Next time you have a feeling of déjà vu about planning your European golf holiday destination, consider one of these three exotic destinations and encounter different cultures, stunning resorts, and plenty of golfing action. They contrast European golf resorts, but they also differ between themselves: Mauritius with its tropical island charm; Tunisia offering North African culture; and Turkey as a civilization crossroad.



Mauritius – Sandy Beaches and Two Championship Courses

White sandy beaches and warm, tropical blue waters are the trademark of this beautiful Indian Ocean island, 1,200 miles off the east coast of Africa. Surrounded by coral reefs and long renown as a water sports destination, the addition of a second golf course now means more choice for golfers. The beachfront Belle Mare Plage is a luxury hotel where water sports and golf have equal billing. The resort's two courses, best played early morning or late afternoon when the humidity is not so high, are surrounded with spectacular scenery.

The island’s first course, The par 71 Legend, is quite challenging, and each of the 18 holes require different strategies. With fairways lined by trees and shrubs, you’ll need to maintain your accuracy, which is difficult, since the magnificent surroundings can be distracting. The more recent par 71 Links Course, with its panoramic views, is just as tough and at the 18th you have to clear water to reach the green.

Tunisia is a new golfing frontier

Tunisia, in North Africa, an up-and-coming golfing destination, is just perfect for an exotic golf holiday. Here you’ll find interesting old Roman architecture, cobbled streets with colourful markets, tree-clad mountain ranges and vineyards, white sandy beaches, and wonderful Mediterranean cuisine. Then there’s the marina packed with luxury craft, interesting shops, bars, and scenic and challenging golf courses that can be played in year-round sunshine.

Once a small fishing village, Hammamet is the best known resort in Tunisia. Fine restaurants, shops, cafes and nightclubs, all provide plenty of après golf entertainment. Only a few minutes from your hotel are three excellent golf courses: Yasmine, Golf Citrus Olive Course, and Golf Citrus La Foret Course. Par 72, 6,625 yards, Yasmine, with its wide fairways, stepped greens and two lakes, is the less challenging. The harder course, par 72 Citrus, is designed around six lakes and has narrow fairways and a punishing rough. The spacious clubhouse has a comfortable lounge and a well-stocked bar.

Another exceptional golf holiday resort, Port El Kantaoui, is set around an attractive marina surrounded by cafes and restaurants. The par 72 El Kantaoui Golf Club has 36 holes, the Panorama and Sea courses. Both offer differing challenges to suit all standards of golfer and are well maintained.

Turkey – Exotic Culture and Top Golf For Less

Golf’s new frontier is centered on the region of Belek, in the newly developing south west of Turkey. Unspoilt beaches with a variety of water sports, including scuba diving, a good choice of five-star accommodation, and eight excellent golf courses all offer exceptional value for money. A bonus is the average of 320 days of sunshine each year. At Antalaya, there are parks and palm-lined streets, restaurants and nightclubs, and a marina where you can watch the yachts and powerboats come and go. In March and April you can ski in the Taurus Mountains and play golf in the afternoon.

The Gloria Golf Resort has the challenging par 72 “Old" course, set in pine forests on the slopes of the Taurus Mountains with narrow Bermuda fairways and 63 deep bunkers. The Sirene Golf Hotel caters for both golf enthusiasts at the superb Antalya Golf Club, with its two courses, and you can relax by the hotel pool or on the private beach. The par 72, 7,000-yard Sultan Course, the newer of the two and Immaculately maintained, has been blended into the forest environment and is one of the best courses in Turkey. The Sirene Golf Hotel is just 30 minutes from Antalya airport.