
Moment furious Brit holidaymaker is caught STEALING towels from sunbed-hoggers in the dead of night…is she in the right?
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
THIS is the moment a Brit holidaymaker furiously swiped towels from poolside sunbeds to hit back at tourists hogging them overnight.
Samantha Cooper became fed up with people flouting hotel rules and laying down towels to save a space for the following day - even though some wouldn't claim their spots until the afternoon.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
6
She was spotted on video swiping the towels
Credit: Jam Press/@ellieikin6
6
Samantha Cooper took towels from sunbed hoggers at 1.30am because 'they deserved it'
Credit: Jam Press/@ellieikin6
6
The 40-year-old from Manchester had been enjoying her break at a Cyprus resort
Credit: Jam Press/@ellieikin6
6
Her 25-year-old daughter Ellie Ikin called the hoggers 'selfish'
Credit: Jam Press/@ellieikin6
The 40-year-old from Manchester had been enjoying her break at a Cyprus resort, but faced the daily struggle to find a free sunbed each morning.
Her hotel had strict rules against towels being laid down before 9am each morning.
But Samantha quickly established that many visitors were flouting this edict, with many sneaking out in the dead of night to reserve a spot.
She spotted people heading to the poolside at 1.30am to place their towels on sunbeds that they wouldn't even use until the next afternoon.
Soon, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
After getting fed up with the queue-jumpers, she went down herself to whip the preemptive towels off the sunbeds.
Her daring actions were even caught on video.
"To be fair, they deserved it," her 25-year-old daughter Ellie Ikin told the MailOnline.
"They were never down there until at least 3pm. Every morning was a struggle.
"The hotel said they had rules of no one putting towels down until 9am, but no one listened."
5 of the best cheap family holiday destinations in Europe
She added: "My mum noticed they were putting towels down at 1.30am from her balcony.
"We were annoyed because the people who were doing it didn't sit around the pool until later in the afternoon.
"I was happy she pulled them off so other people actually got a chance to get a bed when they wanted to sit around the pool in the morning."
Her mum's bold measures made it easier for people to find a spot by the pool the next morning.
But the hoggers continued to put their towels down the next night regardless.
Ellie blasted these people's actions as "selfish".
"I completely understand the need of getting a bed early, but 1.30am putting towels out when you have no intentions of being there in the morning is ridiculous," she said.
It is not the only sunbed-related drama to have drawn attention in recent months.
One tourist was furious after vigilantes swiped towels from a sun lounger she had been given permission because of her disability.
Wheelchair user Elaine Simpson, 77, from Manchester, had been holidaying near Magaluf to celebrate her wedding anniversary.
But her plans to enjoy the special day by the poolside were ruined after a vigilantes nabbed the towels they had used to save their spaces.
She had been given the permission of hotel staff to save a spot this way because of her disability.
Elaine previously told the Sun: "We could never have made it down for 9am to get a sunbed.
"So we went out to the beach and paid for sunbeds for the whole week."
6
Her bold measures made it easier for people to find a spot by the pool the next morning
Credit: Jam Press/@ellieikin6

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The campervan trip to Spain's least visited region that finally turned me into a grown up
If you're looking for a trip that's a bit off the beaten track, this Spanish region is a winner PINCHOS-ME MOMENT The campervan trip to Spain's least visited region that finally turned me into a grown up I HAVE the palate of a schoolchild. Before embarking on any trip, I often load a supermarket trolley with Monster Munch and a Fray Bentos pie-in-a-tin. So how exactly did I end up sipping silky reds and nibbling padrón pinchos on a charming cobbled street this summer? 6 I had travelled through northern Spain, in a Bailey motorhome, to the Rioja region Credit: Getty 6 Tuck into pinchos tapas on a stick, it is a genius way to enjoy the dessert Credit: Alamy Advertisement I had travelled through northern Spain, in a Bailey motorhome, to the Rioja region which, unbeknown to me, would soon shake up my tastebuds. Parking up at Camping de Haro, a leafy campsite in the heart of La Rioja (Spain's famous wine country), meant I had hearty cuisine right at my fingertips. From here, it's just a ten-minute stroll into Haro, a pretty town surrounded by vineyards and packed with wine bars, restaurants and ancient wineries. A recent report from the Spanish tourist board revealed that Rioja is one of the least-visited regions in the country. Advertisement That meant fewer crowds and therefore more time to scrutinise the menus. And I can say with certainty that the menus here are nothing short of impressive. I had visited the bars on Haro's lively main square with one simple mission: to try proper food. Not pot noodles, not tinned ravioli – real local fare. Advertisement Of course, tapas is well-known across the country, but in northern Spain, they serve pinchos. The name comes from 'pinchar', meaning 'to poke' or 'to skewer', which explains why each of the snacks I devoured at various bars had been neatly stacked on bread and skewered with a toothpick. Inside the Spanish town begging for Brit tourists They're keenly priced and ridiculously tasty. I started my food crawl safely with Spanish tortilla (or omelette, as it's sometimes known), followed by serrano ham, until I got braver. It turns out that Lomo ibérico, a type of ham made from cured pork loin, is a gateway food to another culinary dimension as by the time the night was over I had eaten my way through all manner of bizarre foods, even pig's ear pinchos. Advertisement Not something my under-educated palate had considered before, but it was a surprisingly tasty way to broaden my dietary horizons. Each bar had its own twist on the traditional pincho, making it easy to sample a variety of small tasters. It's customary to order a glass of wine and a pincho or two, then move on to the next bar – and by the third stop, I was a convert. Although savoury pinchos are the most popular, a dessert alternative is available to round off the evening. Pudding on a stick? Genius. The tasting was top-notch, and my host tailored the description of each wine to suit my inexperience The next morning, with a clear head and a mild cheese regret, I took a tour of Gómez Cruzado, one of Haro's oldest wineries. Advertisement Being largely a lager-only lad until this trip, here's where the grown-up wine lessons began for me. I learned about grape varieties, the use of different oak barrels, and how to properly assess a Rioja's aroma and evaluate its legs with a degree of confidence. The tasting was top-notch, and my host tailored the description of each wine to suit my inexperience. 6 Lee was able to treat his taste buds by sampling the local delicacies in Rioja Credit: Supplied 6 Haro is a pretty town surrounded by vineyards and packed with wine bars, restaurants and ancient wineries Credit: Getty 6 It's customary to order a glass of wine and a pincho or two Credit: Getty Advertisement Over a couple of hours, I sampled smooth whites and rich reds with names I couldn't pronounce but wanted more of. I picked up a bottle to take back to the campsite, along with some proper deli treats, and ditched the Fray Bentos for the night. Back at the motorhome, uncorking my new favourite wine and laying out some local cheese and ham, I watched the sun dip behind the stunning scenery that surrounds the campsite. It turns out you can still enjoy the great outdoors, but without the canned custard and tastes of home. If you're looking for a trip that's a bit off the beaten track, Rioja's a winner And if you're looking for a trip that's a bit off the beaten track, Rioja's a winner. Advertisement Gorgeous scenery, friendly locals, and incredible food and wine. I came here to shake up my comfort zone and ended up discovering a whole new side to travel, and to myself. The Fray Bentos? Still tucked in the back of the van. But for once, it stayed unopened. 'Travel broadens the mind' is a well-worn phrase, but I can now confirm it broadens the palate, too. 6 I had travelled through northern Spain in a Bailey motorhome Credit: Alan Bond Advertisement


Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I visited the tiny European island loved by Kate Moss and Katy Perry that looks straight out of the Maldives
Whatever you do, don't tell the Ibiza crowd about this refreshingly untouched isle SEA YOU THERE I visited the tiny European island loved by Kate Moss and Katy Perry that looks straight out of the Maldives Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARRIVING in sun-drenched Ibiza with temperatures soaring above 30C, you might be tempted to kick off your shoes and declare your holiday had officially begun. But persevere on your journey a little longer and you will be rewarded with some of the Balearics' most unspoiled beaches. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Formentera is Ibiza's chill little sister, and is notable for celebrity visits too Credit: Getty 8 Stunning sea views are complemented by the delicious food on offer Credit: Getty 8 The Insotel Hotel Formentera Playa is perched on one of the island's dreamiest stretches of sand, Platja de Migjorn Credit: Insotel Formentera, Ibiza's chilled-out little sister, has water so clear and turquoise, you would be forgiven for thinking you had landed in the Maldives. After touching down at Ibiza Airport, it's just a quick coach ride to the port, where the adventure begins. Following a scenic 30-minute ferry crossing, Tui is waiting with an air-conditioned minibus for the final leg. The destination? The Insotel Hotel Formentera Playa, which is perched on one of the island's dreamiest stretches of sand, Platja de Migjorn. We booked a superior studio room, and it turns out to be a great choice. Comfy and spotless, our room even has a little kitchen nook with a decent-sized fridge that's perfect for keeping our snacks and drinks cool. But the real star is that stunning sea view waiting to greet you each morning while you sip coffee on the balcony. Bliss. Days can be split between lazing by one of the two pools or venturing along the beach on the wooden walkways to golden sand. An early morning flight means that, after some speedy unpacking, we're lucky enough to steal a whole afternoon on the beach. Within minutes, we're running like giddy kids straight into the crystal-clear water. It doesn't take long to slip into the laid-back beach vibe, with mellow Ibizan bossa nova tunes floating through the air like a warm breeze. Best beaches in the world revealed At the hotel, bicycles are yours for the taking, free of charge, and with the island stretching only 12 miles from end to end, it's a great way to get around. Every beach and landmark is within easy reach, the roads are wide and safe, and drivers are courteous of tourists and locals alike. My husband, however, feels the need for something a touch more continental. So we swap pedals for petrol and hire a scooter to get around for the week. No trip to Formentera would be complete without visiting Ses Illetes beach Soon we're zipping about in style, the nostalgic smell and happy hum of the two-stroke engine a defining summer soundtrack of countless European holidays past. Four miles up the coast, or 15 minutes by scooter, Cala Saona is one of Formentera's must-visit beaches. Nicknamed 'the jewel of the west coast of Formentera', it's tucked away in a beautiful cove, with shallow, inviting waters. Flanked by cliffs, it's also a sheltered spot, shielded from the stronger winds that often impact southern shorelines. No trip to Formentera would be complete without visiting Ses Illetes beach. 8 Days can be split by enjoying the beachside paradise, or heading further afield to explore the island Credit: Amy Reading 8 It's easy to see why people come back to Formentera year on year Credit: Insotel Named after the little islands ('illetes') nearby, this spectacular spot has earned a reputation for being the 'Maldives of the Med' — and it's easy to see why. Located on the island's northernmost tip, this narrow strip of rock is fringed by powdery-white sand and turquoise sea. At its very end, you'll be rewarded with views of S'Espalmador, an islet within Formentera's Ses Salines Nature Park, part of a Unesco World Heritage site. This islet made headlines last year when Katy Perry filmed her Lifetimes music video there without permission from the Spanish authorities. Refreshingly untouched Sadly, no celebs are spotted this time, although Kate Moss has recently been galavanting on the beaches of Formentera, clutching a Birkin bag, no less. And, judging by the influx of superyachts moored in the bay during our visit, the stars must be close. Last year, my plan to reach the very tip of the island failed — so naturally, it's at the top of this year's must-do list. Armed with sandwiches and more water than seemed reasonable for the two-mile round trip, we set off. The path lead us over low rock formations and along beaches that grow ever narrower. 8 Guests wanting to simply lounge by the pool at the Insotel Hotel won't be disappointed Credit: Insotel 8 Kate Moss has recently been galavanting on the beaches of Formentera Credit: BackGrid Finally, we reached the end of the land, where the two tides meet. The sandbar is shallow and warm, perfect for wading far out while still being only knee-deep. That's one bucket-list item officially ticked. Back at the hotel, there is a range of activities to keep guests happy throughout the day, including yoga, massage, water polo and an energetic kids' club. Formentera is often hailed as the last truly authentic Balearic island Evenings offer diverse entertainment options, with buffet-style dinners that have enough variety to satisfy all tastebuds. Meanwhile, the hotel's South Beach bar provides a casual atmosphere, with day beds and sunken seats perfect for relaxing. Our evenings are happily spent here — cocktails and chilled-out music making it the perfect end to another sun-soaked day. With a week in Formentera feeling like two, it's easy to see why people come back here year on year. No doubt we'll be returning for another run of hippie adventure. Formentera is often hailed as the last truly authentic Balearic island — a little slice of paradise where time slows down, flip-flops are practically a dress code and the charm feels refreshingly untouched. Just don't tell the Ibiza crowd. 8 This island made headlines last year when Katy Perry filmed her Lifetimes music video there Credit: Splash


Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Inside the stunning hotel that's the perfect balance of wellness and luxury
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you're in need of a reset — a weekend that feels like a workout for mind, body, and soul — then Cottons Hotel and Spa in Knutsford might just be the perfect escape. Nestled in beautiful Cheshire surroundings, this gorgeous retreat offers the ideal balance of wellness and indulgence. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The spa is blissful 2 Catherine enjoyed delicious meals From luxurious rooms to delicious food and blissfully relaxing treatments, every detail has been carefully curated to leave you feeling rejuvenated and recharged. From the moment my friend Jen and I checked in, the stresses of the working week began to melt away. Our junior suite was absolutely stunning, with every luxurious detail thoughtfully catered for. The separate living area was perfect for unwinding with a glass of something, while the generous bedroom featured a huge, ultra-comfy bed and a gorgeous bathroom stocked with indulgent White Company toiletries. Wasting no time, we slipped into our robes and slippers and made our way down to the pool and spa, ready to fully embrace the relaxation that awaited us. The area was every bit as stylish and modern as the rest of the hotel, featuring a pristine pool, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, and a fabulous outdoor hot tub. With plenty of loungers and seating both indoors and out, there was ample space to stretch out and unwind in the calming environment. As the late spring sun bathed the space in warmth, we made a beeline for the hot tub, sinking into its soothing bubbles and letting the tranquillity wash over us. Time seemed to fly by as we chatted away, putting the world to rights, and before we knew it, it was time to head back to our room and get ready for dinner in the hotel's restaurant. We were especially excited about this, having heard wonderful things about the Rosette-winning menu from The Curious Kitchen — and I can say, hand on heart, it did not disappoint. We began by sharing the bread platter and tempura prawns, which were crispy, juicy, and sublimely succulent. For the main course, I opted for the Sri Lankan chicken curry, served with fluffy rice, homemade flatbread, chutney, and pickles. It was so aromatic and delicious that I could have licked the bowl clean! Fraser Suites - Glasgow Jen chose the creamy carbonara, which she described as rich and utterly satisfying. Although we were stuffed, dessert is always a must, so we shared the irresistible ice cream sundae. It was indulgent, delightful, and the perfect way to end a truly wonderful meal. The next morning, our wellness journey continued in the most delightful way. After a healthy yet hearty breakfast of poached eggs and avocado, we made our way to the spa for the Ultimate Glow treatment — 80 minutes of pure bliss. The experience began with a soothing foot rub, followed by a back exfoliation and massage, a rejuvenating facial, and culminated in a heavenly head and scalp massage. I was absolutely floating on air afterwards and took full advantage of the relaxation room. With cosy beds, soft throws, plump pillows, calming music, and a selection of herbal teas and flavoured water to keep us hydrated, it was the perfect space to unwind and let the serenity of the morning settle in. We spent a second lovely evening exploring nearby Knutsford, with its vibrant atmosphere and fantastic selection of bars and restaurants before another night of sleep bliss. GO: CHESHIRE EVERYTHING you need to know: DINNER, Bed & Breakfast packages at the 4H Cottons Hotels & Spa from £169 a night, for two. See The hotel was the perfect destination for catching up with my friend, relaxing in beautiful surroundings, and indulging in gorgeous food and even better treatments. So good was it, in fact, we've already made plans for a return visit. Now just to get those pesky working weeks out of the way!