Taking ourselves away from the coastal golf in Mauritius, on a nice sunny day we arrived at Avalon Golf Estate.  Set 500 meters above sea level, higher in the hills this is another Peter Matkovich design of repute and one we were looking forward to playing.

A strong breeze was present on the day we played, and that strong breeze made the golf course playable in a lovely temperature more akin to our British summer, a welcome break from the 30 degree heat of the Mauritian tropical sunshine.

A relatively newly built golf club house of modern angular design leads you through to the course at the back to a large putting practice area.  With bent grass on the greens, a grass we were more familiar with, the large, subtle movement on the greens were a pleasure to putt on.  Hole 12th, a par 5 green was unusual in so far as it was almost square in shape with softened rounded corners, again with subtle breaks and very few tired greens. On the whole the greens were in good condition with just the one a bit patchy in appearance.

Being higher up allowed for the landscape to become at one with the course. Ravines were in play, often with elevated tee boxes to maximise the far reaching view but also to draw your eye closer to the impending doom below should you trickle the ball off the tee to watch it dribble down into the lush ravines.   Sarah was pleased to see the forward tees still offered a challenge and kept the ravine in play on the 4th, a cute par 4, handicap 17.

Plenty of banter ensued as I thought Steve’s ball had gone slightly right and his indignation as he corrected me, claiming a straight drive – I swear it was still right of centre but what do you think?  Check this out on You Tube.

There was some long hikes from green to tee, but as it is a buggy course, that was negated, giving way to a nice little jaunt between holes.

Fairways were Bermuda grass, spongy and easy enough to play from but did snag at times.  There was plenty of space on the fairways but placement was key to scoring well.

A nice touch was the phone on the 9th tee to pre-order from the half way house which also had rest rooms.

There had been some heavy rain, and whilst some bunkers had been damaged with the sand falling inwards and the walls collapsing, it was a prudent move to mark them as GUR, pending their repair.

A course that tacks and jibes along the landscape with ease and with the prevailing south east winds coming into play in places, makes this a genuine course to enjoy.  A course that has been set up to score well, IF you navigate it sensibly.  Definitely one we’d go back and play again given the opportunity.

Strong palm tree tropical planting, wooden bridges and a good parkland course with a different feel.

The closing hole brings you back to the modern clubhouse, set down in the hills.  You don’t know you’re upon the building until your approach shot to the green.  A slight dog leg in the fairway hides you behind humps from the crowds, standing waiting to cheer your approach – oh no, that was on television – there we are getting ahead of ourselves again!

Full article to follow on travellifestylegolf.blogspot.com

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @TravelLifestyleGolf (Golf Guru Group)

Connect with me on LinkedIn @Sarah Forrest or @Steve Forrest

This You Tube video and the related social media information has been produced as our honest and unbiased opinion on the day. Golf Guru Group trading as Travel Lifestyle Golf (TLG) did not receive payment for this review, but were hosted to some degree by the venue. TLG can take no responsibility should your experience differ to ours in any way.

We first visited Kaz’alala for lunch and enjoyed their food so much we asked if we could come back and do a cooking demo with Chef Francis.

To truly experience the depth of the food on offer, we wanted to share our family experience when cooking alongside a master at work.

When we visited we had traditional Mauritian food, with all the trimmings, when we went back for the demo, we got to make and try Italian food – with a fresh Mauritian twist.

We make no excuses for having such a fun time in the kitchen under the watchful eye of Chef Francis.

Diet starts tomorrow!

Chef Francis was our chef both times we visited.  When we turned up to do the cooking demonstration with our daughter Charlotte, the warmth and friendliness of all the staff was lovely –  even when we stuck cameras in their faces their willingness to please and show they cared was portrayed with a genuine smile.

We did wonder how many would prefer a holiday such as this, one where the pools aren’t crowded, one where you have your own space and one where the food was some of the best we’d tasted in Mauritius.

Our top menu tips

The Octopus salad is so fresh and zingy – we show how to make this in the video

Fresh tamarind or lemon juice is a great beverage accompaniment to your food

Mauritian curry served on a platter of various compartments meant we could have a taste of everything

Anything smoked Marlin – a fish in abundance, incredibly tasty and a big hit with us

Flambé banana – always a nice end to a meal with a sweet sticky fruity mess.

Part of the Heritage Resort in Bel Ombre, Kaz’alala stands out alone away from the busy resort as a renovated bed and Breakfast in its own right. Beautiful tranquil gardens, with coloured houses, each colour representing the Mauritian flag.  A calming pool sympathetically planted to afford a little of life luxuries in peace and quiet.

A get alternative when looking for something a bit different.

Plus you get the use of the Heritage facilities too.

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Connect with me on LinkedIn @Sarah Forrest or @Steve Forrest

This You Tube video and the related social media information has been produced as our honest and unbiased opinion on the day. Golf Guru Group trading as Travel Lifestyle Golf (TLG) did not receive payment for this review, but were hosted to some degree by the venue. TLG can take no responsibility should your experience differ to ours in any way.

No matter what label you give a golf course – the longest, the hardest, the best – there is one label that Gymkhana will never have taken away – the oldest golf course in Mauritius.

Built in 1844, the course as it plays today is, well, complicated!

Without being given some direction, and with little signage, it would be very easy to play the wrong hole.  It felt like it was split into sections, which criss crossed around the available space.  It wasn’t uncommon to leave the green and think – where next?

Testimony to the tight space was the practice area – which doubled up, much to our amusement, as the second fairway, a par 4, handicap 7, playing 328/373 meters.  One lady having lessons didn’t seem perturbed by us smashing balls past her as she ducked into the side as the teaching pro waved us through. 

Built next to the army barracks, it wasn’t unusual to hear the firing range ‘next door’  A tight course it did have all sorts of reasons why you should not play there – but in truth, we can’t think of one that really put the kibosh on us going back again.  Sure there was road noise, the gun squad practicing, and the course was higgledy piggledy, but it did have some of the better greens we had played in Mauritius.  There were fewer huge dominating trees, but there were plenty of trees in play.  There was very little change in elevation which made it a good walking course, even in the heat of the day.  It also had something other golf venues on the island lacked; atmosphere – not just from the golfers, but those choosing to dine in the restaurant, even if they didn’t play golf.  Every table was like a family reunion, and we were embraced as part of the Gymkhana family.

The tee boxes and fairways were good, although some fairways did take on a seabed effect as you walked up and down, the bunkers were rubbish, but the greens were in really good condition.

Despite its apparent challenging space, Gymkhana has allocated a space for endemic trees to be grown in an mini arboretum which you can wander through.

Managed by locals for locals, managed by locals to offer an authentic Mauritian welcome to visitors.

Full article to follow on travellifestylegolf.blogspot.com

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @TravelLifestyleGolf (Golf Guru Group)

Connect with me on LinkedIn @Sarah Forrest or @Steve Forrest

This You Tube video and the related social media information has been produced as our honest and unbiased opinion on the day. Golf Guru Group trading as Travel Lifestyle Golf (TLG) did not receive payment for this review, but were hosted to some degree by the venue. TLG can take no responsibility should your experience differ to ours in any way.

Situated on the East side of Mauritius is the ocean fronted 5 star Long Beach Hotel, part of the Sun Life Group.

Appealing to families and couples alike, our stay there was not only comfortable with their pillow menu and a luxury stay, but welcoming too.

It is true we tired to check in twice, but as Cyclone Freddy postponed our first stay, management were so friendly to us when we did finally get to stay there.  Similarly, when friends stayed there we went to visit them, management again were friendly and fun to chat with, despite our couple of weeks absence.  The warm welcome from the management speaks volumes

It was great to have a room on the ground floor as this gave us not only our own private area overlooking the Indian ocean, but easy access to the beach too.  A welcome plate is always, well, welcome, but to do a golf themed welcome plate went down a treat and showed they were happy to go the extra mile for us.  We were grateful for the extra little touches the hotel provided.

Dining in the Japanese Haku restaurant was a special and one we’d recommend for its quality authentic Japanese food presented as it would be in Japan, with tastes that burst with freshness and methodical care as only the Japanese can do.  

Le Marché was the main restaurant, although you could dine in Sapori for breakfast, dinner or lunch.  We stuck to the buffet for its variety of choice to suit all palettes.  Despite it cafeteria appearance, if you could grab a table by the front, you get your ocean views.  Families were catered for with larger round tables too, some tucked away to afford privacy.

An infinity pool again with an ocean view was open to adults only, but there were other pools to suit your holiday needs, including a pool with a swim up bar.

A trip to the spa yield a welcome deep massage which forcefully stroked away those knots left over from golf and computer working.  Followed by a fruity drink by the small lake was a lovely way to relax afterwards.

Meeting Jack the mixologist with his infectious passion for all things liquid, was unique too.  A chap who knows his drinks, he has created a cocktail to cure all evils – OK that might be stretching it, but my initial reaction is one of WOW, to the sherbet and fruity tastes smashing together in the mouth.  All complimented with his theatrical performance in preparation.

The perfect location to play Ile Aux Cerfs golf club (in previous vlog and blog) with a frequent shuttle bus running to greet the boat over to the island.  Timing was perfect as we didn’t need to wait around.

Or just enjoy the pristine beaches right on your doorstep.

Want more from your holiday?, check out Long Beach’s :

• beachside restaurants
• boutique shops
• kids club
• teens club
• gym
• wall climbing
• archery
• football
• tennis/volleyball
• Bocciball
• Herb garden

All the family catered for, or a perfect getaway from the kids

n.b. the majority of the plug sockets in the room were European standard, so if you’re coming from the UK, bring an adaptor or two!

More articles on travellifestylegolf.blogspot.com

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @TravelLifestyleGolf (Golf Guru Group)

Connect with me on LinkedIn @Sarah Forrest or @Steve Forrest

This You Tube video and the related social media information has been produced as our honest and unbiased opinion on the day. Golf Guru Group trading as Travel Lifestyle Golf (TLG) did not receive payment for this review, but were hosted to some degree by the venue. TLG can take no responsibility should your experience differ to ours in any way.

Meaning Deer Island this privately managed 87 hectare idyl is edged by the beautiful white sandy beaches of postcards offsets by the azure sea deepening to dark blue of the Indian ocean.

A canopy covered boat takes you across the lagoon in about 10 minutes.  With the first ferry being at 0730 for golfers, this frequent service runs every 30 minutes, back and forth until early evening.  Running like clockwork as a transfer awaits your boat to take you back to your hotel.

A light bright airy but naturally decorated clubhouse greets you, together with a smiling welcome from the check in ladies in the pro-shop.

With the clubhouse behind you, the first hole is memorable for its flora and fauna, in so far as it was right in front of the clubhouse.  Taking in a riot of colourful planting and the odd drop of water too!  An achievable drive to a lush fairway.  It became evident on hole one that they were having problems with worms, or rather worm casts which sadly marred the overall appearance of the big greens.  Not using chemicals and finding a local solution is underway – failing that, grab the witches broom and start sweeping.

It soon became apparent that the Bernhard Langer school of golf course design must have shares in silly string.  

Being on an tropical island certainly has it advantages when looking for the ultimate golf course view, but some of the holes were a bit silly or technically difficult – I can’t quite decide.

Not so much quirky as long, the par 5, 6th, ranges from 490 to 601 meters.  A slight dog leg right around a huge bunker on the inside of the hole brings its own challenges in.  At handicap 6 its not one to sniff at!

Bermuda grass does hone your skills in a different way.  This deep and often spongy grass grabs the ball then lets it settle, so if you don’t commit to your shot, the ball does respond in strange ways; either flushed so far you marvel at your own strength or sinks further into the spongy grass with you left looking forward incredulously – with hope!

At only around 20 years old, the course is maturing nicely.  Usage of the existing trees has helped that feeling of being established beyond its years.

I did like (maybe because I did visit a few of them) the bunkers.  Nice gritty sand which the ball pops out with little resistance.   

The course was full of surprises, some nice, some not so nice.  An idyllic location with the blue sea in view for many holes, calming the soul, even when you’re having a nightmare or just lost yet another ball.  

Hole 15, a par 3, 96 to 167 meters had water all around which wasn’t that visible at ground level.  Handicap 13 gives away its no walk in the park – (or on the golf course) with its target, albeit largish target green.

This is a course built and designed by an illusionist. It plays with your senses; the eyes are drawn by the narrowing and planting, the smell of the sea allows you to drift into tropical island mode, before the soft gritty sand responds to the gentlest of touches and brings you back to reality.   Even the grass doesn’t always respond as you’d expect.

It is definitely a course one needs to play more than once.  Whereupon the lost ball count is hopefully reduced each time you play and as you start to understand the intricacies of its quirky design and unravel the silly string.

Quirky, silly, technically difficult, frustrating, rewarding – all apply at Ile aux Cerfs.

Full article to follow on travellifestylegolf.blogspot.com

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Connect with me on LinkedIn @Sarah Forrest or @Steve Forrest

This You Tube video and the related social media information has been produced as our honest and unbiased opinion on the day. Golf Guru Group trading as Travel Lifestyle Golf (TLG) did not receive payment for this review, but were hosted to some degree by the venue. TLG can take no responsibility should your experience differ to ours in any way.

The Beautiful South.

You’re away golfing or you’re a non-golfer and looking for something else to do, something truly spectacular that can only be found in Mauritius.

Ask a Mauritian which is the best side of the island for great beaches, some might say the North and some might say the South.

We’ve shown you North, now we will show you South – so you can decide for yourselves.

Macondé is a viewpoint on a hairpin bend around a jutted out piece of land into the ocean, climb a few steps to really appreciate the wonderful Indian Ocean.

This sweet island of sugar cane galore, with maybe a obvious by-product in the early days of Rum.  Now a full blown industry, Mauritian rum is to be revered. Rhumerie de Chamarel is definitely worth visiting, if only for the tasting experience! 

In the same region is Chamarel waterfalls, seven coloured earth, the Ebony Forest and Alexandra Falls – all showing you a side to Mauritius, you might not think about when conjuring up images of a tropical island.

Dine at Le Chamarel restaurant with is stunning views drawing the eye down to the far reaching views of the oceanside, or at the authentic Kaz’alala who produced the best Mauritian authentic food we tasted (more to come on this)

Finish your trip around the Beautiful South with a peaceful visit to Le Morne Heritage Trust, a garden dedicated to aid thoughtful processing of the horrific slave trade years.

Full article to follow on travellifestylegolf.blogspot.com

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Connect with me on LinkedIn @Sarah Forrest or @Steve Forrest

This You Tube video and the related social media information has been produced as our honest and unbiased opinion on the day. Golf Guru Group trading as Travel Lifestyle Golf (TLG) did not receive payment for this review, but were hosted to some degree by the venue. TLG can take no responsibility should your experience differ to ours in any way.

You get the first glimpse of the Rempart Mountain.  Known locally as King Kong Mountain due to its shape, the sharp rock protrude skywards like chocolate shards on a designer birthday cake.  So stunning with its multiple grey shades, the sun highlighting the crudeness of its shape whilst allowing the shadows to add drama and mystique.

Attach a piece of string to a pin. Put that pin on top of Rempart Mountain and follow the taught string around – thats how it felt with pretty much all of the golf holes in sight of the Mountain.

Large greens of irregular shapes were pleasing to see.  Less so were the worm casts, that said the casts were dried and did brush away easily, it just made the greens look a little spotty and unkempt, that was all.

Driving down to hole 13 is a bit of a WOW moment, with its elevated staggered tees, dropping down to the green ranging between 104 and 197 yards.  Pretty in its appearance, evil in its play, this handicap16 hole caught us both unawares.  One not to be taken too lightly as we walked away with one stableford point – between us!

Full article to follow on travellifestylegolf.blogspot.com

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @TravelLifestyleGolf (Golf Guru Group)

Connect with me on LinkedIn @Sarah Forrest or @Steve Forrest

This You Tube video and the related social media information has been produced as our honest and unbiased opinion on the day. Golf Guru Group trading as Travel Lifestyle Golf (TLG) did not receive payment for this review, but were hosted to some degree by the venue. TLG can take no responsibility should your experience differ to ours in any way.

We had the opportunity to play the Links course twice, as the first time bought heavy rain and some golf hole closures.  with it being the wet season, we have been lucky to have the bandwidth to play at a later date before returning home.

We loved the elevations, the layout and the overall appearance of the course, but due to the heavy rain, the bunkers had suffered on both visits.  The first saw the bunkers land sliding to the middle of the bunker and the second saw deep water – which should have really been designated GUR.  The water was deep and murky and you couldn’t find the golf ball.

The game is hard enough!

Sadly the holes that had been underwater have also suffered because of it, and left some of the greens patchy and ill-repaired.

We know this is because of the time of the year we chose to visit, but did feel for those with less time to play the course again.

We did like the use of the volcanic rock shaping and contrasting with the lush green.  Deep ravines planted and in play on the 17th was great to see too.

This is such a great course with so many wonderful twists and turns, it was a real shame the weather affected it so badly, but we can only rate it on the day we played – or in this case the days we played!

Follow us on 

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Twitter @golf guru group (Travel Lifestyle Golf)

Facebook @golf guru group (Travel Lifestyle Golf)

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travellifestylegolf.blogspot.com

Connect with me on LinkedIn @Sarah Forrest or @Steve Forrest

This You Tube video and the related social media information has been produced as our honest and unbiased opinion on the day. Golf Guru Group trading as Travel Lifestyle Golf (TLG) did not receive payment for this review, but were hosted to some degree by the venue. TLG can take no responsibility should your experience differ to ours in any way.

We had the opportunity to play the Links course twice, as the first time bought heavy rain and some golf hole closures.  with it being the wet season, we have been lucky to have the bandwidth to play at a later date before returning home.

We loved the elevations, the layout and the overall appearance of the course, but due to the heavy rain, the bunkers had suffered on both visits.  The first saw the bunkers land sliding to the middle of the bunker and the second saw deep water – which should have really been designated GUR.  The water was deep and murky and you couldn’t find the golf ball.

The game is hard enough!

Sadly the holes that had been underwater have also suffered because of it, and left some of the greens patchy and ill-repaired.

We know this is because of the time of the year we chose to visit, but did feel for those with less time to play the course again.

We did like the use of the volcanic rock shaping and contrasting with the lush green.  Deep ravines planted and in play on the 17th was great to see too.

This is such a great course with so many wonderful twists and turns, it was a real shame the weather affected it so badly, but we can only rate it on the day we played – or in this case the days we played!

Follow us on 

Instagram @Travellifestylegolf

Twitter @golf guru group (Travel Lifestyle Golf)

Facebook @golf guru group (Travel Lifestyle Golf)

You Tube @Travel Lifestyle Golf

travellifestylegolf.blogspot.com

Connect with me on LinkedIn @Sarah Forrest or @Steve Forrest

This You Tube video and the related social media information has been produced as our honest and unbiased opinion on the day. Golf Guru Group trading as Travel Lifestyle Golf (TLG) did not receive payment for this review, but were hosted to some degree by the venue. TLG can take no responsibility should your experience differ to ours in any way.