“You get the idea Mauritius was made first, and then heaven.” So said Mark Twain. Now, the pearl of the Indian Ocean with a magnetic allure is getting in touch with its family side, discovers Peter Swain
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Author Archives: peterswain
Angling for perfection
For devotees of the art of fly fishing, the name Hardy inspires the same veneration violinists reserve for Stradivarius
Swinging safari
For the travelling golfer (and their family) who appreciates immaculate courses, impeccable hotels, shining seascapes and the occasional safari drive, South Africa is hard to beat, says Peter Swain.
Avoid the Inheritance Tax trap
Of all the taxes to consider when buying abroad, inheritance tax is one of the most fiendishly complex and can be surprisingly costly, discovers Peter Swain
Littorally laid-back
The hippy-chic attractions of Goa’s beaches have been on the radar for a generation, but discerning travellers keen to top up both their chi and their tan are now discovering the allure of the uncluttered south of India’s smallest state.
Above par
Catalonia’s abundant courses cater for golfers of all abilities, with everything from on-site academies to a Spanish Open venue on offer.
Auckland appétit
From culinary backwater to the crest of a gastronomic wave, the City of Sails in New Zealand’s North Island is now a world-class foodie destination, reports Peter Swain.
10 best golf courses in the UK
Whether you’re the next Tiger Woods or a poor man’s Happy Gilmore, there’s absolutely no excuse for any self-respecting golf enthusiast to chip balls on a driving range or navigate rickety windmills on a crazy golf course.
Back in the swing
Old-school golf developments are receiving modern makeovers, while new resorts are springing up in unlikely places. Peter Swain hits the fairways to find holiday homes that are up to par.
Sunningdale and Sicily
Italian exuberance qualified by English reserve is the perfect recipe for a great day out, discovers Peter Swain, as he talks to Sir Rocco Forte about his new project, Verdura.
Improve Your Golf – Where to play
10 courses in the Uk, Ireland, Spain, Caribbean, USA, Thailand and Mauritius which have great facilities both for beginners and good players wanting to improve their game.
Burning issues
A stylish new breed of cigar bars, lounges and plush spaces designed to skirt around stringent anti-smoking regulations are opening around the world
Top tees for One… or Two
Golfers travelling on their own or as a couple often want very different things from a golf holiday. Peter Swain makes some suggestions.
Techno home
The smart home technology that sci-fi writers predicted would change our lives a generation ago is now materialising.
Golfing nirvana
Ask any golf writer for their favourite luxury golfing destinations and this resort will make the top five, but you’ve probably never heard of it. Peter Swain headed to sleepy South Carolina to tee off at Kiawah Island.
Get with the Caribbean vibe
With winter looming, thoughts turn to tropical golfing climes. Peter Swain has found one destination that won’t break the bank: St Kitts and Nevis.
How to play Four Seasons Nevis
The Robert Trent Jones II masterpiece on Nevis is consistently rated one of the best courses in the Caribbean. It’s a challenge for amateurs, but how does it look to Tour professionals?
Vintage golf
Peter Swain recommends some enticing destinations allowing visitors to combine a love of golf with a passion for fine wines and even finer whiskies.
Read the full ABTA article here
Transpontine transformation
With its taut, angular Thames-side architecture, louche gastro-pubs and 80-hectare park, Battersea is becoming one of London’s hottest “villages” in which to work, live and party.
Top courses in Guangzhou, China
Several notable golf clubs have recently appeared around Guangzhou, just 120 kilometres (75 miles) up the Pearl River from Hong Kong.
Why Beefy is bowled over by St Kitts
After a summer commentating on England’s triumphant Ashes campaign for Sky TV, Sir Ian Botham is looking forward to his next big innings in the West Indies.
Spain vs. Florida
Between them, Spain and Florida have many of our favourite golf course developments, but in a head-to-head, which one comes out on top?
Gourmet golf getaways
Five of the Best – Peter Swain finds the perfect destinations in France, Italy, Spain, England and Mauritius that combine fine dining with top class teeing off.
No place like home
For those wanting to combine the intimacy and familiarity of home, with the amenities and service of a leading hostelry, Private Hotel Residences are the answer.
Fairways to heaven
The world’s best new golf tournaments: as it grows towards universal appeal, golf is becoming the new barometer of global travel trends—here are the latest and greatest events on the scene.
Golfing Around… Edinburgh
The Scottish capital and East Lothian coastline have some of the very best courses in Scotland for the passing Business Traveller.
Kümmel ye faithful
Muirfield is widely acknowledged as one of the toughest challenges in links golf. Nicklaus rates it the best course in Britain. So what’s it like for the average club player?
A Mauritian masterpiece
Four Seasons Golf Course at Anahita: Pro golfer and South African native Ernie Els takes us behind the design of the island’s finest course.
Some like it hot in cinematic San Diego
Marilyn Monroe was romanced by Tony Curtis at the old-school Hotel del Coronado in Some Like it Hot – and Tom Cruise became a Top Gun, in between getting better acquainted with Kelly McGillis, on the shores of San Diego Bay.
Brand value – Sotogrande
What’s in a name? Everything when it come to the value of your investment.