CANCUN, MEXICO – A battleground as old as… well, as old as inflatable flamingos, has seen a dramatic shift. We’re talking about the infamous war for the poolside lounger, the sandy beach chair, the prime piece of sun-soaking real estate that has turned many a relaxing vacation into a strategic dawn raid. But hold onto your sombreros, folks, because it seems the tide is finally turning, and one popular Cancun resort, the Moon Palace Cancun, is leading the charge!
For years, a familiar scene has played out at resorts worldwide. Holidaymakers, armed with towels, paperbacks, and an unwavering determination, would descend upon pools and beaches at an hour most self-respecting roosters would still find offensive. Their mission? To grab the best spots, marking their territory by draping towels and books over loungers like little, colorful flags saying ‘it’s mine!’, only to promptly vanish for hours, presumably for a leisurely breakfast, a nap, or perhaps even a second breakfast.
This age-old practice, affectionately (or not-so-affectionately) known as “towel-tagging” or “sunbed saving,” has long been a source of frustration for fellow guests who prefer their beauty sleep over a pre-dawn sprint. Many have grumbled, sighed, and passive-aggressively repositioned a rogue flip-flop, but the towel troopers often prevailed.
Enter the enforcers! According to gleeful eyewitness accounts from guests at Moon Palace, the resort has decided enough is enough. New signs have sprouted like determined palm trees, and pool attendants are no longer just fluffing cushions – they’re on patrol!
One particularly thrilled vacationer, whose Facebook post has since gone viral (well, viral in the “I really care about this specific issue” kind of way), documented the glorious scenes. “It’s about time and I’m super pumped to see it being enforced!” they exclaimed, detailing how folks attempting the classic “drop and dash” were having their items unceremoniously bundled up and carted off to the front desk.
Imagine the shock! The horror! A carefully curated collection of a well-loved novel, a bottle of SPF 50, and perhaps a pair of “seen better days” sunglasses, all whisked away. The audacity! Or, depending on which side of the sunbed you sit on, the sweet, sweet justice!
Our enthusiastic observer recounted watching with delight from their balcony as early-bird “savers” performed their ritualistic towel placements at 7 AM, only for diligent attendants to swoop in mere minutes later. “Two minutes after they leave. The attendants grab their stuff up and off it goes in a laundry cart to the front desk,” they reported, a clear tone of victory in their virtual voice.
The signs themselves, now prominently displayed, leave little room for interpretation. The message is clear: “SAVING LOUNGERS IS NOT ALLOWED.” The accompanying text warns that “Towels, books, and other items do not guarantee a spot. Any unattended belongings will be collected by our staff.” One sign even features a rather stern-looking graphic of a beach chair with a towel and bag crossed out – the international symbol for “No, you don’t!”
The crackdown has apparently led to some rather vocal objections. Our holiday hero mentioned witnessing one disgruntled guest, who had attempted to reserve six chairs before taking an extended siesta, returning at 11 AM to find her prime spots occupied and her belongings relocated. Let’s just say she wasn’t practicing her tranquil vacation breathing exercises at that moment.
This move by Moon Palace is being hailed by many as a long-overdue victory for common courtesy and for those who believe a pool chair should be earned by, you know, actually being near the pool. The debate over sunbed saving has always been a hot topic, hotter than the midday Cancun sun. Is it a harmless holiday hack? Or a selfish act that deprives others?
While some argue that an early rise is simply good planning, the prevailing sentiment seems to be shifting. The “get up and go” mentality is clashing with the “if you’re not there, it’s not fair” philosophy.
So, for all you would-be sunbed strategists heading to resorts cracking down on this practice, consider this your official warning. Your towel may no longer be your trusty placeholder. Your book might actually have to be read by the pool. The days of the phantom chair-holder are numbered. And for many, that’s a reason to raise a refreshing beverage and say, “Salud to that!” The only thing you should be reserving is your energy for a truly relaxing, chair-drama-free vacation. Let us know in the comments below if you agree with the new rule!
↓ Join Our Cancun Sun Community of Over 14,000 Members↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.
Keith
Monday 2nd of June 2025
I agree with what the resort is doing but I also believe it will start angry interactions with the people who left their belongs. Resorts need to stay involved also to prevent any interactions that could lead to hostile interactions. Adults should act like adults!!!
Ignacio Maginnis García
Sunday 1st of June 2025
It’s awesome to witness a policy that has the potential to be embraced across Mexico, from the sun-kissed beaches of Puerto Vallarta to the vibrant shores of Cancun. The practice of reserving loungers with towels and personal items can be quite inconsiderate, disrupting the shared experience that others seek. Enforcing such a policy would not only encourage fairness but also enhance the enjoyment of everyone visiting these beautiful destinations!
Ginette
Sunday 1st of June 2025
Excellent initiative! All hotels should apply theses rules BRAVO