The whitewashed buildings screamed tropics as you are greeted with a welcome drink for check in . Colonial in appearance , this resort has been built with guest satisfaction mind . Wrapping around a small inlet , with bridges criss crossing around to connect the sand-based island .
The resort is laden with exoticism . From the beachside Ginja restaurant , to the tranquilly of the spa to the Chateau golf course which ducks and dives in and around the landscape fringed with bright colorful tropical planting . Tee boxes were one big shapely curvaceous smudge which would have blended into one had the thoughtful planting not divided the tee box positions up , thus creating multiple opportunities to play different tee positions . With six tee positions to choose from , it is important to make the tee-up position choice for you and your game , as opposed to the choice for gender or age . A wavy jigsaw that neatly fitted together with little wasted space or green to tee movement .
On the back nine , hole ten sets you off into the sunset with water right . Hole fourteen , a par five uphill bought in water on the inside of the dog leg , a true test for the longer , braver or sillier hitters who might be tempted to go over the fairly large expanse of water before climbing to an elevated green , which in itself was also protected by bunkers .
The course had its own mesmerizing noises too , listening to the bamboo creak in the wind , like Granny ’ s rocking chair on the wooden porch encouraging you to take cover for the inevitable tropical shower which was threatening and brewing - but rarely came to much other than a short sharp shower .
The course designer , Peter Matkovich , is of South African descent , and well known in the golf world in his home continent . His course designs spill into Mauritius , where in fact he has the strong hold . Come the end of 2023 Matkovich will chalk up yet another course at Heritage , called Le Reserve .
We had a sneak peak around Le Reserve and met with Peter and his team . This almost links style of play will not only increase golf offerings on the relatively small island , but will propel Heritage Resorts towards to top of the elusive pyramid of great golf and leisure places to stay and play . Currently Le Chateau course can carry that torch by itself , with its fluid design which sways around the natural landscape of Bel Ombre .
Fancy getting into golf ? The recently opened Golfzon Ledbetter academy , with friendly , funny and fun golf professionals on hand to help you iron out some creases or get you into golf , were always there to lend a willing hand .
Heritage also has a quaint par three course , which sits in the valley below its big brother , Le Chateau . No need for a cart as you amble from one short hole to the next . I loved seeing families fresh from the beach having a go at golf . Equally pleasing was seeing an older couple playing it as a little competition between themselves .
When visiting the Heritage Resort , if you ’ re after a slightly different restaurant than those offered on site , consider Kaza ’ ala and plunge into their traditional authentic Mauritian menu .
In contrast , Gymkhana Golf club is the oldest golf course on the island . Established in 1844 , the course as it stands today is , well , complicated . As some golf courses evolve , so does the add on of extra holes as pockets of land get bought and added into the already established layout - hence the word complicated .
Former British army space , it wasn ’ t uncommon to hear the rifle range of the Mauritian army . Certainly , one of those situations if the ball goes out of bounds - best leave it !
An established tree lined parkland course , on flat land - in fact it was one of those courses , a cart was unnecessary . A good , homely course which is heavily supported by the local members who range from beginners to high flying businesspeople popping in for a few holes before work . Being offered a limited menu in a packed restaurant afterwards also helped cement the feeling of home comfort . Don ’ t expect a huge stocked pro-shop , don ’ t expect a manicured course , but do expect to get lost and be redirected back
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