Entertainment & Leisure
Horseracing…
The horseracing season, between May and December, is a well appreciated sport by mauritians.
The dignified remnant of our British heritage, the racetrack, known as the ‘Champ De Mars’ and situated in Port Louis, is one of the oldest organizations on the island. Launched in 1812, two years after the French were defeated by the British, the stands of the turf club (Mauritius Turf Club) are one of the oldest in the world.
After having long ruled over the racetracks, foreign jockeys, mostly South African, must now compete with local jockeys.
Horse racing is not merely a sport but also has an element of folklore here. The backdrop may be utopian, but the passion surrounding the sport is a good indication of the drive of the population.
Water Sports
Famous for the quality of its lagoons, Mauritius is one of the favourite destinations for those who have a passion for the sea. The lagoons are smooth, sheltered, swept by a fair wind that blows all the year round, and is thus ideal for windsurfing, water-skiing, and sailing. For a more exhilarating experience, parasailing enables one to soar over the lagoons, to better to admire its picturesque beauty. The more timorous can have a go at pedalo or canoe-kayak.
Most hotels on the coast provide these activities to their guests. There are also private clubs on some beaches offering such services.
Kite-Surfing or Kite-Boarding, a blend of surf, parasailing and wake boarding, is increasingly popular among tourists. For those wishing to try this sport, which is on high demand, most hotels provide appropriate equipment and even lessons for beginners. Furthermore, our lagoons, particularly in the south east, will be a delight to those who master this sport.
Golf…
Come for tee…
To spend one’s holidays on a dream island and perfect one’s swing-what could be more perfect? Go through an 18-hole course with, as backdrop, an azure blue lagoon, this is yet another type of leisure which our island has to offer. Golfing is becoming more and more popular here, and lots of people are showing keen interest in it.
There are nine golf courses on the island, all belonging to hotel resorts of which four are of 18-holes and five are of 9-holes. Of course the hotels offer the equipment, as well as supporting staff. There is also the Gymkhana, a private golf club in the town of Vacoas-Phoenix.
In the west of the island, yet another spectacular golf course covering several hectares has been set up, having as backdrop the mountain landscape in an idyllic setting which, formerly served as hunting grounds. Open since October 2006, it is a delight for expert golfers. This exceptional green, created by the American architect Rodney Wright, combines love of nature, technical fancy and an intricate style and sportsmanship, in the pure tradition of professional golf. With the mountains of Rempart and Trois Mamelles on one side, the river on the other, the ocean in the distance, the sense of open space, enhanced by the vegetation on the roadside, remains most striking.
It is impossible not to be impressed by such a unique blend of conviviality and professionalism pervading this place.
