We have just returned from our luxury golf vacation to Dubai and Mauritius with Island Golf Holidays.

This is the third ‘ big trip’ that we have booked through David Sledmere and all three have been exceptional.

His experience and expertise in the travel industry and his love of golf result in tailor made experiences which fulfil all the requirements for discerning golf  and travel lovers.

Vietnam and Cambodia was a unique experience and Argentina including Buenos Aries, Mendoza and Patagonia was equally amazing especially given the rise of Covid and imminent lockdown. David managed to repatriate us from a locked down Buenos Aries on the last flight out in 2001!!

The most recent holiday was a fortnight in Mauritius with a 3 night stop over in Dubai at the excellent One and Only Royal Mirage Arabian Court taking in a guided Dubai Creek tour, visiting the Gold and Spice Souks and a round of golf on Jumeirah Estates Earth course. The transfers from airport to hotel and to golf were seamless and were provided by the excellent, on the ground in Dubai, Desert Adventures.

In Mauritius our hotels were superb and the two venue split of the fortnight enabled us to play 6 of the 11 courses on the Island with the pick being the outstanding Bernhard Langer designed Ile Aux Cerfs - boat ferry to the Island where the course lies and amazing beach and mountain views on almost every hole.

In the South the Heritage Telfair Hotel with its five restaurants ( Le Chateau the pick), and great ‘on the beach’ ( literally) location had The Chateau course and off site the brand new La Reserve, a testing examination of the best golfers ability and home to the upcoming DP World Tour AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.

Moving to the East of the Island the Constance Prince Maurice was the best hotel we have ever stayed in, had a wonderful beach front location and two courses to play in the Links and Legends which host a Staysure Seniors Tour event. Mautourco, the Island based taxi and transfer operators which Island Golf Holidays use had excellent helpful, friendly and knowledgable drivers providing a guided service.

The Mauritian people are so happy and wherever we went the local people were friendly, helpful and welcoming to the visitors on their Island.

Confirmation of our satisfaction with all the organisation of Island Golf Holidays is evident in our booking of our holiday next year.

We can highly recommend David at Island Golf Holidays and unreservedly recommend his company to any golfers wanting to experience a luxury golf holiday at its best.

David, Thanks for your note.  I can say a few things which may or may not help!
Firstly, the flights.  Air Mauritius does a good job and their planes are top class (A350s).  We believe that there is no comparison between them and BA, I think you know my thoughts on BA.  Over the last several years they downgraded their service to the point that they just do not compete internationally.  You will find that the space on AM is twice that on BA in Business Class.  The food is excellent, along with the wine.  Cannot comment on Economy.
We have met most management at Telfair and have given them much feedback over the years.  They are struggling at present with staffing levels, even to the point of draughting in some Nigerians (some are trying really hard, others won't be there very long!  We heard several stern words at times).
The staff at the golf club are brilliant, we usually turned up at 6:30 and were out among the two balls (before 7).  We would go round in 2.5 hrs if not held up.  One time they asked a two to let us through at the tenth.
I have one suggestion you could bring up.  When we walk to the course, we use a well-worn short cut at the back of C Beach Club.  It could really do with a proper path, instead of stepping through the planting and over some rocks.  (They should know where it is, between Villa 2100 and C Beach).
One other nice touch is that every day they brought us some ice and lemon at 5pm, so we could enjoy a G&T on our balcony.
We met with a new manager in F&B, Jocelyn.  We asked him about changing menus more often to give guests a change.  They could have two sets of menus (both lunch and dinner) and rotate them every few days.  As it was, we had the same throughout the three weeks.  We also think that the food standards at the Chateau have dropped, not quite the special occasion in such a special building.  Anyway Jocelyn has only been there a couple of months, and we will expect him to change things somewhat.
While we were there, we had some very nice meals at Infinity Blue in Awali, really nice fish.  However, there are too many out-of-control children running around (9pm), so we will not do that again.  We already brought this up in previous years, no suggestions taken up!
We still like enough to go back every year.
Hope you have a good time, and flights.
Regards
John

Thanks for your email - I had intended to write and thank you for your part in the wonderful holiday at the Telfair but, as is often the case, intentions are seldom acted upon! My apologies.
I’ve been to many resorts and big hotels around the world and can say that the Heritage Telfair rates up there with the best of them. The friendliness of the staff, the hospitality, tranquility, restaurant options, wellness center and calm surroundings all contributed to my opinion that it would be the perfect “long weekend getaway” if the flight were not so long! I loved watching the sea break over the reef in the distance - it added an extra interest on the horizon.
I visited the Spa a couple of times - loved it!
Golf? Fascinating courses! Both. And made more enjoyable by the fun formats thought up by Mickey and her team.
Air Mauritius…..what can I say. I survived! I can’t remember the last time I flew in the back of a plane (not even short haul) and I did not enjoy it this time, but - I survived….of course I did. The flight was full, I don’t think we were offered enough water but that may be how all airlines operate. I am not the best person to ask about the flight experience.
All in all, the trip to Mauritius was just what I needed at the time - I returned relaxed, refreshed and willing to do it all (but in Business Class) again!
Thank you!
Trish

I loved the Heritage Telfair.  The staff were all very helpful and pleasant. I did have a quick chat with the CEO who was happy to hear that I liked the hotel.  Many good restaurants to  choose from.  The Gin’ga was my favourite and the rooms were clean and adequately equipped too.  I had to change from an upstairs room to a ground floor room because of my back problems so they gave me a bottle of rum!   The course we played was very enjoyable but I didn’t particularly like the Avalon course though others did.

I hope I’m not to late giving you my opinion.   My only moan was the length of the journey and the Mauritius business lounge was not particularly good.   The actual plane layout was OK.

I would love to know what you find on your trip.

Kind regards
Sally

We had a superb holiday as always!

The only slight thing that comes to mind is getting used to the ‘Mauritian time scale’ with the waiting staff. It was interesting that one of our group (forget who) was chatting to one of the staff, asking how they found working for the hotel and what sort of training they were given. Interestingly they don’t seem to follow a particular training scheme but are just generally told what to do, which possibly explains the slightly chaotic service where the staff seem to be ‘hanging around’ and not being able to pick up on the visual signs that service is needed. They are, however, always amazingly polite.

The Avalon was a great experience and I think everyone enjoyed the course, with most people saying they would enjoy playing it again. The food was good, was it my imagination that they seemed a little light on staff in the bar?

The flights, the airport experience and the transport to and from the hotel couldn’t be faulted.

We have to say that the holiday was amongst the best we have experienced and we have nothing but good things to say. Even the issues concerning check in and check out were handled well by the hotel (along with Chris and Jane) and really didn’t bother us.

We found the hotel exceptional and from senior management down to the many gardeners everybody bought into the ethos of making the guests feel special and their stay memorable. One things that we particularly liked was the balance between the formality of a 5 star hotel and the informality which makes for a relaxing holiday. I know that at times Chris and Jane were pulling their hair out about certain arrangement that didn’t quite happen but they insulated us from that aspect of Mauritian culture and we only saw the good side.

The trip to Avalon was a highlight not only as it was for Mickey’s special day but we thought the course was stunning and the short picturesque downhill par 4 was possibly one of the best holes I have enjoyed.

Air Mauritian business class flights were ok but nothing special and the experience was about what I expected.

All in all a wonderful hotel on a wonderful island where we were looked after by lovely friendly people providing superb food influenced by the amazing fusion of cultures.

Of course your superb service to iron out any wrinkles before departure played its part but I’m sorry to say David we sort of take that as a given.

We hope that you have enjoyed your stay too. Have a safe trip home and a very Happy Christmas.

Hi David,
Thanks for your email, we’re having a fabulous time. On our second day of golf we were paired with some other clients whom I believe you are well acquainted!! We’ve since played golf together every day and spent time round the pool and over dinner. We’ve had a great time and it’s made our holiday. Today we played our last game together and I was on fire which made up for my dreadful play on the previous five games, unfortunately my Dave hasn’t been playing his best either. That said the course is gorgeous and a real pleasure to play, I feel I got my mojo back today. I’ve learned a lot from playing with David and his wife this week and feel blessed that our holidays coincided.
Which brings me to my final point .... David said to tell you that he deserves a crate of wine  for the recommendation he gave to us to book through you. ( I know that you know I’ve been put up to this!😜)
He says he’s been a very loyal customer though and for that alone I’m sure he deserves something!
I would definitely recommend your services you gave me great advice when we spoke and I’m very happy to say you’ve been spot on.
Thanks David
Best regards
Karen and Dave

Thanks for the feedback on your honeymoon, golf holiday experience Karen. Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort is my own personal favourite in Mauritius. I am delighted that you had a great time with the Simpsons!Best RegardsDavid

The resort – Overall excellent, restaurants, service and bars, pool areas all very good, with lots of dining options. The host Melvin was also on hand every day and sorted any small problems. It would be a perfect 10, except getting a drink around the pool area was challenging, slow and intermittent in terms of service. Got better after several guests complained -  9.5/10

The rooms – Very good spacious, clean and modern 10/10

The service – Very friendly, professional, engaging 10/10 (ignoring the pool issue mentioned above)

The cuisine – Very high standards of service and dining experience, with the exception of our Awali experience at infinity blue which was terrible – food and service. A particular standout was the Chateau and Gin-Ja Teppanyaki which I would score 11/10 for service, dining experience and location.

Gourmet Bliss Package – Excellent  a genuine all inclusive package with good options on dining, drinks and wine 10/10

Golf Heritage – Again excellent, a great course, friendly and helpful service, the GB worked very well, only one slight flaw, having to pay for practise balls ! Just seem out of keeping with the GB package. 9.5/10

Golf Avalon – Hmmm, a bit of a ghost town course, build and they will come, lets hope for their sake. Very spread out, several times having to go on the roads to the next hole, a fair distance away. No views, despite being in the hills, not a pretty course, more links like in places. Wouldn’t choose to play there again. 5/10

I hope the above is helpful.

Again thanks for a great holiday-  Island Golf – 10/10

Tim

Hi TimThe Gourmet Bliss package at Heritage Le Telfair is the best all inclusive option in Mauritius and has been enhanced during the course of 2018 from previous years!