In the Canary Islands, sunrise signals the start of an unmissable tradition for tourists: the sunbed race. In Lanzarote, every morning, guests at the luxurious Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort compete in ingenuity – and endurance – to secure the perfect sun lounger by the turquoise pool. Amidst a comedic scene and epic battle, the ritual leaves one dreamy, amused… or disillusioned!
Imagine yourself on the sunny island of Lanzarote, ready to enjoy your vacation in a high-end hotel, when suddenly, at dawn, an unexpected ballet unfolds: holidaymakers, in flip-flops and swimsuits, engage in a real competition to grab the ultimate sunbed around the pool. Straddling human comedy and friendly rivalries, each morning offers a delightful spectacle that speaks volumes about life in the resorts of the Canary Islands. Dive into the behind-the-scenes of this funny battle where relaxation rhymes with strategy and speed.
Lanzarote faces the sunbed phenomenon: the morning sprint to the pool #
Turquoise pools, radiant sun, and a promise of rest… On paper, the Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort appears to be the dream destination. But behind this ideal postcard, a ritual unfolds every morning, far from a peaceful wake-up: the frantic race for sunbeds. By 8 a.m., while some think only of their breakfast, others are already downstairs, lined up, ready to spring into action as soon as the pool opens at 9:30. The goal? To lay the precious towel on the perfect “spot,” often at the edge of the pool, eager for the slightest ray of sun.
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This ballet, captured by an amused and stunned tourist, quickly made rounds on social media. On TikTok, the waiting sequence – almost a choreography between feverish anticipation and hilarious sprints – has been widely shared, triggering a flood of reactions, sometimes indignant, sometimes mocking.
Between competition and absurdity: when relaxation becomes a sport
The spectacle is quite surprising: holidaymakers standing at dawn, scrutinizing the movements of others, ready to do anything to get the ideal sunbed. Yet, there are neither chairs nor space shortages! According to some accounts, the number of sunbeds available in the hotel could easily accommodate everyone, but a few diehards are keen on securing the best exposure or the most Instagrammable view.
“It’s still ridiculous,” says Isabelle, the tourist who filmed the video, half-amused, half-disillusioned. She observes this spectacle of towels and flip-flops for two consecutive days, wondering if this is really what the much-anticipated rest looks like. Internet users are taken aback: for some, the situation is laughable; for others, it perfectly summarizes the excesses of resort life. One remarks: “Is this what relaxing vacations look like?” while another prefers to trade waiting for a morning stroll, whether they like it or not.
The towel war: a modern comedy at the hotel #
Faced with this true war of sunbeds, some establishments are attempting to respond. Much like the Spanish chain Riu, staff remind guests that reserving sunbeds is prohibited, even though enforcing the rule can sometimes be a headache. Between the temptation to mark one’s territory and the desire to ease tensions, hotels often find themselves stuck.
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But nothing helps: as soon as the official opening occurs, within minutes, every sunbed around the pool is covered with towels set out at lightning speed. The fastest savor their victory, while the latecomers have to settle for shade or a remote corner. An often absurd ritual that resonates wherever the sun and pools are profitable.
The dance of holidaymakers: between humor and detachment
For some travelers, this phenomenon simply proves that relaxation is far from relaxing… Patient waiting, early rising, and strategy have now become an integral part of the morning routine. Others put things into perspective: “I prefer to explore the island than stand statue-like for 30 minutes in front of the pool,” shares a regular vacationer. For those who enjoy fresh air and discoveries, Lanzarote and its neighboring islands fortunately reserve a thousand other surprises: from escape to Ibiza when the beach calls, to the charm of Funchal and its dream hotels, not forgetting the finest Californian establishments for those who want to vary their pleasures.
Reservations, rules, and tips: the art of napping in the sun reimagined #
The big question remains: how to avoid falling into the trap of wild sunbed reservations? Some hotels innovate: removing abandoned towels, time controls, raising awareness among guests to share spaces… But nature often takes over. Because deep down, every holidaymaker hopes to leave with a few sun-kissed memories and a little anecdote to tell.
So, while waiting for peace to reign around the pools, why not opt for other leisure alternatives, like the lively Lecques beaches or embark on a river cruise along the Rhine? In any case, on Lanzarote, every morning, the scene repeats itself: relaxation becomes an adventure full of humor and sunbeds turn into a coveted Grail at dawn!
