Island idyll

There’s a bucket list hole waiting to be played on the Seychelles, says Chris Bertram

We’ve all heard and read the phrase ‘worth the green fee alone’, when describing one outstanding hole on a course. I have always found it a tough claim to accept. Can a single hole ever justify even a £40 green fee? I have my doubts.

That said, a hole that comes close – and certainly into the ‘I’m so glad

I’ve played it’ category – is the 15th at Lemuria in the Seychelles.

Stand on the 15th tee here and fail to be captivated by the view and feel anything other than complete contentment, and you are a very, very hard golfer to please.

I’ll wager most absolutely drink in the 15th and its truly breathtaking beauty.

It’s a par 3 played steeply downhill and what makes it so special is the view beyond the green: the pure white sand of one of the world’s most beloved beaches, Anse Georgette, being lapped by the impossibly turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

The 15th is part of a sensational back nine of memorable holes on a Rodney Wright-designed course that is in turn part of an idyllic luxury Constance Hotels resort. It was No.33 in Golf World’s Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World ranking.

Anse Georgette is the most stunning of the beaches that this resort is set around, but the others are not far behind. The rooms here are exquisite low-rise bungalows located just 50 yards from arguably the next prettiest beach. Two of the restaurants, including the epic Crow’s Nest, overlook another.

You can do nothing more than eat, drink, play golf and bask on the beach at Lemuria and have the holiday of a lifetime. But if you want more activity, there is a good gym, free yoga and tennis courts. There is also a kids’ club and a beautifully appointed, three-level pool overlooking the beach and ocean, if you prefer that to sand.

Lemuria is set on Praslin, one of the largest of the many islands that make up the Seychelles. There is loads to do on Praslin and in the waters around it, and day trips to neighbours such as La Digue are essential.

You’ll find plenty of Insta-worthy moments as you move around these special islands, but I’ll wager none top the view from the 15th tee.