Why Heritage Awali Mauritius should be on every PGA Professional's radar

When Mauritius enters the conversation, it's often seen as the ultimate bucket-list destination. Somewhere you save for a special occasion rather than a golf trip with members.

After spending five nights at Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort with four PGA Professionals, we're not so sure that's deserved.

Yes, the beaches are every bit as beautiful as you'd expect. The weather rarely disappoints. And the hospitality is exactly what you'd hope for from a five-star resort.

But what really surprised us was how well Heritage lends itself to hosted golf trips.

From exceptional practice facilities and two completely different championship courses to an all-inclusive experience that genuinely delivers, it's a destination that makes hosting a group feel remarkably straightforward.

Getting to Mauritius was refreshingly simple.

Our group flew direct from London Gatwick with Air Mauritius, arriving the following morning to blue skies, warm temperatures and a short transfer to Heritage Awali.

With return flights available from under £800 at the time of booking, the destination feels much more accessible than many golfers imagine.

The relaxed atmosphere was noticeable from the moment we arrived.

Despite the resort operating at around 95% occupancy during our stay, it never felt crowded. Whether around the pool, on the beach or in the restaurants, there was always space to unwind. It immediately set the tone for the week ahead.

The rooms are modern, spacious and comfortable, while the resort itself stretches along one of Mauritius' most beautiful beaches, meaning you're never more than a short walk from the sea.

The biggest selling point of Heritage is undoubtedly the golf.

Within minutes of the resort sit two outstanding courses that couldn't be more different if they tried.

• Heritage Golf Club

Host venue of the former DP World Tour's Mauritius Open, Heritage Golf Club is the type of course PGA Professionals immediately begin picturing their members playing.

Wide enough to be enjoyable, strategic enough to reward good golf and presented in immaculate condition, it's exactly the sort of layout you can happily play several times during a week's holiday.

The practice facilities deserve just as much praise.

A double-ended driving range, expansive short-game area, huge putting green and excellent nine-hole short course provide everything needed to build coaching into an overseas trip without compromising time on the golf course.

For professionals running coaching holidays, it's one of the strongest practice environments we've experienced at any overseas resort.

Then there's La Réserve...

Nothing prepares you for La Réserve Golf Links.

The experience begins with a buggy climb into the mountains before reaching the first tee, where panoramic views across the Indian Ocean immediately remind you you're somewhere very special.

A traditional Mauritian welcome at the starter's hut only adds to the occasion, with a shot of local rum to settle the first tee nerves, before one of the most spectacular rounds of golf you'll ever play unfolds.

Designed with dramatic elevation changes, exposed ridgelines and breathtaking ocean views, La Réserve is challenging, exhilarating and unlike anywhere else we've visited.

It's the sort of golf course members will still be talking about on the flight home.

As impressive as the golf is, Heritage succeeds because it offers so much more.

The all-inclusive dining was consistently excellent throughout the week, with each restaurant offering something different.

The Chef's Table at Le Château de Bel Ombre proved to be one of the highlights, while Gi'nja's beachfront Pan-Asian cuisine and Infinity Blue's fresh seafood quickly became favourites with the group.

Breakfast at the Beach Club also became a daily ritual, with fresh fruit, yoghurt, oats and Mauritian sunshine proving the perfect way to start each morning.

Away from the golf, guests can enjoy complimentary watersports, spa treatments, catamaran cruises, nature walks, quad biking and dolphin watching, making Heritage every bit as appealing for partners and non-golfers as it is for golfers.

That balance is exactly what makes it such a compelling destination for hosted member trips.

Our Pro Travel Club Inspection trips are about answering one simple question:

Would we confidently recommend this destination to our members?

For Heritage, the answer came quickly.

The golf is exceptional and the coaching facilities are among the best we've seen.

The all-inclusive offering removes much of the complexity of organising a group, while the relaxed atmosphere allows everyone to enjoy the week at their own pace.

Heritage's commitment to the PGA Professional market was equally clear throughout our visit.

Best time to visit: Mauritius is a year-round destination, making it an excellent option for winter coaching holidays and hosted member trips. The cooler, drier months between May and November offer ideal playing conditions, while the warmer summer months provide excellent value and the same outstanding hospitality.

Why Heritage works for hosted trips: Heritage offers many of the ingredients PGA Professionals look for when selecting a destination. Two championship golf courses, world-class practice facilities, all-inclusive hospitality and a wide range of activities away from the golf create a trip that appeals to both golfers and non-golfers. With direct flights from London and a straightforward resort experience, it's a destination that's easy to recommend and even easier to host.

Tips for running a successful member trip

• Visit the resort first through a Golfbreaks Pro Travel Club Inspection Trip to experience the destination before taking your members.
• Build coaching into the itinerary by making full use of Heritage's driving range, short-game area and nine-hole short course.
• Take advantage of the all-inclusive offering to simplify budgeting and reduce the logistics of organising a group.
• Encourage members to experience both Heritage Golf Club and La Réserve Golf Links, giving them two completely different championship golf experiences.
• Leave time for the beach, spa and resort activities, helping create a memorable holiday for partners and non-golfers as well as your golfing group.

Q: Is Heritage a good destination for PGA Professionals hosting groups? A: Yes. Heritage combines exceptional golf, first-class coaching facilities and an all-inclusive resort environment, allowing PGA Professionals to focus on spending quality time with their members while the resort takes care of the details.

Q: How accessible is Mauritius? A: With direct flights from London Gatwick and a transfer of under an hour to the resort, Mauritius is far more accessible than many golfers expect, making it a realistic option for hosted overseas trips.

Q: What makes Heritage different from other golf resorts? A: Few resorts combine two contrasting championship golf courses with extensive practice facilities, luxury beachfront accommodation and an all-inclusive experience. That combination makes Heritage equally suited to coaching holidays, member trips and couples' golf escapes.

Q: Is there enough for non-golfers? A: Absolutely. Watersports, spa treatments, catamaran cruises, nature experiences, fine dining and one of Mauritius' most beautiful beaches ensure everyone in the group enjoys the trip, regardless of whether they play golf.

Q: Can Golfbreaks help organise a hosted trip to Heritage? A: Yes. The Golfbreaks Pro Travel team supports PGA Professionals throughout the process, from choosing the right destination and planning the itinerary to managing bookings and helping deliver a memorable experience for members. Pro Travel Club members also benefit from expert guidance, exclusive events and inspection trips designed to help Pros grow their travel programmes.

Some inspection trips confirm expectations.

Others completely change your perception of a destination and Heritage was firmly the latter.

It combines championship golf, first-class practice facilities, outstanding hospitality and genuine value into one of the most complete golf holiday experiences we've encountered.

If you're planning your next coaching holiday or hosted member trip, Heritage Awali and Heritage Le Telfair deserve a place at the very top of your shortlist.

To find out more about Heritage, upcoming inspection trips or becoming part of the Golfbreaks Pro Travel Club, speak to the Golfbreaks Pro Travel team today.