Golf on Île aux Cerfs: between turquoise lagoons and spectacular fairways
Golf course on Île aux Cerfs: a must for golfers in Mauritius
There are golf courses that are simply played, and others that are experienced. The Golf de l'Île aux Cerfs clearly belongs to the latter category. Located off the east coast of Mauritius, this Bernhard Langer-designed course is a true work of art nestled between tropical forest, white sand, and a translucent lagoon. For many travelers, it's a unique experience. For a golfer, it's a demanding, sometimes intimidating , but always magnificent playground.
From the moment you arrive by boat, you know you're about to experience something different. The shuttle ride from the shore offers a first glimpse of the lagoon, its shades of blue, and the wooded island where the fairways are hidden. The engine noise slows, the waves become silent, and you catch sight of the perfectly manicured greens. Calm settles in; the day can begin.
The Île aux Cerfs trail: designed to amaze as much as to challenge
The Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course isn't just beautiful. It was designed to utilize every natural feature, every tree, every curve of the terrain. It's not an artificial golf course; it's a golf course integrated into a protected environment. And that's evident on every hole.
Hole 1: A revealing warm-up
The first hole is a relatively accessible par 4, but it immediately sets the tone. The fairway winds between the trees, slightly uphill, with a well-protected green. Nothing extreme here, but an invitation to precision. It's clear from the start that power alone won't be enough.
Hole 3: the first visual shock
Hole 3, a short par 3, is one of the most photographed on the course. The elevated tee offers a panoramic view of the lagoon. The offshore wind can make this hole a real puzzle, especially when the tide is low and a ribbon of sand is exposed just before the green. Here, you feel that constant interplay of beauty and tension that characterizes the course.
Holes 4 and 5: a spectacular duo
Hole 4 is a par 5 that winds through the trees before opening up to a magnificent view. Hole 5, on the other hand, is a dogleg par 4 where the ideal line requires a daring shot over a dense patch of vegetation. Those who take the risk are rewarded with an easier approach to the green. The others must play it safe and accept a bogey.
Hole 7: A suspended moment
Many consider it one of the most beautiful par 3s in the world. From the tee, you hit the ball over the lagoon towards a green that seems like an island within an island. The wind, once again, can change everything. It's a moment when the landscape almost commands silence. Even the most competitive players take a few seconds to admire the scene.
Hole 11: pure technical skill
Here, you have to be able to place your ball exactly where it needs to be. The fairway narrows, undulates, and seems to want to push the ball back towards the vegetation. The green is protected by deep bunkers. It's a hole where you approach with humility.
Hole 18: A memorable finish
The final hole is a long par 4 that demands a perfectly executed drive. The green, slightly elevated, offers an open view of the clubhouse and the sea beyond. A precise iron shot allows for a spectacular finish, but emotion often takes over. You realize you've experienced something more than just a round of golf.
The Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course perfectly complements the Anahita experience.
On the other side of the lagoon, just a few minutes away by boat, lies the Anahita golf course , another exceptional course designed by Ernie Els. The two courses are very different, making them a perfect duo for a golfing holiday in Mauritius .
Anahita is wider, longer, and more modern in its design. The fairways are generous, the greens expansive, and the course alternates between lagoon views and more wooded landscapes. It's a course where big hitters can shine. Where Île aux Cerfs demands finesse and adaptability, Anahita allows for bolder shots.
Many travelers choose to rent a house in Anahita to take advantage of this privileged access to the two golf courses. It's a place where you'll find splendid villas overlooking the lagoon, elegant residences, refined restaurants, and a pristine natural setting.
Staying at Anahita means being able to start the day with breakfast on your terrace, take a private boat to play golf at Ile aux Cerfs, then return to enjoy a peaceful sunset.
The luxury of the neighboring hotels: Anahita and Le Touessrok
Adjacent to the Anahita estate is the Anahita Golf & Spa Resort , an elegant establishment designed for travelers seeking comfort, space, and tranquility. The suites and villas offer a warm atmosphere, with contemporary Mauritian décor and plenty of natural light. Golfers appreciate being just steps from the first tee of the Anahita golf course. Everything seems designed to make life easier for those who wish to divide their time between relaxation and sport.
On the other side of the bay, the Le Touessrok Shangri-La hotel is one of Mauritius' most iconic establishments. Carefully renovated, it blends contemporary architecture with Mauritian charm. The service is impeccable, the private beach idyllic, and the privileged access to the Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course is a major draw for golf enthusiasts. A private shuttle across the lagoon adds a touch of magic to every tee time.
These two hotels embody two different styles, but both offer a memorable experience. Families, couples, or groups of friends will find the comfort and services necessary to fully enjoy golf without compromise.
Why does the Golf de l'île aux Cerfs make such a lasting impression?
First, there's the natural beauty, difficult to describe as it seems almost unreal. Then there's the diversity of the course: no two holes are alike. You go from a tunnel of vegetation to a panoramic view of the lagoon, from a green protected by dunes to a fairway that runs along the sea.
There's also the atmosphere. The calm. The feeling of being alone in the world, even when the route is busy. The gentle sound of the wind, the birds, and sometimes the waves in the distance.
Finally, there's the challenge. The course demands precision, concentration, and sometimes a bit of courage. You might lose a few balls, but you never lose the enjoyment. Golfers often return convinced they've played one of the most beautiful courses of their lives.
A must-see for any stay on the east coast
Whether you're a passionate golfer or simply curious to discover a unique place, the Golf de l'île aux Cerfs is an experience not to be missed. Travelers staying in Anahita or Touessrok have the opportunity to access it under the best conditions, often with personalized service and regular shuttles.
Even those who come to Mauritius to relax are impressed by the scenery. And those who wish to extend this experience sometimes choose to rent a house in Anahita, in order to be as close as possible to the golf course and the lagoon.
On an island already renowned for its beauty, this course has carved out a unique place for itself. It's not just among the most beautiful golf courses in the world; for many, it's a memory that lasts a lifetime.