The Rise of the Sun Lounger Wars
Tourists are increasingly taking risks to secure the best spots by the pool, often leading to injuries and heated debates about proper poolside etiquette. This phenomenon has become a common sight in many European resorts, where the early morning rush to claim sun loungers has turned into a competitive event. From sprinting across the deck to stretching like athletes, holidaymakers are going to great lengths to ensure they get the prime position.
This trend has been dubbed “sun lounger leg,” referring to the physical injuries that some tourists have suffered due to the high-stakes race for the best loungers. Many people are now waking up before dawn, wearing running shoes, and even doing warm-up exercises to prepare for the daily scramble. In some cases, the competition has escalated so much that hotels have had to deploy security guards to manage the chaos and prevent people from climbing over gates.
At the Hotel Bitácora in Playa de Las Americas, Tenerife, one tourist shared her experience of watching her sister suffer an Achilles tear during the rush. She described the situation as “madness” and expressed concern that there must be a better way to handle such scenarios. Another guest, Grant Simpson, filmed the chaotic scene at the hotel and noted that people were queuing as early as 6:30 am to get a head start on the race.
In other resorts, such as the Hotel Sol Barbados in Magaluf, tourists have been seen doing stretching routines to ensure they’re ready for the early morning sprint. A TikTok user named @AaronTheLocoDaily humorously captioned his video with the phrase “Had to put the sprinters on for the daily sunbed championships.” However, not everyone finds this behavior amusing. One commenter recalled a previous visit to the same hotel, where the rush was so intense that children nearly got knocked down while walking down the stairs.
The situation has reached a point where it’s being compared to scenes from the Hunger Games. At the Protur Playa Cala Millor Hotel in Mallorca, a British tourist named Clare Wright captured footage of the chaotic morning rush. Despite a warning from the hotel staff about potential injuries, the guests ignored the advice and rushed across the deck the moment the gates opened. Clare was surprised to see how competitive the guests were, especially at a four-star hotel aimed at adults.
She explained that the race was unnecessary because there were enough loungers for everyone. However, the footage she posted on TikTok received mixed reactions, with many viewers expressing disappointment over the level of competition. Some commented that it was sad to see holidays turning into a race for sunbeds, while others suggested that hotels should remove unused towels after a certain period.
The Case of the British Mother
One particular incident involving a British mother has sparked controversy among social media users. Stephanie, a 29-year-old from Wales, was seen on TikTok reserving eight sun loungers for her family before heading out for breakfast and a shopping trip. She claimed that having a large family required her to take drastic measures to ensure everyone’s comfort.
Her video, which received over 120,000 views, generated a lot of criticism. Viewers questioned why she would reserve so many spaces if she wasn’t planning to use them. Some suggested that hotels should implement a rule where unused towels are removed after 30 minutes. Others pointed out that leaving towels on empty loungers could lead to them ending up in the pool.
Stephanie defended her actions, explaining that her family needed the space for their day out. After enjoying a traditional English breakfast and going shopping, they returned to the hotel to relax by the pool. While some found her approach reasonable, others were upset that she was using up valuable space without actually utilizing it.
Regional Trends and Public Reaction
According to surveys, a significant number of tourists admit to waking up early to reserve a sun lounger. In regions like the West Midlands and Wales, around 15% of respondents said they do this regularly. Other areas, including the North East and North West England, also show similar percentages. Meanwhile, in London and the South East, about 12% of people admit to this behavior.
Despite the growing frustration among some tourists, the practice continues, highlighting the need for better solutions. Some suggest that hotels should enforce stricter rules, such as removing unused towels or limiting the number of loungers a guest can reserve. Others argue that the issue is more about personal responsibility and respect for shared spaces.
As the sun lounger wars continue, it remains to be seen whether resorts will find effective ways to manage the competition without compromising safety or enjoyment. For now, the race for the best spot by the pool shows no signs of slowing down.
