Beyond the fairway: Mauritius as a luxury lifestyle destination

Beyond Mauritius’s famous beaches and year-round sunshine lies another side of the island, with championship golf courses, lagoon settings and mountain landscapes. Golf here is more than a pastime. It’s a way to explore the island and experience what everyday life in Mauritius has to offer.

Having lived in Mauritius for 21 years, I’ve found that golf has taken me to places I might never have discovered otherwise, introduced me to new people and deepened my appreciation of life here.

Whether you're considering retirement, buying a second home or making a longer-term move, golf offers one way to discover what makes Mauritius special.

Golf across Mauritius: coast to highlands

For an island of its size, Mauritius has an impressive range of golf courses designed by internationally recognised names such as Ernie Els, Bernhard Langer and Peter Matkovich.

Some courses trace the coastline, with views across the Indian Ocean. Others wind through tropical vegetation, overlook lagoons or sit beneath dramatic mountain ranges. Wind, elevation, and terrain also vary from course to course, so no two rounds feel quite the same.

You can play golf year-round, though many players prefer the cooler, drier months between May and November.

Each course has its own character. Some of my favourites are along the coast, while others offer a completely different experience in the mountains.

From private islands to mountain fairways

Ocean views and island escapes

On the east coast, Anahita Golf Club, designed by Ernie Els, has wide fairways and several holes overlooking the turquoise lagoon. The lagoon views make this a particularly enjoyable course to play.

Nearby, Île aux Cerfs Golf Club is one of my must-plays. Set on a private island off the east coast, you can only get there by boat, so the trip across the lagoon is part of the experience. It’s a beautiful spot for a round of golf and a great day out.

Belle Mare Plage is another option for golfers who want to combine their rounds with a resort stay. The five-star hotel has two golf courses, along with a range of other facilities.

Championship golf in the south

The south offers two very different challenges, both well worth playing.

Heritage Golf Club is one of my favourites. The fairways and greens are always immaculate, and it's a course I never tire of playing.

For something more demanding, La Réserve Golf Links is a real test of your game. Home to a DP World Tour event, it's not for the faint-hearted, but that's part of its appeal if you enjoy a proper challenge.

Mountain views and a sense of community

On the west coast, Tamarina Golf Club is a course I know well, as I'm a member. It's a challenging course, but the mountain views are hard to beat. I've also found that golf is a great way to meet people and build friendships in Mauritius.

Further west, Paradis Golf Club, part of a Beachcomber hotel, has a fantastic setting on the Le Morne peninsula, which makes it particularly memorable.  If you have the opportunity to play here, it’s well worth taking it.

In the north, Mont Choisy Le Golf offers a semi-links layout. The wind can make it a demanding course, so you need to think carefully about each shot.

Avalon Golf Estate, in the central highlands, offers a different experience from the coastal courses. The weather can be unpredictable in the highlands, so be prepared for the occasional shower.

Beyond the golf course: the Mauritian lifestyle

Golf is one of my favourite ways to enjoy Mauritius, but there’s plenty more to do, from fishing, cycling and hiking to sailing and watersports. There are also great restaurants, resorts and marinas to enjoy.

For those thinking about retiring here, buying a second home or making a longer-term move, Mauritius has the practical side covered too, with private healthcare, international schools, good air connections and established expat communities that make settling in easier.

Golf estates and property opportunities in Mauritius 

For those who enjoy golf and are considering buying property in Mauritius, several developments combine residential options with golf and resort-style facilities. Anahita on the east coast, Mont Choisy in the north and Tamarina on the west coast each offer a different setting.

The right choice depends on your plans. Whether you're buying a holiday home, looking for a place to retire or considering a longer-term move, think about the location, cost of ownership, rental potential and property management. It's also worth checking whether golf club membership and access to other facilities are included.

Foreign buyers can purchase property in Mauritius through specific government-approved schemes, subject to eligibility requirements.

Some qualifying properties may also provide a route to residency. Explore Mauritius residency-by-investment options to understand the qualifying criteria and what they could mean for your plans.

Why Mauritius feels like home

What has kept me in Mauritius is the quality of everyday life and the opportunity to spend time doing the things I enjoy.

Golf has introduced me to different parts of the island and helped me build friendships, but there's plenty more to enjoy, from outdoor activities to the natural beauty and relaxed pace of life.

Golf may be what first draws you to Mauritius. But beyond the fairway, it's the lifestyle that encourages you to stay.

Frequently asked questions

Is Mauritius a good place to retire?

Mauritius may appeal to retirees looking for a warm climate, an active outdoor lifestyle and an established expatriate community. Your budget, healthcare needs, preferred location and eligibility for residency are also important factors. Read our guide to retiring in Mauritius to explore the practical considerations.

Can foreigners buy property in Mauritius?

Yes. Foreign buyers can purchase certain properties through government-approved schemes, subject to eligibility requirements and scheme-specific conditions. The options available depend on the property and the buyer’s circumstances. 

Can buying property in Mauritius qualify you for residency?

Some qualifying property purchases may provide a route to residency, subject to the relevant scheme’s requirements. However, buying a property does not automatically grant residency, so it’s important to check the eligibility criteria before committing.

Ready to make Mauritius home? Whether you're looking for a luxury golf estate, a retirement home or an investment property, our Mauritius property specialists can help you explore your options and understand the residency requirements. Contact Derrick Mace, Sales Executive, Mauritius Real Estate on +230 5423 5072 or email [email protected]