Stephen Jones, Associate Editor at the Mirror, and his wife Charlotte took their five-month-old twins on their first holiday to the TUI Blue Orquidea in Gran Canaria, and were blown away by the resort's suitability for young families.
The couple, who needed a break after the birth of their twins, chose Gran Canaria for its four-and-a-half-hour flight time. What they didn't expect was how accommodating the hotel would be, with a week there completely reinvigorating them and changing their expectations of family holidays.
Journey and First Impressions
Despite initial worries about flying with babies, the couple managed the packing and airport experience, feeling like "accomplished war veterans" by the time they boarded at Gatwick. After a 20-minute prebooked taxi transfer, all other worries melted away.
Set on the seafront in Bahia Feliz on Gran Canaria's sunny south coast, the all-inclusive hotel radiates a relaxed atmosphere. Instead of loud entertainment and crowded spaces, the resort feels spacious, clean, and remarkably calm – something any sleep-deprived parent would appreciate.
Accommodation and Dining
Their room was bright, modern, and large enough for two cots, with a balcony overlooking the sea that became a favourite spot for relaxing after putting the babies to bed. Early mornings with bottles felt more manageable while watching the sunrise.
Meal times were relaxed, with wide spaces between tables for buggies. The buffet restaurant offered generous choices, from fresh salads and grilled meats to fish, pasta, and pizza cooked to order. Although the twins were too young to sample the menu, the couple could easily grab things they liked while feeding them.
Pool and Childcare Facilities
The swimming pools were spotless, with plenty of sun loungers. The air-conditioned baby lounge with changing facilities near the main pool was handy for nappy changes and feeds. The sister hotel next door, Playa Feliz, where wristbands are welcome, has a bigger splash pool for toddlers with a huge shade screen.
The childcare offering at TUI Blue includes baby and tots club sessions twice daily for children aged 0-35 months, more lively 45-minute playdate sessions, and Little Splashers or Little Ravers sessions. The twins especially enjoyed a Baby Spa sensory session with soft music and calming lights.
Relaxation and Final Thoughts
The TUI reps could look after the babies for a couple of hours, allowing the couple to enjoy the gym or Club Spa. The open-air spa pool with hydrotherapy jets offers views of the Atlantic Ocean, along with a Finnish sauna, Hammam steam room, and sanarium.
A highlight was a meal at La Taverna a la carte restaurant, included in the all-inclusive package, serving vibrant tapas as the sun went down. The couple didn't race to tick off tourist attractions but enjoyed day trips and relaxing by the pool.
For any parent wondering if their first overseas holiday with young babies is worth attempting, this hotel provides a reassuring answer. Its combination of comfortable accommodation, welcoming staff, quality food, and peaceful atmosphere creates an environment where families genuinely feel supported.
TUI offers seven-night holidays to Gran Canaria staying at the 4T TUI BLUE Orquídea on an all-inclusive basis from £900pp, based on 2 adults and 1 child sharing a twin room, flying from London Luton in August, with 23kg luggage per person and transfers included. TUI Musement offers a Gran Canaria's 'Little Venice' – visit Puerto de Mogan by boat from £45 per adult, £28 per child (3-12 years old), and children (0-2) go free.
