Beyond the Brochure

When we set out to crown the most beachin’ hotels, we had strict criteria that stretched beyond a 'well-furnished room’ and a ‘varied international buffet.’ We were looking for the hotels that made your jolly extra special with proper, proper breakfasts, THAT staff member who became your holiday bestie and more sun-loungers than you can shake a towel at.

Well VIB’s, here we flippin’ are. Thousands of entries, hundreds of brilliant comments and ten hotels later – we have our Beyond the Brochure Award winners!

Jump to an award...

The Jolliest Jolly: Grand Park Lara

Time for the big one. The Overall BEST Hotel winner for our Beyond the Brochure Awards. This place in Türkiye is a firm customer favourite with thousands of beachers and really does deserve the ‘Grand’ in Grand Park Lara. It’s unbelievable value for money with an incredible all-inclusive offering and more facilities and activities than you’ll know what to do with... On your first visit anyway.

What you said:

“I couldn’t believe the deal we got for this hotel. The all-inclusive offer was amazing (the waffle/jacket potato stand was a highlight) and there’s SO much to do there. Can I go back please?” - Lauren, Hartford

Best Hotel Welcome: Sol Pelicanos Ocas

It’s no surprise that our #1 hotel in the world bagged the Best Hotel Welcome award. Sol Pelicanos Ocas is set in the perfect central location of Benidorm, with a special bit of star quality and a welcome to match.

What you said:

“We go back EVERY year and really feel like one of the family. It’s right in the heart of Benidorm too, and if you’re not sure where to go, the hotel staff know ALL the best places. We were recommended the indoor market that’s very close by, and it was brilliant!” - Beth, Manchester

Bangin’ Room: Delphin BE Grand

When it comes to a Bangin’ Room, let us take you to Antalya, Turkey. Delphin BE Grand blew every other hotel out the pool water with a whole bunch of different room types and sizes - from family rooms to junior suites to VIP Lagoon rooms. And at this place, every room’s got a chic design with plenty of space for every type of traveller.

What you said:

“The room was stunning – one of the best I’ve ever stayed in and trust me, I’ve stayed in a lot of hotel rooms. There was even milk in the minibar for a brew. Top notch!” - Sam, Blackburn

Best Poolside view: Eden Roc Resort Hotel

Imagine taking a dip with stunning Poolside Views of the Aegean Sea. Pretty special, right? Well, you thought so too when you made Eden Roc Resort Hotel your winner in this category. The views of the sea are unreal from their Olympic-size swimming pool – something you HAVE to see to believe.

What you said:

“The view overlooking the sea from the pool was so stunning, I snapped a pic and made it my laptop wallpaper at work. It even beats staring at Dan in finance every day... only just though. My top tip: it’s worth the little bit extra for a sea view room. Thank me later.” - Justine, Harrogate

Best Sun-lounger Ratio: Laguna Park II

There’s nothing worse than a poolside with more dwellers than sunbeds, and it’s something you lot are clearly very hot and bothered about. So when it came to the Sun-lounger Ratio award, there was a clear winner. Tenerife’s Laguna Park II has an ENORMOUS swimming pool area and the sun-lounger quantity to match. Pop a towel down and get involved.

What you said:

“At Laguna Park II, there were loads and loads of sunbeds to choose from, so I’d stick a towel down in an optimum spot and relax poolside all day. The poolside gets sun all day round as well, so don’t forget your suncream!” - Rob, Coventry

Best Poolside Playlist: Club Mac Alcudia

If you’re looking for a place that keeps your foot tapping all day by the pool, then look no further than Club Mac Alcudia in Majorca. From the pool, to the theme park, to the waterslides, their Poolside Playlist is top-notch. Don’t be surprised to see a few songs creep into your own playlists when you get home...

What you said:

“When we could peel the kids away from the waterpark, we’d all sit around with our toasties and sing along to the brilliant mix of holiday tunes that play around the pool. The animation team really brought the music to life too.” - Laura, Bristol

BFF: Mahmoud Mohamed of Serenity Fun City

A hotel can be the most boujee place on earth, but when push comes to shove, it’s the people that really make it. Enter Mahmoud Mohamed of Serenity Fun City in Egypt who seemingly became everyone’s BFF at the hotel...

What you said:

“We must protect Mahmoud at all costs”

“We genuinely asked Mahmoud to come round the Fun City theme park at the hotel with us”

“Our holiday in Sharm [El Sheikh] honestly wouldn’t have been the same without Mahmoud. He deserves this award more than anyone” - Everyone that’s ever visited Serenity Fun City, Everywhere.

Best Brekky: Mitsis Blue Domes Resort & Spa

The Brekky category was the most hotly contested of them all, for sure. But one hotel, in particular, was egged-on more than any other by our VIBs, and that was Mitsis Blue Domes Resort & Spa in Kos. Yeah sure, it’s set on a Blue Flag beach with 10 pools, but have you tried the bacon, sausage and egg butties?

What you said:

“The breakfast SO good at Mitsis Blue Domes that I didn’t miss it, even once – there's even a dedicated Healthy Corner and a Pastry Corner. Plus having breakfast with a view of the pools and the Blue Flag beach at the hotel made it 10x better” - Tom, Carlisle

Beachiest Location: Muthu Clube Praia da Oura

If you're a beach buff like me, you’ll appreciate a hotel that’s set right on the beach. And for so many of you lot, Muthu Clube Praia da Oura was front of mind when we asked you to name your Beachiest Location winner. When a hotel has its own secret beach, it makes sense, right?

What you said:

“The best part of the hotel for me was the beach at the back of it. It was like its own secret beach set away from the hustle and bustle, but close enough that we could pop down and rent a pedalo... which we did, of course." - Jolene, Bolton

Extra Little Touches: Beatriz Costa Teguise & Spa

We’re not sure Beatriz Costa Teguise & Spa in Lanzarote can even properly fit in a brochure. There’s so much more than meets the eye at this hotel that it’s a worthy winner of the Extra Little Touches award. A world-class welcome, beautiful views all around and stunning interior gardens helped this hotel beat out the competition.

What you said:

“Love this place! I spent my days walking through the gardens at the hotel, taking in all the views and chatting with the friendly staff. There’s even a courtesy bus that takes you into town from the hotel. Very nice touch.” - Joanna, Durham