In line with global colonial practice, the British Army established its Mauritian Gymkhana Club outside the capital, Port Louis, in 1902 and just like that …   the first golf course in Mauritius was built. This nine-hole golf course that kept the troops happy for the next 70 years is still in play, but the game’s second coming has now ringed the island with glorious coastal golf.

The early focus for golf on Mauritius was the eastern seaboard, with its silky sand, toddler friendly swimming and Creole feasting. The benchmark was the elegantly traditional St Geran, but subsequent developments upped the hole count from 9 to 18 to create golfer heaven.

Then, in 2004, Ernie Els flew in from this native South Africa to survey 500 acres of virgin jungle at Anahita. Four years later, he returned to test the results of his hard work, in an exhibition match, he lost the game and declared the course  open at a party where he won hearts by dancing far into the night.

Set amongst some 213 hectares of tropical gardens and surrounded by the Ernie Els  course, Anahita Golf & Spa Resort, is now one of the best five-star Mauritius hotels. A collection of luxury  suites and villas, several of them overlooking the final holes.

Golfers and non-golfers, families and couples can enjoy a vast range of the most sought-after activities: two exceptional 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Ernie Els and Bernhard Langer, exclusive beach experience on its two beaches, boutiques, personal fitness centre, Anahita Spa by Thémaé Paris, tennis courts, kid’s & teens club, water sports centre, leisure parks at Domaine de l’Etoile and Ile aux cerfs.