We were fortunate to be able to attend the Necker Cup 2021, the 10th annual Tennis Pro-Am to raise money for kids in need, hosted by Sir Richard Branson at his private island.

We watched the tennis and explored Necker Island. Dinner the first night was a live auction (which raised $880,000 and performance by Jewel. What a performance and what a compelling story she told to the intimate crowd. She was raised under difficult circumstances and was prepared to continue what she knew. Then there was a moment where she decided to change her life. In a dressing room trying on a nice dress and was about to steal it, when she looked at herself in the mirror and decided this is not going to be my life.

Here is a clip from her website:

“Friends,

Welcome to Never Broken.  This is an emotional fitness destination that gives you the tools you need to create change in your life.

So many people have been asking me about the 20 principles in the back of my book, Never Broken, and if there were specific exercises to cultivate positive change.  Indeed, I developed many mindfulness exercises to help me heal and find resilience.

As I say in my book, I truly believe no person can keep us unhappy, abused, or poor if we are willing to take accountability, look in the mirror and say “The shape of my life is up to me.”  It doesn’t matter how many or how few resources we have.  The tools on this site will help take you from a victim who merely reacts to life, to an architect who creates it.

I also believe each of us has a story.  We collect dings, bruises and even worse along the path.  But no matter what indignities, abuses, traumas or set backs we endure, we are NEVER broken.  Happiness is for everyone.

Join me as I share what I have learned so far!  Your feedback and participation is welcome.  This type of site is new for me, and we will be learning together.”

Now back to Necker Island.

The Great House
As described by Necker Island’s website, “Perched at the island’s highest point, the Great House is where people come together, to dine, party or just relax. The house has a wraparound terrace with hammocks and sofas, and this being Necker Island, naturally you can expect a fully stocked bar. Up on the roof you’ll find a cosy [correct spelling when in British lands] four-person hot tub – perfect for sipping champagne as you watch the sun set.”

It is indoor/outdoor living, filled with Moroccan and Balinese decor. Nice place to hang.

His backgammon board was designed with the animals on the island.

Onto the animals. Many surrounded the tennis courts.

The Birds said Hello and How are you doin’?

The Lemurs

“Richard has developed a passion for trying to help preserve endangered species of Madagascan lemur. We currently have over 60 lemurs on island from six different species including ring-tailed lemurs, three species of brown lemurs and two sub-species of ruffed lemurs. The lemurs are in enclosures all around the Beach House and tennis courts so you can visit them every day.”

Mark went in for a feeding and talked those lemurs to come right up on him.

The Flamingos

“From the very humble beginnings of just six Caribbean flamingos we now have a successful breeding programme and a total count of well over 250 Roseate and Caribbean flamingos. They live in the salt pond just next to Bali Hi Beach and it has been our aim to establish a breeding ground to repopulate the Caribbean with this once widely spread, stunning bird.”

The Tortoises

“We have nine Aldabra giant tortoises. You will usually spot them on the road leading to Bali Lo so if you’re behind the wheel of one our ‘mules’ (golf buggies) please drive carefully!”

The Sushi Boats

Boats were filled with more sushi rolls and sashimi then one could ever imagine. One surprise – you needed to go into the pool to retrieve. Thankfully, there were pretty girls abound that would bring you some.

Playing with in the Great House with my new camera settings on my phone.