Imagine your own private peninsula. What would you want to find there? Elegant accommodation with gorgeous uninterrupted views of mountains and the ocean, miles of fine sandy beaches, exquisite global cuisine, fantastic service and, most importantly, an outstanding golf course? If that is your dream then welcome to the Paradis Hotel & Golf Club.
Traditionally very popular with honeymooners and couples, the island of Mauritius has carved a reputation for itself as something of a top golfing destination. On the southwestern tip of the island, Le Morne peninsula offers a real feast for holiday golfers with two fabulous Beachcomber resorts; Paradis Hotel & Golf Club and Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa – including a fantastic 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course at Paradis Golf Club. It's a track that is suitable for golfers of all skill levels.
In total there are three excellent golf courses available to residents of the two hotels, thanks to a partnership between the resort, Golf du Château and Tamarina Golf Estate & Beach Club.
Paradis' own course was designed by David Dutton. Measuring 6,451 yards from the back tees, with the 1st tee just 20m from the hotel reception, this layout is a favourite of world class players including Roger Chapman, Miguel Angel Martin and Tony Johnstone.
The Paradis course winds its way around the peninsula taking in some outstanding views of Le Morne Mountain and the sparkling Indian Ocean along the way. There are nine holes sprinkled along the coastline and five water hazards to enjoy and avoid. The closing stretch of holes will leave you utterly speechless and ensure that there is no chance of forgetting your round at Paradis Golf Club.
The 16th is a tricky dogleg that swings left-to-right, hugging the beach tightly. Your drive must be accurate to give you the option of laying up or trying to carry the water hazard that meanders across the fairway no more than 100 yards from the green. When it comes to putting you'll be gazing at the spectacular Le Morne Mountain. Having successfully fended off that hole, the 17th is every bit as challenging as it lies tight against the beachfront. It is a par 3 measuring a mere 159 yards, while the 18th is another dogleg over water that turns back towards the large and welcoming clubhouse.
The second longest hole at 514 yards is the par-5 7th, and you'll find the tee-box for this testing early adventure right at the foot of Le Morne Mountain.
A new Paradis Golf Academy has opened that offers bespoke development programmes for every level from beginner to championship standard. The academy boasts the very latest technology, including computer and video analysis to check out and improve your swing. It has also taken delivery of brand new golf buggies fitted with GPS systems.
With stunning views all around, it would be easy, but potentially scorecard wrecking, to get too preoccupied by the scenery.
Paradis Hotel & Golf Club and Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa guests can now put their golfing skills to the test at two other challenging courses. Privileged tee-times and special reduced green fees can be arranged at Golf du Château in Bel Ombre and at the Tamarina Golf Estate & Beach Club, both just 25 minutes' drive away.
However, golf is far from the only thing on offer; guests can enjoy a wide range of watersports, including deep sea fishing, water skiing and scuba diving. Tennis courts and mountain bikes are available if you prefer to stay on dry land. And there are two world-class Clarins Spas for those who just want to unwind or even try an after-golf relaxing aromatherapy back or leg massage.
Speaking of relaxing, just a short walk along the beach is the Paradis' sister hotel, Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa. It has a more laid-back, tranquil atmosphere with the all-suite accommodation spread throughout magnificent tropical gardens. The Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa has recently opened an Ayurvedic centre, offering tranquil Asian-themed treatments, inspired by an Ayurvedic guru from Kerala, to enhance your well-being. A new yoga centre has also been created in a perfect natural environment to encourage you to relax and forget the stresses of everyday life.
The seemingly endless stretches of warm, white sand enhance the appeal of holidaying on the peninsula, and are perfect for whiling away the hours and relaxing under the sun.
After a tough but fulfilling day on the golf course, you will no doubt be looking forward to a relaxing drink and dinner, so it's just as well that Dinarobin and Paradis offer seven different, delicious dining options between them. Dishes range from Italian to Creole, or for an authentic taste of Mauritius, go for the lobster and grilled fish.
Paradis offers some of the best cuisine in Mauritius and employs a number of award-winning chefs. Allessandro Morino from Piedmont has introduced new and exciting creations for the Italian restaurant, La Palma, while Rocco Evola from Sardinia brings with him some typical specialities, including the national dish of the island, piglet cooked on a wood fire. Fish, shellfish and sea urchins are other pleasures of the table at Le Brabant restaurant.
For a relaxed lunchtime atmosphere and an elegant venue for dinner, The Blue Marlin provides a wonderful variety of tasty cuisines that will suit everyone's palate. The speciality is naturally local smoked marlin, from the monster marlins caught off the south west coast. For those who enjoy great seafood the dorade and red snapper are especially recommended.
One of the most romantic dining settings of all is La Ravanne: arrive in style by boat and experience authentic creations in a gorgeous open-air setting overlooking the lagoon. Feast on large grilled tiger prawns and palm hearts.
For the ultimate experience why not stay in one of the 12 new executive villas or the new Presidential Villa at Paradis. Set in its own grounds with four en-suite bedrooms, this is the height of luxury. There are living areas inside and out and a state-of-the art kitchen with a butler.
The climate in Mauritius is another big draw for holiday golfers. You will find it is an all-year-round destination with its tropical climate, blue skies and warm temperatures.
The locals are incredibly friendly and go out of their way to make sure that you enjoy your time on their paradise island.
Honeymooners come and go in Mauritius, but golfers continually return. It is little wonder when you consider everything that the island has to offer. – fabulous golf courses, splendid cuisine, unbeatable customer service, luxurious accommodation, world-class spas and friendly staff, plus the small matter of year-round glorious weather.
CONTACTS BOOK
PARADIS HOTEL & GOLF CLUB
T: 020 7408 5020
W: www.beachcomber-hotels.com
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