafferty, Joachim Haeggman and Thomas Levet, have also played in the event. The second course at Belle Mare Plage, the one designed by Peter Alliss, is called the 'Links' and you soon discover why as it has a real links feel to it with its exposed location and rolling terrain. The back nine, though, has more water and, therefore, requires extremely accurate approach play.

As well as two courses, there are also two clubhouses, so you can take your pick as to where you want to relax at the end of your round. There are two other courses on Mauritius - Beachcomber La Paradis and Le Saint Geran, the latter being a nine-holer which was designed by former Open champion Gary Player. This pretty courses is located very close to the Le Saint Geran Hotel and is laid out in a plantation of four thousand coconut palms.

The course also includes the David Leadbetter Golf Academy and lessons are available from a David Leadbetter-trained professional. Water hazards, some of which are concealed, all contribute in making this course exciting and challenging, even for the best players. Paradis is situated on a secluded private peninsula and was designed by David Dutton to offer unique golfing experiences and enjoyable challenges for all types of golfers. Located at the foot of the majestic Le Morne mountain, the course has been carefully designed and regularly improved so as to conform with the natural terrain.

It crosses almost the entire peninsula with five water hazards and unfolds a completely different landscape from one fairway to another. You just move from the mountain with its lush vegetation to the shimmering sea. The last nine holes have, in fact, been laid out along the coast and offer a breathtaking view over the ocean.