The great British sunbed wars have reached new heights after holidaymakers were caught rising at the crack of dawn to stake their claim to poolside loungers – before heading off for breakfast.
Footage shows a group of bleary-eyed tourists gathered around hotel cleaners at around 7.45am, seemingly waiting for the pool area to be opened up so they could swoop in and secure the best spots.
The holidaymakers were then seen throwing towels over sunbeds and even claiming parasols – despite the fact the morning was barely underway and they appeared to have no intention of sunbathing just yet.
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One amused Brit filmed the bizarre early-morning scramble from her balcony, questioning whether sacrificing a lie-in was really worth it for a poolside prime position, as reported by Whats The Jam.
Chenaiyah Alicia Bernard, 21, from Leeds, witnessed the scenes while staying in Playa de las Américas, Tenerife, on Friday, July 24.
The primary school play worker said she had stepped out onto her hotel balcony at around 7.45am when she spotted the group already preparing for battle.
Chenaiyah said: “I woke up early to stand outside of my hotel room balcony and witnessed a bunch of British people all stood around the cleaners waiting for them to finish so they could then occupy a sunbed and then head off to breakfast.
“I doubt they will all be wanting to sunbathe at 7.45am since it’s not that warm.
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“People began to occupy parasols with their towels, which I found funny.”
The scenes are the latest instalment in the never-ending battle for the best sunbeds, with holidaymakers routinely setting alarms, leaving towels out before sunrise and racing to the pool in a bid to secure a prime spot.
But Chenaiyah said the early birds may have been fighting a battle that didn’t even need to be won.
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She had no trouble finding a sunbed herself when she was actually ready to relax by the pool – despite refusing to join the dawn patrol.
She said: “I don’t care to wake up early for a sunbed but other people can do what they want.
“I just recorded as I knew the TikTok would do well.”
Rather than joining the scramble, Chenaiyah watched on as the tourists apparently secured their loungers before heading off to eat.
She said the spectacle was more hilarious than hostile, with no arguments breaking out among the early risers.
“It wasn’t competitive or aggressive, it was just funny watching people wake up early just to claim a sunbed way earlier than they actually will need it,” she said.
“And I assume some people probably want to hog the sunbeds all day and not allow people who also want to sunbathe to use one.”
The holidaymaker suggested those who opt for a lie-in could have the right idea – particularly when there are beaches and plenty of other things to do away from the pool.
She said: “People who sleep in probably aren’t bothered about claiming a sunbed at the crack of dawn and feel they have better things to do, like exploring the area or going to the beach.”
And despite poking fun at the early-morning scramble, Chenaiyah said she wasn’t judging anyone for taking part.
She added: “I don’t think it’s that serious in my opinion to go downstairs that early to claim a sunbed, to have your towel sat there when you aren’t always going to be with.
“Like, get out of the resort and explore, but people can honestly do what they want.”
The footage has now captured another chapter in the increasingly competitive world of holiday sunbed politics – where apparently even breakfast comes second to securing a lounger.
Chenaiyah’s video of the sunbed scenes was viewed 160,000 times, with 5475 likes and 246 comments.
One user said: “Why would you go on this type of holiday, that’s hell.”
Another person added: “I always do research into where I’m staying to avoid this BS.”
Eileen said: “why oh why do people do this you are on holiday for gods sake.”
Another user said: “not a fecking chance would i go to one of these resorts. my idea of a hell holiday.”
One person added: “all inclusive about as much fun as an mri scan.”
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