Could this be the ideal holiday for families seeking sun, fun and value this year?

When holidaying with kids, space matters. A lot. Particularly if you’re travelling with toddlers that like to wriggle and explore and nap and snack. Instead of squeezing into a single hotel room (and creeping around while your little ones sleep), it’s well worth considering an apartment. 

With separate lounge areas, kitchen facilities and balconies, apartments offer space to kick back, relax and prep meals whenever hangriness (or an early morning cuppa urge) strikes. 

If you’re looking for this kind of setup but don’t want to sacrifice on resort-style amenities, TUI BLUE Tres Vidas in Gran Canaria is a brilliant option. Families staying in one- or two-bedroom apartments at this coastal spot have FREE access to all hotel perks at sister property, TUI BLUE Orquídea. Think pools, a splash park, kids' clubs, on-site restaurants, family entertainment and even toddler swim lessons. 

Located in Bahia Feliz on Gran Canaria’s sun-kissed southern coast, Tres Vidas offers the flexibility of self-catering apartments with the convenience and fun of a full-blown family resort, all just a short hop from the beach.

AND you can cash in on a FREE kids’ place at this property, making for a more affordable family escape.  

-Mumsnet user, timeforawine

About TUI BLUE Tres Vidas

Part of the popular TUI BLUE collection, Tres Vidas is designed with families in mind. Here, you'll find bright, modern apartments with space to unwind and views that stretch across the Atlantic. Choose from studios or two-bedroom apartments, all with kitchenettes, air con, and balconies or terraces.

While enjoying the handy home-from-home comforts, you’ll also have access to the incredible line-up of facilities at sister property, TUI BLUE Orquídea just next door, which delivers non-stop family fun from dawn till dusk.

From awesome pools to top-notch kids’ clubs, buffet spreads to à la carte treats, it offers everything you could possibly need for a foolproof family holiday within easy reach. 

-Mumsnet user, OatFlatWhiteForMePlease

What facilities do families have access to?

There’s lots of water-based fun over at TUI BLUE Orquídea including a kids’ splash pool with slides, fountains and tipping buckets, a shaded baby pool and two large family pools. Guests have the option to book swimming lessons at the Swim School (free parent and toddler sessions or chargeable classes for kids aged 4+).

Children can also dive into one of the best kids’ club programmes around. With expert-led sessions for kids aged 3 to 12, there's something for all ages, from messy play and crafts for the little ones to sporty challenges and treasure hunts for the older kids.

Meanwhile, there are teen activities exclusively designed for 12- to 15-year-olds including beach and pool games, challenges, and a fun evening party once a week, available from June to September. And for the tiniest travellers, the BabyClub (extra charges apply) offers gentle sensory activities and evening sessions so grown-ups can escape for a peaceful meal. 

Evening entertainment includes character shows, interactive games, themed performances and outdoor cinema nights. For something more chilled, there’s live music, garden parties and silent discos.

And for families who like to stay active together, the BLUEf!t® for Families programme mixes fitness, wellness and fun – from water polo and archery to yoga and Zumba. Fancy a bit of pampering? Book into the on-site adults-only spa for a whirlpool session or a massage.

What’s included in the price of a stay?

A stay at TUI BLUE Tres Vidas offers excellent value when you consider what’s included.

Choose to stay in a studio or two-bedroom apartment and opt for self-catering or an all-inclusive upgrade, which means you can enjoy buffet-style meals at TUI BLUE Orquídea’s main restaurant, plus snacks and drinks throughout the day. There’s also a children’s buffet, a baby food prep area and a wide range of dietary-friendly options, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes.

One visit to the à la carte restaurant, The Taverna, is also included with the all-inclusive package – a great opportunity to try local flavours in a relaxed, family-style setting. Additional à la carte options (like El Sultan) and treats from Thea’s Coffee Shop & Juice Bar are also available if you’re in the mood for a little something extra (charged separately). 

Activities and entertainment are included in your stay too - everything from kids’ clubs to evening shows, fitness classes to pool games. Certain extras, like spa treatments and swimming lessons, carry an additional cost, but the majority of the fun is factored into the price. Oh, and a TUI holiday package includes airport transfers and 25kg of checked luggage too. 

-Mumsnet user, Flibflobflibflob 

About Bahia Feliz, Gran Canaria

On Gran Canaria’s south coast, Bahia Feliz is a small, relaxed resort town with a friendly, village-like feel. It’s big enough to offer things like shops, cafes and restaurants, but compact enough to explore on foot with a buggy in tow.

The seafront promenade is perfect for leisurely strolls, and there’s a beach just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. While it’s not your classic soft-sand bay, it’s great for paddling, rockpooling, and soaking up the sun.

Got bigger kids or teens to entertain? There’s a go-karting track nearby, plus easy day trips to the livelier resorts of Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas (think giant dunes, waterparks and bustling markets), which are both within a 20-minute drive.

A major location perk is that Bahia Feli is just 20 minutes from Gran Canaria Airport, making transfers swift and fuss-free, a huge bonus when travelling with young children.

About TUI

When it comes to booking a holiday, we know everyone likes something different - from great value all inclusive deals with TUI MAGIC LIFE where kids can go free* at selected hotels to our action packed Holiday Village options and our TUI BLUE hotels with a “Family Fun” label which cater for everyone and are handpicked just for your family.

Our holiday portfolio ticks off everything from beach holidays and city breaks through to lakes and mountains getaways. We also offer tours that let you experience exotic places like Costa Rica, South Africa and Japan in a brand new way, and multi-destination trips with over 5,000 combinations to choose from. As one of the biggest UK holiday companies, we're here whenever you need us - via our stores, website or 24/7 Holiday line. Book now for a £0 deposit* when you pay via Direct Debit*.

-Louise Bates, Director Brand & Product TUI Hotels & Resorts

About the author

Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel.

She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for top publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London. She loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far, as well as trawling the Mumsnet holiday forum for inspiration for her next trip away with her husband and two kids.