The position of the Hyatt Alua Soul hotel in Salgar couldn’t be more perfect. The sea is right next to the hotel and you can sit by the pool watching the boats passing by or have a swim in either the spacious hotel pools or down a few steps right into the sea. We were fortunate to have nearly two weeks of beautiful weather with temperatures reaching the mid-twenties.

Guests have commented on the very warm welcome from the friendly hotel staff some of whom have been here many years. The spacious bedrooms all have balconies and walk-in showers and the adult-only hotel environment is relaxing and peaceful. The facilities also include a wellness suite with a small indoor pool, sauna and spa treatments.

It was lovely to catch up with old friends who have been to S'Algar many times and the group on both weeks really gelled, often chatting in the bar for some time after evening bridge. Some people used the facilities of the sister hotel a short walk away for activities such as tennis, bowls and a gym. Quite a few joined in organised walks to explore the surrounding countryside whilst others got together for hikes further afield.

Exploring the beautiful, unspoilt island is very straightforward either by bus or hire car. There is a courtesy bus to the nearby Punta Prima and another one, at a small charge into Mahon. There is also a local bus service to all parts of the island.

It was delightful having meals on the restaurant terrace in October sunshine, with the pool and coast a few yards away. How lucky we were to do so in the company of friends old and new!

Championship Pairs Week 1: Ian Wyatt & Jilly Pattison (winners) Gail Davis & Martin Silverman (runner-ups)

Championship Teams Week 1: John Hiskey & John Graham and Michael Collins & David Gilmore

Championship Pairs Week 2:  Stuart Shalom & Barbara Eastabrook (winners) Paul & Cecilia Jesper (runner-ups)

Championship Teams Week 2: Stuart Shalom & Barbara Eastabrook and Elizabeth & David Dunford

Bernice Smith entered the painting competition - She painted the courtyard garden