Anahita the Resort

Anahita the Resort

Description:

Mauritius is a small island nation that sits a little over 1100 kilometers to the east of Madagascar. Anahita the Resort is located on the east coast of Mauritius, about one hour’s drive from the capital, Port Louis. The resort features two championship courses that overlook the Indian Ocean – one designed by South African Ernie Els and the other designed by German Bernhard Langer. The ‘all-inclusive’ resort package allows you to play both courses as part of the deal, and includes 55 range balls and a daily one-hour introductory lesson.

Completed in 2008, the Els course is managed by Four Seasons Golf Club Mauritius at Anahita and features wide fairways and great views of the coastline. The 6828-meter (7467-yard) layout winds its way through tropical vegetation with a turquoise lagoon on one side and jagged mountain peaks in the backdrop on the other. Six of the holes run next to the shore, including three that provide a scenic finish that carries through to the last green, which is well protected by bunkers. The par-five 18th fairway passes a lagoon on the left, and stone ruins on the right side.
The Ernie Els course hosted the Mauritius Open in 2016, a European-, Sunshine- and Asian-Tour-sanctioned event. It made an impression on 2016 South African Open winner Brandon Stone who competed in the event. “It’s stunning. You stand on that 17th tee box, you just overlook the estuary and you can see the waves crashing on the coral.”*

At the end of the round, the Il Forno Restaurant & Bar is there for some Mediterranean-style food or a cleansing ale. Ernie’s Shooter is the recommended drink. The Four Seasons Golf Academy can provide video analysis of your swing if you are looking to work on your technique, best before an Ernie’s Shooter.
The Bernhard Langer-designed Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Course (also known as Le Touessrok) is laid out across 38 hectares (94 acres) of a small island just off the coast from the Anahita resort. So, you’ll be taking your golf clubs on a boat shuttle that leaves every 30 minutes. Ile Aux Cerfs is a stunning-looking course woven into a lush tropical island setting that was previously the site of an old sugar plantation. Players will hit the ball off undulating fairways that pass volcanic rock outcrops, white-sand beaches, lakes, massive bunkers and gullies. The course was renovated in 2014-15 to make it easier for higher handicappers. From the tips, seven of the holes require carries over 200-yards (183-meters) of water so it will test the nerves.
The Ernie Els course was ranked No.3 and Ile Aux Cerfs No.1 in Mauritius by Top100GolfCourses.com in 2017.

The challenges:

These are tough courses. The Ernie Els course will challenge you for distance with 6828 meters (7500 yards) as you avoid strategically-placed bunkers, while the Bernhard Langer course has nine lakes and seven holes that require you to carry over water with solid strikes. Three of these are over sea inlets.

When to play: Year-round – it’s a tropical climate with little change in seasons.
Par: Both courses 72
Slope / Rating / Yardage:
Els Course 147 / 74 / 7500 yards, 6828 meters
Langer Course (Ile Aux Cerfs): 155 / 75 / 7115 yards, 6469 meters
Best hole:
The signature hole on the Els course is No.4. Dubbed ‘The Ocean Drive,’ you have to avoid fairway bunkers on the left off the tee, before hitting to a green that sits on a peninsular almost surrounded by water, with bunkers placed just behind it. On the Langer course, the 410-yard (375-meter) hole 18 poses a tough test. Called ‘Back to the Boat’, this par 4 requires you to carry mangroves off the tee before hitting to a three-tiered green.
The pro says:
“The course is consistently well conditioned, with spectacular views, and a selection of tees to suit all levels of golf. The Il Forno restaurant will have something to replenish your energy for another round!”
Dave Usendorff, Director of Golf at the Ernie Els Course
The designer says:
“What I have aspired to create with Le Touessrok golf course is a golfing experience that truly arouses all the senses. From the amazing natural setting to the challenges presented by the course, I want it to be a game to remember for all who play.”
– Bernhard Langer **

The resort experience:
It’s worth watching out for deals at Four Seasons, but Anahita the Resort’s ‘all-inclusive’ package is hard to beat. This luxury resort is spread out over 213 hectares (526 acres) of tropical gardens next to the Il Aux Cerfs Lagoon. It has two beaches – one that looks out on the Indian Ocean and the other by the lagoon, a fitness center, tennis courts, a water sports center and a wellness center. There is a tropical island feel to the design of the suites and villas with thatched roofs a common feature amongst the palm trees. The Anahita Spa by Thémaé Paris has a focus on tea-based treatments and products. It also has a steam room and jacuzzi. The OurSpace Kids’ Club and Escape Teens’ Club have plenty of activities for the young people. Lounging under an umbrella on a seat with daiquiri within reach on the beach is the right approach to resort golf.

Dine and wine:
With five restaurants, a coffee shop and in-suite dining (private chef option and room service), you won’t go hungry. Starting at breakfast, you’ll find international fare and local dishes at Origine Restaurant, then fine dining with Mauritian specialties at the Signature Restaurant, Italian dishes overlooking Els’ 18th hole at Il Forno: Trattoria Restaurant, Mauritian and Méditerranéen fare at Bliss Beach Restaurant and Domaine De L’Etoile Restaurant, which is set in nearby tropical bushland. Back at the resort, The Vu Bar has live bands on weekends and a DJ during the week if you want to dance.
The accommodation:
The Prestige Villas come in one- to five-bedroom options. These have modern interiors with comfortable décor, king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms with separate bathtubs, a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a living room, three LCD TVs and a swimming pool. The Prestige Suites come with one or two bedrooms, a terrace with lagoon views, a living area, kitchen and bathroom with tub and dual vanities, and as an added treat, an infinity plunge pool.
Other activities:
Domaine de l’ Etoile – a nature reserve that covers over 1200 hectares (2965 acres) of forests, pastures, rivers – is only 15 minutes away. Explore the beautiful surrounds on foot, quad bike, horse or buggy. Or stay closer to the resort and get wet. You’ll find kayaks, Hobie Cats, windsurfers and paddle boats. You can also take a closer look at the coral on a snorkelling or scuba diving trip or on a glass-bottom boat tour. Kids will love the Adventure Park, which has a zip line and other tree-top activities. The fitness center has yoga, boxing, core workouts, Pilates and aqua-gym.
* Source: afrasiabankmauritiusopen.com
** Source: www.tcsworldtravel.com/blog/ile-aux-cerfs-mauritius-private-golf-course

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