Mauritius is something special. Show anyone pictures of the clear blue skies, palm-fringed white beaches and glittering aquamarine ocean and they're likely to sigh wistfully and admit it's on their wish list for dream holidays. And dream-like it is. This beautiful island sits in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by warm tropical waters and boasts sloping peaks, lush vegetation and that X factor that makes it special. A warm Mauritian welcome awaits, from an island steeped in history with a real mix of cultures. Its people are friendly and always ready with an easygoing smile. No one can deny its allure to holidaymakers looking for sun, sand and relaxation, but what about the golf? Well, golf comes pretty high on the menu, with two world class courses in Belle Mare Plage and One&Only Le Touessrok. The Belle Mare Plage Legend course was designed by Hugh Baiocchi and offers tree-lined fairways requiring accuracy, not to mention some stunning backdrops making it hard to keep your eye on the ball! The par 3 17th is simply outstanding! The Links course is newer, opened in 2002, and faces the setting sun, making an early evening round of golf an absolute pleasure. The first hole is easy - always a great confidence builder - but don't let it lull you into a false sense of security as it gets a lot tougher! The 12th is one of the most difficult holes and the 18th requires you to clear water to reach the green. One&Only Le Tousessrok is also a winner. Before even reaching the course there's a smile on your face as you enjoy the five minute boat ride across the bay. Sat on its own island, Ill aux cerfs, surrounded by more hues of blue, turquoise and green than you ever imagined possible, One&Only Le Touessrok is a true championship course. Designed by Bernhard Langer, the course offers 18 holes of spectacular scenery and testing golf. The par five 6th is the longest hole, played along the full length of the island's white sandy beach, while the large tidal pool is one to avoid on the 5th. A nice touch is the four sets of tees meaning the course can be enjoyed by players of all abilities. And there's plenty to keep you occupied off the course. The One&Only Le Touessrok really lives up to its reputation as one of the world's luxury retreats. A deluxe room ensures a stunning ocean view which will undoubtedly be etched into the memory on a cold, drisly day back in the North East. The rooms are recently refurbished and include the latest in-room technology and contemporary furnishings, not to mention a 24 hour personalised butler service. Alternatives include the junior and ocean suites, which if you're really looking to splash out, are certainly special. This amazing hotel also boasts amazing facilities. From the Givenchy spa and Bastien Gonzalex Podiatory and Pedicure Clinic to the extensive swimming pools, tennis courts, water sports and PADI diving centre, nothing disappoints, and with the Robin Hood-themed kids club there really is something for everyone. Dining proved an equally pleasurable experience with a choice of five restaurants including the Safran India restaurant, Barlens, serving Asia-European cuisine and the Paul et Virginie seafood restaurant which boasts mouth-watering seafood and Mauritian dishes. Add to this the wonderful activity of watching the sun sink into the ocean setting the sky ablaze, with a cool drink in hand, and it really is a dream holiday. Mauritius is certainly a special golfing destination and will certainly provide a special holiday. Bill Goff are able to offer some special deals to match. Call Bill Goff on 0870 401 2020 or email: sales@billgoff.com or log on to: www.billgoff.com | 
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