Online accommodation platform Hotels.com is searching for a lucky traveller to test out the best and most unique hotel sun options in Europe. It is inviting applications for the dream job of ‘Sun Lounger’ for those who fancy seeking out the best summer set-ups in the coming months.
Research from Hotels.com ‘The Sun-ner Travel’ survey found that eight in ten of holidaymakers polled believe basking in the sun or lounging around the pool is a great way to relax and escape reality. Some 56 per cent claimed it was important to come back from a trip with a sun-kissed glow and 45 per cent thought they looked better with a tan.
The study also showed the average person spent more than two hours a day sunbathing whilst on holiday. The biggest holiday hate was “space invader” guests reserving beds with their towels. Even though four in ten admit to doing this, 84 per cent stated they found it most annoying.
Other personality types when it comes to sunbathing, according to body language expert Judi James, include the introverted “sleeping beauty” type, who will fall asleep under an umbrella for hours at a time to get some peace and quiet, and the “chill and refill” type, who is likely to have the most stressful life at home and is therefore using their holiday to relax.
Research showed German holidaymakers ranked as most likely to reserve sunbeds (44 per cent), followed by Britons (32 per cent), Americans (20 per cent), French (19 per cent) and Italians (15 per cent).
The first ever Hotels.com ‘Sun Lounger’ will get £15,000 to spend on accommodation, where they can test out the best sun-bathing experiences. Candidates can apply here before July 31 and share three reasons why they’re perfect for the role. All entries can apply to get 30 per cent discount from Hotels.com by signing up as a member.
Emma Tagg, Hotels.com brand spokesperson, said: "We’re all about finding your perfect somewhere and sunbathing is a great way to really switch off from your daily worries and focus on relaxing. Who wouldn’t want the job as a professional sunbather?
"We’ve seen searches increase by 25 per cent for July and August compared to 2021, so it’s clear that Brits are ready to go abroad and lounge around the pool. Popular spots such as Spain, USA, France and Italy remain the most searched for this summer.
"However, we found that Turkey is rocketing in popularity with searches up 260 per cent compared to last year. If you’re heading poolside this summer, you can book your perfect stay, with 30 per cent off in our members only sale.”
THE MAIN SUNBATHING STYLES:
- THE CHILL-AND-REFILL – Loves to lie back with a cocktail in one hand and an airport-bought novel in the other. Indulgent self-treaters, they see this as a reward for months of hard work – but watch out, they can turn into a party animal at night.
- THE SUNBED SPACE INVADER – The sunbed hoggers, setting their alarms for 5am to sneak down to the pool and claim the best loungers with their towel. Competitive planners and schemers, they love to feel superior – even if it does mean annoying other holiday-makers.
- THE HERMIT/SLEEPING BEAUTY – They ensure everyone knows they are switched off and solitary, rather than open to socialising or flirting, by wearing huge shades and a large-brimmed sun hat, or a baseball cap with the brim pulled down. Their body language will be partly-closed or barriered, and you disturb them at your peril because they’re all about peace and quiet.
- THE FIDGETER – They have a very short time limit on how long they can stretch out on a sunbed without getting bored or needing to move. Fun and impulsive, their fidgeting means they’re also the ones most likely to tilt the sunbed over backwards while they’re trying to get on it.
- THE SUN-WORSHIPPING PRO – The forensic tanner, the one who knows exactly where to position and re-position their sunbed, at what angle and which time of day, to ensure they get the best golden glow. They are meticulous about their sun creams and will sunbathe topless where possible to ensure they get even coverage.
- THE WORKAHOLIC – They will pitch their sunshade over their sunbed and sit down to get on with work, with barely a glance at the view or the infinity pool. Arriving loaded with laptops, phones, and paperwork, they’ll sit putting in a full day of work while their family is off having fun.
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