Your Guide to Picking Your Perfect TUI Resort

We’ve all heard of TUI and recognise the red smiley face logo a mile off. TUI is a household name across the UK. We see the three letter acronym (it stands for Touristik Union International) on our high streets, in our skies and on our TVs with upbeat adverts tempting us all to pack our bags and head off on holiday. 

But when it comes to booking a TUI holiday do you really know how best to book? Navigating its more than 400+ hotels can be overwhelming. 

Understanding how its various brands differ might help you filter your search. Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than being on holiday only to discover you just don’t fit in. 

Whether you want to travel as a family; whether you want to escape the kids; whether you want to get off the beaten track or whether you’re looking for a healthy break, TUI has a hotel brand to suit you. 

TUI BLUE is a collection of worldwide hotels, from tranquil adults-only options to family-friendly resorts with packed activity agendas.

Each hotel is “designed to reflect the architecture, colours and design trends of the local region”.

At each property a TUI BLUE Guide resides. These on-site experts know all there is to know about the destination and can give you loads of tips about local excursions, shopping and nightlife. 

Along with the custom-built BLUE App, you’ll have all the information you need to be able to make the most of your precious time. 

Every BLUE hotel has an activity programme designed specifically to suit guests. For those wanting wellness, the BLUEf!t® programme specialises in fitness and holistic wellbeing. Expect group fitness classes, sports activities, gyms, tennis courts and opportunities for mindfulness and relaxation –  all overseen by professionally-trained instructors and experts to motivate and challenge you. At some hotels you’ll also find a BLUE Spa.

When choosing a hotel to suit, then TUI has labelled its BLUE hotels. Tags include: Adults Only, Style, Smaller Hotels, Family Fun, Foodie and Discovery. Each of these tags comes with a symbol so you just have to look out for the symbol that applies to you if your scourging the net. 

Adult Only: these hotels are for guests aged 16 and up. They tend to be chilled-out properties ideal for restful, child-free breaks, with plenty of local flair thrown in. Activities are tailored for adults, and there are sophisticated music and dance performances after dark. Dedicated relaxation areas and couples’ spa sessions give these hotels a classy edge, and you can take time for two with just-for-you seating areas and candlelit dinners.

Why not try? TUI BLUE Cabo Verde, Sal

Strictly for for guests over the age of 16 years only. It’s got two pools, a trio of bars and a headlining Asian Teppanyaki restaurant. There’s a first-rate spa too and a gym for active types.

Family Fun: The spotlight is firmly on family-friendly breaks at these hotels. All of these BLUE hotels have kids’ clubs, bigger activity rosters and exciting child-friendly evening shows. Interior design and furnishings are curated with families in mind, as are all the restaurant menus. There’s a dish for the pickiest of eaters, with a healthy and varied selection for all tastebuds.

Why not try? TUI BLUE Ephesus in Kusadasi, Turkey

No wonder this hotel is a family favourite. It’s got four restaurants, five pools, is located right on the beach and guests get free access to Aqua Fantasy Waterpark, which is just next door and is jam-packed with slides, chutes and flumes.

Foodie: Food and drink really stands out at these properties. Guests can expect meals that go above and beyond TUI BLUE’s usual standards.

Why not try? TUI BLUE Makadi Gardens, Hurghada, Egypt

With nine restaurants, culinary themed nights and live cooking, this is a great hotels for adventurous food lovers. The main restaurant serves a varied buffet, while there are seven a la carte options and a taverna bar. It’s all-inclusive option means you can sample a meal from each a la carte venue during your week’s stay. 

Discovery: These hotels are all about location – they’re in spots that are suited for exploring, whether that’s a culture-filled city centre, a nature hotspot or somewhere scenic.

Why not try? TUI BLUE Medina Gardens, Marrakech, Morocco

This hotel ticks the Discovery box since it’s smack in the heart of Marrakech. You’ll be just a 10-minute stroll from Jemaa el-Fna square and the famous Koutoubia mosque. The surrounding area is full of spice-laden souks, rooftop bars and street food stalls.

Style: Standout architecture, eye-catching interiors and unique decor are the hallmarks of these hotels. According to TUI, these hotels have the wow factor when it comes to design.

Why not try? TUI BLUE Insula Alba, Analipsi, Crete, Greece

Minimalist is how you’d best describe the decor at this hotel. Insula Alba translates as “white island” and this is certainly the colour theme of this crisp, clean hotel. Duplex suites and swim-up rooms are top picks - all very white of course.  

Smaller Hotel: Things are cosy and more intimate at these hotels – they have less rooms than the rest of the TUI BLUE collection so you never feel crowded. They have a more home-like feel.

Why not try? TUI BLUE Nastro Azzurro, Sorrento Campania, Italy

Set high above Sorrento, with sweeping views over the Bay of Naples and Salerno. The resort consists of two accommodations: Nastro Azzurro, features 80 rooms, and Occhio Marino, has 40 rooms and suites. Set in gardens dotted with citrus trees, the resort oozes Italian charm.

This collection of hotels joined the TUI BLUE family in 2021. They’re hotels that have that extra indulgent edge, giving a sense of luxury and exclusivity. According to TUI, “this concept is all about modern-high-quality surroundings that fuel the senses”. From family suites to swim-up rooms, restaurants are more sumptuous, evening entertainment more professional and activities more specialist, including things like yoga sessions and cooking classes.

Why not try? TUI BLUE Sensatori Atlantica Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus

This hotel’s claim to fame is that it’s got more restaurants than any other Sensatori by TUI BLUE resort – nine in total. Plus you’ll find four pools - including one just for adults – at this family-friendly resort. Children have their own wet play area. Activities range from candlelit yoga to comedy nights, and there's a special entertainment programme for little ones. There’s also a pretty swanky spa here too with Greco-Roman heat rooms and lots of fancy treatments. 

These properties are referred to as ‘clubs’. What’s more they’re all all-inclusive. There’s 15 clubs and all are right by the beach – some even feature their own private stretches – and all offer a 24-hour all-inclusive service. Among the restaurants a minimum of two are à la carte and are included once per week. Expect a range of fun activities, such as zumba and silent discos and weekly themed evenings and parties – all included in the package price. MAGIC Angels are on hand to assist solo travellers and among the portfolio are two adults-only clubs for those aged 16 and above.

Why not try? TUI MAGIC LIFE Fuerteventura

This all-action 24hr-all-inclusive hotel has enough to keep you busy around the clock – from sports tournaments and fitness classes to activities like mountain bike tours. It’s got four pools - including one for little’uns – six bars and five restaurants. 

Again this is a portfolio of ‘clubs’. The Robinson collection is ideal for holidaymakers – families, couples or singles – who are looking for plenty of facilities. They are targeted towards (according to TUI) “more affluent guests with higher levels of disposable income”. Guests can choose to stay on a bed & breakfast basis or to go all-inclusive. Meals are served in both buffet and à la carte restaurants with weekly gala dinners and food festivals. 

There’s little chance of boredom at these clubs - the timetable of fitness and activity opportunities is back-to-back, all using branded equipment. And the entertainment includes plays, comedy sets, musicals and children’s shows. Guests can keep up to speed with what’s going on using the Robinson app. 

Why not try? Robinson Khao Lak, Thailand

There’s no end of activities at this beachside hotel. Located on untouched Pak Weep Beach and backed by the thick greenery of Khao Lak National Park, you’ll have four restaurants, four bars and five outdoor pools. Tennis courts, all manner of watersports, a spa, fitness classes and a high-tech gym. 

If you’re watching those purse strings, this is a great-value brand for you. You’ll choose from   three and four-star hotels and if you choose the all-inclusive package there’s no danger of you blowing your budget while you enjoy three meals a day, snacks, local drinks and loads of entertainment.

You'll find TUI SUNEO hotels in all the most popular destinations for holidays that revolve around sun, sea and sand – including Spain and Greece.

Why not try? TUI Suneo El Trébol, Costa Teguise, Lanzarote, Spain

Two lagoon-like pools take centre stage in this resort of apartments. It has one restaurant but a string of bars and eateries are just a 15 minute walk away. 

These hotels can be found worldwide, from Costa Rica, to the Caribbean to Morocco, Spain and Portugal. Many are all-inclusive, some are for adults-only but all offer great food. In fact, great gastronomy is one of the hallmarks of a RIU hotel – whether it's the buffet restaurants or the around-the-world à la cartes. Great gastronomy is one of the hallmarks of a RIU hotel – whether it's the buffet restaurants or the around-the-world à la cartes.

Why not try? Riu Madeira, Madeira, Portugal

Terraced into a hillside above Canico’s waterfront, this grand hotel looks out across the Atlantic. It's got three pools – two outside, one indoors – as well as a paddling pool for little ones. And across the road, you’ll find a pebble beach. There are three places to pick from when you're hungry here, including a gourmet restaurant and a poolside snack bar. The spa is on hand for pampering sessions too.

Holiday Villages has been operating since 2004 and is 100% family focused! They’re all geared up so the whole family can be entertained throughout the day and evening. All hotels have a great range of all-inclusive dining options with buffet restaurants, snack bars and at least two themed/a ’la carte restaurants available.

Each comes with its very own High Ropes course; professionally-run swim, football and theatre academies. Kids’ clubs cater to toddlers up to 15-year-olds. Evening entertainment is laid on every night for both adults and children. Rooms range from standard twin rooms to family-sized suites, with some hotels including rooms with swimming pool access or a private pool.

Why not try? Holiday Village Atlantica, Rhodes, Greece

Complete with its own waterpark, seven pools, aerial adventure course. The waterpark has four slides and a lazy river. In true Holiday Village style, there are lots of food and drink options, including an American diner, a snack corner, a swim-up bar and an ice-cream parlour. In all there are four restaurants and five bars. 

If you’re keen to travel with TUI, chances are we can get you a great deal. We’ve got all the hotels at our fingertips and can easily help you choose the right one for you. Give us a call today and we’ll soon have you smiling!