If you were to close your eyes and think of the best places in the world to play golf, you will probably immediately think of the world-class courses that have become classic favorites—something along the lines of Shinnecock Hills or Cypress Point Club. But perhaps, you are one of the few savvy golfers who already know what an incredible golfing paradise Mauritius is, images of the dreamlike island surrounds coming to your mind instead.

The sublime golf courses here, designed by some of the best course designers and players in the world, boast tropical vistas complete with volcanic mountain backdrops. World-class golfing facilities are enhanced by the staggeringly beautiful surrounds, where the greens are bordered by sublime sandy beaches, coconut palms and sparkling turquoise waters; these courses are, quite literally, the picture of golfing perfection.

If you haven’t enjoyed a magical golfing trip to Mauritius and are looking for the perfect excuse to do just that, then you may want to consider partaking in a very exciting upcoming golf tournament: the Vanilla Islands Pro-Am Tour 2018 that takes place during one of the best months in Mauritius, December.

Here’s what you need to know about this spectacular event:

The ‘Vanilla Islands’ refer to Mauritius and Reunion

The term ‘Vanilla Islands’—or, in French, Les Iles Vanille—was coined as a brand name (established in 2010) that is used in order to promote six of the stunning Indian Ocean island countries; Madagascar, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Mayotte, Reunion and the Comoros. In other words, the idea is for these countries to join collectively for marketing purposes. The name was chosen because four of the islands are well known for growing vanilla (and the “Spice Islands” was already taken!). However, this tournament itself takes place across only two of the sparkling gems in the Vanilla Islands group but they are certainly two of the most exotic, exclusive and exceptional; Mauritius and Reunion.

The tournament takes place over four golf courses

This year, for the first time ever, this exceptional tournament will take place over four of the most incredible golf courses across the two islands. In previous tournaments, players were able to embrace the incredibly beautiful surrounds and master the courses of Bassin Bleu and Bourbon Golf Clubs in Reunion and Tamarina Golf Club in Mauritius. This year, golfers will still have the opportunity to play on those stellar courses, but a fourth has been introduced; the stunning Avalon Golf Club and with breathtaking, lush, tropical surrounds that fade into cerulean waters in the distance, a game on these greens promises to be unforgettable.

This December will mark the second year this tournament has been held

The Vanilla Islands Pro-Am tour has quickly found its way into the hearts of avid golfers, in fact, this December (from the 7 to the 16 of December 2018), will mark its second year running. With the huge success of playing across two sensational islands for the 1st edition of the tournament, the format for the 2nd will remain much the same, offering golfers the incredible opportunity to make the most of these wonderful golfing destinations, with, of course, the novel inclusion of the fourth golf course (as mentioned above). With each year getting more exciting and incredible than even those before, you certainly don’t want to miss out on this year’s exceptional event.

The tournament takes the format of a Pro-Am (as the name implies)

One of the best parts about this extraordinary tournament is that it takes the format of a Pro-Am tournament, which means that golfers will play in groups of four; three amateurs and a professional. This format makes for a friendly ambiance, lighthearted competition and a phenomenal way to network and connect with other golfers. This tournament provides a perfect place to share your wonderful passion for golf with like-minded players and get invaluable advice and golfing tips from the golf professionals accompanying you and the rest of the players over 18 holes.

The organizers of the event include big names from the golfing world

While this tournament provides a phenomenal opportunity for amateurs and pros to join forces and enjoy a golfing competition in paradise, one thing is for sure, there’s nothing amateur about the organizers. In fact, there are some big, very well-known names behind this exciting tournament, namely, Jean-Marie Hoareau, from the golf league of Reunion Island and Patrice Barquez, a former golf pro from Golf Consulting of France. Come and rub shoulders with some of the industry’s elite!

As part of the tournament package, golfing guests will have the unforgettable opportunity to stay at one of Mauritius’ finest five-star resorts; Sugar Beach for the Mauritian leg of the tournament. One of the five outstanding properties under the Sun Resorts group, this luxury hotel on the sunset coast of Mauritius is nothing short of magical.

From unique signature offerings, out-of-this-world culinary offerings, delectable beach-side cocktails and special golfers-only surprises to a sublime beach, world-class facilities and immaculate accommodation surrounded by French manicured gardens, it really doesn’t get better than this. Make the most of your time in paradise at this world-class hotel, where the amazing associates will ensure you have the golfing trip of a lifetime. Participants are in for an exhilarating golfing trip.

If the promise of luxury five-star accommodation and unparalleled tropical surrounds that look as though they have been lifted from a travel brochure aren’t enough to tempt you to embrace your love of golf this December, then the program for this sensational golfing trip is sure to seal the deal. In a nutshell, with the Vanilla Islands Pro-Am Tour, you are treated to a world of luxury golfing offerings, VIP dinners, unique experiences and much, much more all with the backdrop of island perfection. Apart from some hard-to-beat bragging rights, you will be left with the memories from a golfing experience that is nothing short of bucket-list worthy.