Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort, Mauritius

Heritage Le Telfair is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and it wears the badge well. This elegant colonial-style resort sits within the expansive Bel Ombre estate, sharing the grounds with Heritage The Villas and Heritage Awali. Named after the 19th century Irish naturalist Charles Telfair, the property is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and a 1,300-hectare nature reserve.

Accommodation is spread across 20 villas, each housing six or eight light-filled plantation-style suites with dedicated resort host service. The Junior Suite Beachfront stands out, offering sweeping sea views from the interior and balcony alike.

Golf is a central draw here. The Heritage Golf Club Le Chateau course has long been one of Mauritius's finest championship venues, and it has been joined by La Reserve Golf Links — designed by Peter Matkovic and Louis Oosthuizen to exacting standards. We think La Reserve now takes the title of Mauritius's best and most challenging course. Guests enjoy unlimited complimentary green fees on Le Chateau and one paid round on La Reserve per stay, keeping traffic on the newer course light.

Dining spans 12 options across the neighbouring properties, all accessible under the Gourmet Bliss plan. Le Chateau, a 19th century plantation house, offers outstanding fine dining and even has an opulent period suite for special overnight stays. The contemporary clubhouse at La Reserve Golf Links impressed us too — a genuine five-star experience. For something more relaxed, C Beach Club serves up a restaurant, two bars, a wine cellar, and daily entertainment around a smart pool.

Beyond golf, the resort offers a large wellness and fitness centre, land and water sports, hiking, wildlife excursions, and quad-biking through the Heritage nature reserve. Younger guests are well catered for with kids' and teens' clubs, plus Baby Timomo — a complimentary toddler corner for under-threes.

Heritage Le Telfair suits a broad range of guests. Active families will find plenty to fill their days, and golfers should have it at the very top of their shortlist.

Heritage Le Telfair sits on the southern coast of Mauritius, at the heart of the Domaine de Bel Ombre estate. The resort takes its name from Charles Telfair, a 19th century naturalist who once lived in the area, and its colonial plantation architecture and manicured tropical gardens — threaded by the Citronniers River — give it a residential charm that feels distinctly Mauritian.

The hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and every suite comes with butler service. Rooms are spacious and luxurious, finished with fine white woodwork and period-inspired decor that echoes the island's 19th century interiors.