Blue Lagoon Palace

We’ve just returned from 10 incredible nights and had such a wonderful time that we’ve already booked to come back next July! Things we loved: We stayed in room 406, a Junior Suite with Private Pool. Some reviewers have mentioned that the pools don’t always get full sun because of the canopy-style design, and that’s true – but it actually worked brilliantly for us. The patio still had sunshine from around 10am until 6pm, with the best hours between midday and 4/5pm. Perfect for me (ginger and Scottish!) who doesn’t need to roast all day, but if you want full-on sunshine, the main pool has plenty of loungers. The rooms themselves are gorgeous – finished to a very high standard, with comfy beds, powerful air-con (just keep that patio door shut), and the dream double rain shower. The toiletries smell divine, the minibar is topped up every two days, and you’ll find robes, slippers, and a steady supply of fresh towels waiting for you. Beach towels can be swapped daily at the spa, which is so handy. One of my absolute highlights was hiring a beach gazebo. For €50 (small) or €90 (large) you get your own private shaded spot with luxury loungers, curtains for privacy, a bottle of fizz, fruit platter, and waiter service via the app. Worth every penny – especially on our last day before a late flight. It made saying goodbye a little easier! Food was excellent, with breakfast offering something for every taste, from local delicacies to international favourites. The evening buffet had great variety (sushi night was a hit), and I loved the salad and antipasto spread. At lunchtime the Culinarium is a good option, and the patisserie from 10am is an absolute gem – sandwiches, salads, waffles, crepes, ice cream… I may have worked my way through the menu. The spa deserves a special mention. I had both a foot massage and a Swedish back, neck and shoulder massage – the latter genuinely the best I’ve ever had. They stock Apivita products too, which smell heavenly (tip: the cucumber and aloe face mask is magic after a day in the sun). The spa facilities also include a small gym, indoor pool, steam room etc. Everything felt calm, relaxing, and easy to book. Another brilliant touch – if you’ve got a late flight, you can extend your room for €150, or simply enjoy the pool/beach all day and then freshen up in the spa showers before heading off. We did the latter, and it worked perfectly. Crepes, showers, cocktails – not a bad way to round off a holiday. The location suited us perfectly: small, intimate, adults-only, and wonderfully relaxed. Even the beach stayed peaceful. We booked an excursion too – the Halkidiki boat trip with swimming, a Neos Marmaras visit and lunch (£83pp). It was a long day (8am–7pm back at the hotel) but absolutely worth it. Jumping off a boat into the middle of the Aegean is now firmly on my “top travel memories” list. And finally, the cats! There’s a friendly little colony around the hotel, clearly cared for and much-loved. Watching them

Dangerous ornamental pool features. (We actually fell in and broke a foot!) Food selection poor and often cold. Staff very good. If this us the best Tui can do its a disgrace.