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Ruhr Champions roar

1st June 20241st June 2024 funtime65

And despite the love-in for Madrid there is a match to be played out tonight and an authentic football base to be sated… so let’s give out a Ruhr Champions roar.

Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid is truly a clash of styles and cultures.

Dortmund, the fans-owned people’s club from the German industrial heartland with the Yellow Wall at their back.

And in the white corner, Real, the King’s and State’s club with the tapas and rioja guzzlers in the corporate boxes backing them.

Of course, I’ve known about Real, just like you, as long as I’ve known about football.

On my account because Los Blancos had won the last of their five-in-a-row European Cups in 1960.

In front of a 137,000 crowd at Hampden, Glasgow, which included Alex Ferguson… and my Dear Old Dad.

Pin it on Dortmund

Of course when the Spaniards came to Glasgow to play the clubs here it was always a big deal.

But it was a night in the early 90s where I formed an interest in their opponents tonight, Borussia Dortmund.

When a German reporter on the local Dortmund paper entered the press box.

And started handing out club pins for the Scots, myself included, reporting on that night’s game with Celtic.

It wasn’t just the start of a friendship between both press packs but also between both clubs despite Celtic overturning the Cologne first leg lead that night.

Legendary players transferred between the clubs, Murdo Macleod to the Ruhr Valley.

And Paul Lambert, fresh from winning the European Cup with Dortmund, to Parkhead.

Wrong step for ex-players

Tonight Dortmund will try and repeat that feat and it would be just as big an upset as it was back in 1997 when they defeated another European behemoth Juventus, of Italy.

Now every club holds their legends dear, and are suspicious of those, who hotfoot it for bigger riches and especially to rivals Bayern Munich.

Which is how it was when Dortmund star Robert Lewandowski returned from Munich to play his old team.

And was told that he had to walk down the unlucky steps into the ground as he was now ‘one of them.’

Kloppelganger

One who is undoubtedly ‘one of us’, or a Dortmunder, is Jurgen Klopp, who is held in high regard for his time there.

So much so that they even have a doppelganger taking the tours around the stadium.

In best Ruhr tradition food and drink complement the football fun of visiting the changing rooms and the home dugout.

And you will be able to drink the local beer, sausages and meaty fun pitchside.

And hear how Kloppie’s wife would bake cakes for the team until his successor Killjoy Thomas Tuchel put a stop to it.

Here we go Dortmund

Stand too in the Yellow Wall which will certainly prompt a visit for a match which is considerably cheaper than at Real, or in English football.

Football fans around Europe who haven’t enjoyed the delights of Dortmund before will invariably do so this month at Euro 2024.

And if they have the stomach visit the German Football Museum.

And marvel at the stories behind their four World Cup triumphs and three Euro titles (to date).

Of course they’ll have a say in this year’s tournament (despite Scotland’s imminent victory in the opener) and if they do win it you’ll hear the Ruhr Champions Roar.

Asia, Countries, Sport

The new 19th hole, Thai golf therapy off course

24th May 2024 funtime65

It’s always been my best hole, in the bar afterwards, but that might change with the new 19th hole, Thai golf therapy off course.

I’ve spent a lifetime persisting in the belief that because I hail from Scotland, the Home of Golf, I will eventually master the game.

Only to thrash around courses from Aberdeen to Ireland to Royal Lytham to Liverpool to Cannes.

Each time playing one or two good irons to delude me into thinking I should give the Royal & Ancient game another shot.

There’s probably something in what Mark Twain said about golf being a good walk ruined.

Only I’d take it further and agree with Robin Williams’ assessment on golf… it’s torture.

Which is where eastern zen has come in to help.

Total golf

Wellness pioneer Chiva-Som Hua Hin in Thailand is expanding its menu with the launch of the Total Golf Enhancement Retreat.

Total Golf Enhancement supports guests in developing their game, as well as post-golf muscle recovery and relaxation.

Every Chiva-Som retreat begins with a Health and Wellness Consultation.

So you’ll get a golf fitness assessment, golf fitness training and a golf lesson.

All of which supports endurance, range of motion, strength and balance, as well as reducing the risk of injury.

Improvement is assessed by one of Chiva-Som’s in-house pros during your rounds, providing guests with health insights.

The next course

Claret Jock: That year’s Champion Golfer

The golf will be links, by the sea, at nearby 18-hole Sea Pines Golf Course in Hua Hin.

For those looking to vary their golfing locations there is…

Black Mountain, a nine-hole course location and Pineapple Valley Golf Course, an award-winning 18-hole course, at an extra charge.

Now the next bit on Thailand is where Chiva-Som really scores, a 50-minute Deep Tissue Massage.

And a complimentary Aloe Body Mask to support skin recovery following a day outdoors.

Additionally, you’ll get unlimited access to the Water Therapy Suite.

All of which includes a steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi.

Food for thought

Now Chiva-Som encourages rather than discourages eating that lovely Thai food.

So guests can enjoy exceptional Wellness Cuisine at the resort’s signature beachside Taste of Siam restaurant.

With veg, fruits, and other edible plants sourced from Chiva-Som’s Organic Gardens.

The retreat offers guests the choice of a daily treatment.

A traditional Thai Massage, Chiva-Som Signature Massage, Invigorating Massage, Relaxing Foot Massage, Oriental Scalp Massage, Hydrotherapy, a manicure or a pedicure.

In addition to the optional physical analysis on arrival, guests can undertake a complimentary skin analysis.

The inclusion of a post-stay consultation supports guests in continuing their sustainable wellbeing journey at home.

All’s well

The Total Golf Enhance Retreat is available on a five, seven, and 10-night basis.

That’s inclusive of an individual health and wellness consultation.

A complimentary treatment per night of stay, three wellness cuisine meals per night, daily fitness and leisure activities.

And unlimited use of the Water Therapy Suite as well as at least one round of golf.

Those staying 10 nights in Thailand can also benefit from an included golf lesson.

Deal us in

Five-night Total Golf Enhancement Retreats start from THB 24,000++ (£520pp per night for a double occupancy and THB 32,000++ (£670pp) per night for a single occupancy.

It’s enough to make you get the clubs back out and give it another go.

And I do live in officially the best place to reside in Britain North Berwick, looking out over the links golf course.

Or perhaps head for your nearest golf range, and as I’ve shown in Portugal, Las Vegas and a simulator in Turkish Airways airport lounge in Istanbul.

I do a lot less damage with a net up.

So for all us golf duffers let’s take heart.

From the new 19th hole Thai golf therapy off course.

Countries, Europe, Sport

In praise of La Dea and Bergamo’s Atalanta

23rd May 202423rd May 2024 funtime65

For the day that’s in it and seeing they’ll be celebrating at home and in Dublin we’re happy to join in… in praise of La Dea and Bergamo’s Atalanta.

La Dea is the nickname of the Lombardian city’s football, or calcio, team.

Named for the Greek goddess of athleticism Atalanta whose face and flowing locks are incorporated on the club’s crest.

Despite their lofty benefactress Atalanta are by no means one of Italy’s powerhouses.

Ripping up the script

With them cast in the shadow of their bigger neighbour Milano.

And mistaken for giants Internazionale on account of sharing the same colours, black and blue stripes.

And another moniker which they share with Milano, gli Nerazurri (black-blues).

Only Atalanta’s strip is the result of two Bergamo teams, wearing black and white stripes and blue and white stripes, merging.

Atalanta, as all but the Little Englanders who think football only exists in the Premier League recognised, won the Europa League last night in neutral Dublin.

Ripping up the script by beating Germans Bayer Leverkusen… something no team had achieved all season.

Heroes of Covid

That the Bergamaschi were underdogs against the Germans was unsurprising and it is a mantle they are long used to wearing.

But that they prevailed against the odds could well have been predicted by those who know the unsurpassed resilience of the Bergamaschi.

I visited Bergamo in the throes of Covid as a guest of Visit Bergamo, booking platform Omio and Ryanair.

A mere couple of months after the virus had first entered Europe here.

And saw first hand how the citizens’ bond with their football team had kept up spirits during the crisis.

It helps too that Italian football teams, and Europe in general, don’t fleece their fans with a seat on the curve at the Atalanta ground from €13.

The Bergamaschi steeled each other with the heartening slogan Mola Mia (Never Give Up) which they hung from scarves and flags from windows.

In Citta Alta and Citta Bassa, the high and low cities, during lockdown, and all In Atalanta black and blue.’

A thousand hugs

Funicular fun: Up up and away from Citta Bassa

There will then be hugs galore in Bergamo today which will go on and on and on.

Much like it was in 2016 when they set a Guinness World Record around the Venetian walls.

When 1,250 Bergamaschi lined up around the 5km perimeter of the historic monument and hugged each other one at a time.

It is a record of which they are rightly proud and the mayoral team were keen to share with me when I visited.

Although alas because of Covid restrictions I was unable to reciprocate.

While we did promise when next we met we would.

My mate Matteo

I save an extra big hug, of course, for the new amico I met in my days in Bergamo, my Visit Bergamo guide Matteo.

Who took me up and down hill, bringing me to the best trattorias, wine bars, museums and opera houses.

And sharing laughs and stories, many personal and family tales, along the way.

We bumped elbows and exchanged a Ciao in Hotel Excelsior San Marco

And will get our hug, and maybe make it 1,252, around the old Venetian walls.

When we meet in praise of La Dea and Bergamo’s Atalanya.

Countries, Europe, Sport

Scots football garnish in Garmisch

13th May 202413th May 2024 funtime65

They’re more used to winter sports and skiers but there will be some Scots football garnish in Garmisch this summer.

The Bavarian town, Garmisch-Partenkirchen to give it its full name, has become the location of choice for the Scotland football team.

For Euro 24 where they will take on hosts Germany, Switzerland and Hungary.

Boogie Scottishland: Scotland’s football team

The Germans, as I discovered on my recce there last month, are ready to put on quite the show for football fans this summer.

Including a monster set of goalposts the breadth of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

Which, of course, Scotland’s Tartan Army will see for themselves when they get to the final.

Go with the snow

What they and the team will find in Garmisch before then is a valley town where the beer flows even when it doesn’t snow.

I visited Garmisch out of season although to be fair the peaks are always white.

And the townsfolk proudly display their winter sports successes and the occasion when they invited the world to their town.

That was back in 1936 when they put on a dress rehearsal for another more infamous Games in Berlin in the summer.

The champions of those Winter Games are adorned on the walls of the restaurant bar where we clink steins.

And sample the best Bratwurst sausages, Wiener Schnitzel, Black Forest Gateaux and Augustiner lager.

Part of Kirchen

At the heart of the scenic town is its ski jump… not for the faint-hearted.

Particularly when you’re at best a blue/red run skier.

Steve Clarke and his players, and the fans, may want to take in the excellent Garmisch-Partenkirchen historical walking tour.

The imposing Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for the Disney Castle, is a short drive away.

Germany’s highest hill Zugspitze dominates the skyscape and hikers, including our Top Flight party, happily scurried up to enjoy the views.

Tartan party

Scotland’s footballers will have an even bigger mountain to scale when they face Germany in the competition opener on June 14 in Munich.

But win lose or draw there will be plenty of Scots football garnish in Garmisch next month.

Caribbean, Countries, Sport

Scots bowled ’em over in Barbados

30th April 202430th April 2024 funtime65

As the countdown begins for a cricket clash of the Auld Enemies a cry of freedom from when us Scots bowled ’em over in Barbados.

My old Aberdeen buddy Jevan is a proud Trini-Scot.

So he doubly delights in any victories over the Engerlush.

West-Indian born with a birthright to love cricket he is something of a fixture in around the Oval.

With his dapper dandy schtick while he is also wont to take on a fancy dress mask.

On the occasion he took me along to the Oval it was India who were in opposition on the first day of a Test match.

Howzat for a day out?

When if memory serves me well only three wickets fell all day.

The rum though tumbled all day from the moment we got into our box.

And the host looked quizzically at me when I said I would start slowly with a coffee.

And they turned to Jevan and asked ‘who’s this joker, get him a Mount Gay’.

Watching cricket with West Indians is an education,

Winning a maiden over

Everybody on Barbados has an opinion and an expertise.

And the charming, beautiful woman in our company opined.

On the selectors, the tactics and Bajan, American and British politics without missing a beat.

All the time remaining sharp of mind and style.

While my senses dulled through good rum and my body swelled from the fishes of the Caribbean and the staple Mac’n’cheese.

Holding out for a hero

By the time they called stumps I had had a lesson in life and cricket which to West Indians is much the same.

My charming West Indies cricket fan colleague had relayed to me the joy of a particular roasting an England legend had endured on this ground.

When Michael Holding had Geoffrey Boycott jumping around in his crease before getting done all ends up.

For yesterday’s Boycott, read today’s Joe Root, and a fast-bowling Scot.

And a fast-living, sharp-dressing Trini-Scot cheering on his mother’sland.

Remember too that this is an island with Scotland at its heart, the region named after the Scots who went out there.

And maybe thinking on when me and him, two proud Scots bowled ’em over in Barbados.

Twenty Twenty vision

The World T20 Cup runs through June in the West Indies and the US.

With my own Scotland playing England at the Kensington Oval, Barbados on June 20.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both fly nine hours to Bridgetown.

And, of course, you can go high-end at Sandals or Turtle Beach.

Or even take your significant other to a couples hotel at Club Barbados.

Asia, Countries, Sport

Real football star of the Maldives

19th April 202419th April 2024 funtime65

Now if the Galacticos of the Bernebeu want a few tips this real football star of the Maldives will point them in the right direction… me!

Because famously while my party snorkelled or sunbathed in the Maldives, Murtinho was off burning it up with the staff on the works pitches.

All of which came flooding back withthe news that Patina Maldives, Fari Islands are inviting budding Bellinghams to join them for a Real Madrid Foundation Clinic from July 4-August 12.

Guests on the atoll can experience daily training sessions guided by a Real Madrid Foundation Coach.

All white on the night

The clinics will focus on individual and group development, mirroring the Real Madrid Academy’s methodology.

Budding footballers are invited to “Play The Real Way” – where excellence meets passion on the field.

Of course it’ll help if you’re one of those Northern European types to keep plenty of water by the pitch.

Because, in truth, you’ll likely be panting keeping up with them.

Now the football is just a part of what’s on offer out on the Maldives… and I took the Sri Lankans on too at cricket on my trip.

Sail away

And Patina Maldives, Fari Islands general manager Antonio Saponara has more up his sleeve.

“We’re thrilled to unveil this season’s meticulously crafted summer lineup.

“Spanning arts, sports, culinary delights, and wellness, our tailored programmes cater to guests of every age and diverse interests. It’s a privilege to host collaborators who are at the top of various fields, guiding our guests toward realising their passions and aspirations.”

Now, I’m all at sea when it comes to maritime activities but if you start young you’ve a better chance.

And there’s a youth sailing academy pencilled in from July 14-August 15.

Expert instructors will guide younger guests in mastering the art of sailing.

From the basics of rigging a small boat and essential safety protocols to advanced manoeuvres like tacking, gybing, and docking.

Ocean front

And, of course, living and working among the precious atolls the Maldivians are ahead of the curve on sustainability.

So they are all over World Oceans Day & Global Wellness Day on June 8.

Guests can join Patina Maldives in honouring the connection with coral restoration workshops.

Beach meditation, ocean aerobics, and a conscious cuisine celebration, embracing the harmony between personal wellness and ocean stewardship.

For a full copy of Patina’s summer programming, visit this link.

And, of course, Patina, you will have my details if you’re wanting to sign up a real football star of the Maldives.

Europe, Sport

From Olympia to Paris as we let the flames begin

16th April 202416th April 2024 funtime65

Now it’s been flickering since the first Classical Olympics so for the day that’s in we’re going on an odyssey from Olympia to Paris as we let the flames begin.

All to mark 1,000 days until the start of the XXXIII Games gets underway in the City of Light.

The flame burned brightly all through the original games in old Hellas in reference to Prometheus stealing fire from the gods.

Now you might think that the Athenians would have revived the flame.

When the Games were revived in 1896 but maybe the gods had been appeased.

Burning ambitions

Olympic adventure: Olympic Airlines in Greece

It took the Dutch to bring the flame back for the Games in Amsterdam in 1928 for a more prosaic reason… to show people where the Olympics were being held.

The grandiloquent Germans of the Thirties took it up a step though not for the best of motives for the Berlin Olympics in 1936.

There was no precedent for the torch relay but then The Third Reich were reinventing everything they came across then.

was introduced by Carl Diem at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany.

And seeing they were burning their way across Europe at the time they thought nothing of beating a path.

From Olympia to Berlin over 1,980 miles with 3,331 runners in twelve days and eleven nights.

Where minor protests in Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia were put down by the local security forces.

The Greatest

King of the ring: Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali

The torch relay became a fixture for the next 72 years becoming ever more unwieldy.

Before being discontinued after all manner of disruptions and protests on its way to Beijing in 2008.

Nowadays the torch relay only takes place in Greece and the host country.

And that’s what we saw yesterday in Hellas with the Vestal Virgins stealing the show as they always do.

Now while that’s a staple in the Home of the Games each host country has it in its gift.

To choose the figure who will light the torch when it reaches its venues.

And there was to be no more emotional moment than in 1996.

When a warrior who wouldn’t have looked out of place in Ancient Greece.

Former Olympic champ Muhammad Ali lit the flame, hands shaking because of his Parkinson’s.

So there you are and we hope you’re not too whacked after our odyssey from Olympia to Paris as we let the flames begin.

Countries, Europe, Sport

From Paris to Berlin my heart is pumping for sport

26th March 202426th March 2024 funtime65

With apologies to ravers Infernal but from Paris to Berlin my heart is pumping for sport this year.

Sports fanatics are on the move this year for the Euros and the Olympics.

With two of the world’s great cities showcased and putting on colossal parties.

Line up the Schotts

Berlin is first up with a host of matches and most importantly the final, featuring Schottland, on July 14 at the Olympiastadion.

This Schott will be going out on a recce next month ahead of the finals.

And, of course, what you’ll be wanting to know is where the party is going to be.

Now as more of a Dancing Dad I’ll leave Infernal, who claim to know every disco there and Paris, to give you the nightclubs.

And while yes sir I can boogie like every Scotland footie fan I’m more about the bars.

Whether it’s the Hofbrau or Lowenbrau halls at the Munich Oktoberfest or 11 Freunde die Bar in Essen I’ve drunk in German football fun.

Now our freundes in Berlin tell us that Belushi’s Berlin (Mitte) on Ziegelstrasse is where Jocks gather to watch Scottish football.

If you’ve been too pessimistic to have already bought your ticket for the final.

Book a table

Win or loos: 11 Freunde Die Bar in Essen

Now a staple of the German sports bar is the Kicker-Tisch (table football).

And it’s as lively as the action on the screens down at FC Magnet just between Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte in the karaoke downstairs.

While it’s big balls and little balls, of the ping-pong variety at Schmittz, Gormanstrasse.

Where as an adjunct to the football they play Umlauf, a 20+ elimination game well suited for the main knockout football.

Now, should you prefer multi-games to just the Beautiful Game.

Then they’ll be striving Faster, Stronger, Higher – Together around Paris.

Here for the bier

Us Jocks gather when we’re in Paris to watch any Scot from Chariots of Fire Eric Liddell through David Wilkie and Allan Wells to Andy Murray.

At the Auld Alliance, Scotland’s oldest pub in the city on Rue Francois Miron.

Now because we’re all amis at the Olympics then us of the Scottish variety are allowed in English pubs too.

And the best one around is the Bombardier Pub on Rue Gaston Rebuffat which boasts serving up Football, rugby and everything in between.

And both bottled and traditional draught beers, brought straight from its brewery in Bedford.

Of course, the best bars anywhere as we all know are the Irish ones.

And while they won’t have a team to support at the Euros (apart from anyone who plays England) they’ll have Irish athletes to cheer in Paris.

And an Irish party

Now, Le Little Temple Bar on La Rue de la Soif isn’t as big as the tourist trap in Dublin but it matches it for noise on match day.

So from Paris to Berlin my heart is pumping for sport this summer… see you there and mine’s a Guinness.

Countries, Ireland, Sport

Roysh, here’s where ledges toast Irish rugby

16th March 202416th March 2024 funtime65

And we sent Daddy’s Little Girl and her beau off to Dublin with this local knowledge… roysh, here’s where ledges toast Irish rugby.

Straight from Ross O’Carroll-Kelly’s mouth, the greatest player Ireland never picked (but still has his boots laced).

The cult hero of the Paul Howard books, Ross, of course, takes a passport with him.

When he leaves D4, the home of Leinster and the national team.

It’s Ross, ye Ken

And he helpfully wrote a manual to help visitors to D4, South Dublin How to get by on, like €10,000 a day.

Which was close to the mark in the Celtic Tiger days at the start of my 13-year stint working in Ballsbridge.

Along the road from the Aviva Stadium, or Lansdowne Road in old money.

Now Ireland’s standing in the game has changed since I were a lad and they were easy-beats.

Now you’d have to go back to 2010 for the Jocks’ last victory in Dublin.

When Ross and his Castlerock alumni started the proceedings early in Kiely’s.

And where a plaque was erected in the loo to Ross.

Which read: ‘This plaque has been erected in honour of Ross O’Carroll Kelly who hit and missed here for many years.’

A Mecca for the Boys in Green, it has alas given way to regress, housing, two years ago.

Ballsbridge bar crawl

Back when Ross was splashing €10k a day in the Celtic Tiger Days he and his dodgy sheepskin-coated dad would hold fort in the Ice Bar.

In the institution that is the InterCon where all the rock stars (and me) go when they are playing the RDS.

Now Ross drinks his Ken (short for Heineken) in the Bridge (or Bridge 1859), formerly Bellamy’s.

Down the steps from Embassy House where I worked and the Herbert Park Hotel.

The Bridge is owned by D4 rugby royalty, Jamie Heaslip, Rob and Dave Kearney, Sean O’Brien and businessman Noel Anderson.

And if you’re fortunate you’ll bump into them although hopefully not literally as you’ll bounce right back.

Now, if you find yourself forced out onto the street, or you want the crawl then Paddy Cullen’s/Mary Mac’s may be your next stop.

Local artworks, caricatures, sporting memorabilia and hunting pictures line the wood-panelled walls and onto the ceiling.

All of which make you feel like you’re one of those ledges.

Horses of courses

The Horse Show House Bar, further along Merrion Road, is the biggest in the area and boasts a beer garden and the best barbies.

With most importantly a killer big screen for the game.

Its name is a nod to the Royal Dublin Showground, the RDS, where Leinster play their home games.

Searsons, on Upper Baggot Street is reputed to pour the best Guinness in Dublin (whisper that around Ross).

And this being Dublin, Roaring Bay Mussels, alive, alive-o.

In white wine cream with toasted sourdough.

Plain and simple

Of course, it would be remiss not to mention my cousins’ bar.

Workshop Bistro (formerly Kennedy’s Bar) on the Liffey, next to Tara Street Station.

Which though not South Dublin does sell the best Guinness, or plain, in Dublin.

So roysh, here’s where ledges toast Irish rugby.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Sport

Tennis is a smash in the Algarve

9th March 202414th March 2024 funtime65

Ya dancer… Portugal is courting us again and proving once more that tennis is a smash in the Algarve.

We first crossed racquets with the tennis set in Quinta do Lago when Judy Murray put me through my paces.

Of course despite her peerless coaching qualities it was clear that my tennis was as good as my dancing.

Which as many have found out around the world gives Dancing Dads a bad name.

Thing is though that tennis players, as Judy showed, are naturals on the dancefloor… all that moving from foot to foot.

Croft original

Another hotfooting it out to the Algarve is the charming Annabel Croft who also wowed us on Strictly Come Dancing.

Annabel, of course, has her own Tennis Academy at the Pine Cliffs Resort, a luxury collection resort in the Algarve.

And it hosted the 13th edition of their annual tennis competition the Winners’ Cup with Annabel dropping in to see the action.

Annabel, who came fourth on Strictly and will be dancing again with her former Strictly partner Johannes Radebe during his live tour played a few rallies.

The first day of the cup was full of free activities for competition participants and their guests, where Annabel led the Tennis Clinic.

Go for a padel

Meanwhile, Diogo Schaefer, Portuguese national padel player and professional coach, headed the Padel Clinic…

Padel was explained to me as the child that squash and tennis would bear.

The Winners’ Cup 2024 golf grand final took place on the second day with an 18-hole tournament, while the tennis semi-final and grand final took place shortly after.

Posting on her Instagram, Annabel wrote: “A wonderful weekend at my Tennis Academy at @pinecliffs Resort 🎾. It felt so amazing to be back wearing my tennis shoes and in Portugal, one of my favourite places in the world 😎.

Congratulations to all the players who competed in the Winners’ Cup – I so loved watching you all 👏🏼🥳 xxx”.

Every day is an education

The Annabel Croft Tennis Academy at Pine Cliffs has been running since 2013, and offers a huge variety of coaching activities as well as tennis camps over five days with 10 hours of coaching focusing.

There are camps for all ages, including a Junior Tennis Camp (4-13 years) and Teenage Tennis Camp (13-17 years), which start from €280/£254 per person. Meanwhile, an Adult Tennis Holiday starts from €340/£314 per person.

Private lessons can also be booked from €70/£64 per hour or shared lessons from €33/£38 per hour per person.

The resort won ‘The Best Family Resort’ in Europe by the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

And it boasts the Porto Pirata children’s club with life size pirate ships, MIMO Algarve – a cooking school with family classes.

For adults there is also a 9-hole golf course and Serenity Spa – The Art of Wellbeing with a myriad of treatments and its indoor Thermal Oasis with a herbal sauna, hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi, steam room and a salt sauna.

The resort offers hotel accommodation as well as luxury suites, apartments, and private villas, for self-catering.

There are eight swimming pools at the resort, as well as 11 restaurants and bars, which offer a wide variety of cuisines and dishes to cater to every taste.

And all major airlines fly out to Faro.