The golf course at Le Touessrok Resort is very aptly named, 'One & Only' it is located on it?s own island, called Ile Aux Cerfs, it is a Bernhard Langer design, and a wonderful golfing experience. The names of the holes draw a picture, Lava Rock, Tidal Pool, Plateau Verde, and the finishing hole is called Carry Me Home. There is an abundance of natural hazards, lakes and water courses, mangroves , and it is easy to see why it is ranked in the Worlds Top 100 Courses by Golf World.

La Belle Mare Plage is another example of refined luxury, offering everything the holiday could desire. The golf courses are two of the finest, the Legend Course opened in 1994, and the Mauritius Open was held the very same year. The second course the Links was opened in 2002. The Legend was designed by South Africam Hugh Baiocchi, on a former deer park. There is an abundance of water, in play on virtually every hole on the front nine. There is a little respite on the back, although the signature hole the 17th, is an island green on the other side of a lagoon, reminiscent of Sawgrass. The 18th is a tough par five then it?s off to the 19th, the most welcoming hole of all. The Legends is for the exclusive use of hotel guests, and the use of buggies is mandatory.

The other course, The Links is far more open with rolling fairways and bunkers, it was designed by Peter Allis and Rodney Wright, an American architect based in Singapore. Both courses have excellent practice facilities and professional staff available for tuition.

The Tamarina Golf Estate is on the west side of the island, the course is another Rodney Wright design, it stretches across the Rempart River, with views of the ocean from parts of the course. The landscaping has been done to maintain the feeling of the African savanna, and the mature trees and adjacent mountains give the impression of being in an amphitheatre. The tees and fairways are Bermuda grass, an opportunity to see what the touring pros have to endure when they play in parts of the USA.

On the Southern tip of the island is the Heritage Golf and Spa Resort, another oasis offering a chance of escaping into African tranquillity. The course is called Golf du Chateau, it is situated between the mountains and the sea, and is probably the most beautiful course on the island. Once again there is a welter of lakes and water, with breathtaking scenery, and the chance of seeing game on the adjacent game reserve.

Residents at Heritage have an additional advantage, as well as free golf on Golf du Chateau they have the opportunity to play at two other courses in the south. Le Telfair Golf and Le Paradis. Le Paradis is located on the Le Morne peninsular, it is not long but it is aptly nicknamed 'the green on the ocean'. It meanders along the coast making full use of the natural hazards.

For the holidaying golfer, this is a true golfing Garden of Eden, the only problem will be to drag yourself away at the end of the holiday.

Our reviewer travelled with Chaka Travel, who specialise in golf holidays to Mauritius. They can be contacted on 028 9023 2112 or please visit their website at www.chakatravel.com