While having a simple breakfast on our room’s patio we went through the saved list of beaches to visit. Mallorcan cove beaches, while beautiful, are notorious for how busy they can get. But we were intending going early enough to beat the crowds. ​

We also chose Parc natural de Mondragó a reserve so we hoped it would also attract the ‘right’ crowd. We were right in all fronts. We arrived there early with very few people on the beach so were able to amble along the walkway taking in the blue water and views of the bays and out into the Mediterranean. 

Returning to the beach we selected a spot shaded by the reserve’s pine trees. The water was crystal clear and a warm 28.5 degree Celsius. While it worked for first thing in the morning I am not sure how refreshing it would be later in the day when the temperature was expected to reach 37 Degrees!

I went for a short swim doing a couple of loops to and from the neighbouring Cala S’Amarador while Nikki enjoyed a beach morning relaxing and people watching. 

It was then back to base for a short lunch and refresh before we headed off to Manacor and the real reason why we are visiting this beautiful Belearic Island, The Rafeal Nadal Academy and Museum. 

After a short walk around the shop we entered the museum through a multimedia tunnel aimed to emulate those the players enter through at ATP tournaments. 

Then it was the experiential section where I tried and failed the F1 simulator dismally and Nikki had great fun playing the various tennis related games, think Nintendo Wii on sterolds with a very American sounding Nadal avatar.

Then the museum itself held an impressive collection of memorabilia from Rafa’s years playing on the circuit and Grand Slam wins. I am still unsure how he knew all those years ago to keep the pair of shoes he wore to win X slam. 

There were also displays of other Spanish sporting icons and their, for example, Olympic medals or in Fernando Alonso’s case World Championship winning F1 car.

After some refreshments Nikki made an obligatory purchase or two at the shop. We then strolled around the extensive grounds with 45 tennis courts (hard and clay). Nikki particularly envious of the many youngsters on Summer Tennis camp.

We ended the day in Manacor itself where we enjoyed tapas at a legitimate tapas bar. We know this as they had to call the bar tender who spoke English to assist us with explaining the menu. It was the perfect end to a memorable day. 

Roy