Dear 2016,
Wow, you made for an exciting year! We saw and experienced a lot together, got to do exhilarating things, discovered new places, and enjoyed life a little more. Sure, there were low points too, but those weren’t too deep and only made things more exciting, right? Before we say goodbye to you, we want to look back once again on the most beautiful moments!
We had big plans right from the start – namely the opening of our first two TUI BLUE hotels in Turkey – and we were feverishly working to put everything together perfectly, down to the last detail. The support and encouragement we received from our fans and friends was overwhelming and motivating. It the end, it was worth all the effort, and we fell in love during the preparations of the two idyllic resorts on the Turkish Riviera. Nowhere else is the turquoise sea so nice and clear. It’s no surprise that we plunged into the waves with surfboards ourselves to learn windsurfing . Our 2015 resolution to stay fit was fulfilled in many shining examples. Whether doing the Bodyweight Course with the BLUEf!t Guides, hiking around the TUI BLUE Schladming in Austria, or training with the unique SYNRGY BlueSky system, we were getting shapely everywhere!
If we needed to pause between the many sports activities every now and then, we could always kick back in the Wellness Area of the TUI BLUE hotels or spend a relaxed day in a daybed . A dream! Especially at the Fleesensee, we found a quiet piece of nature where we could recover. But soon, the next destination – and hence the next adventure – was calling: Croatia. While rafting, we walked in the footsteps of Winnetou; during our road trip from Tucepi to Split, we explored secret places, which were so worth seeing. Also, Tenerife was on the schedule. Towards the end of the year, we pitched our tents and traded the dreary, grey, German weather for a warm 20 degrees.
2016, you were unique!
Up to that point, our trip with you was already exhilarating. And, as everyone knows, a good trip includes provisions for the journey! 2016, your cuisine was really special. From healthy low-carb buffets to tangy summer cocktails, we got to savour the full spectrum. We learned how to make the Turkish drink Ayran and enjoyed a first-class barbecue on the beach. 2016, you were also a year full of new encounters and acquaintances. We got to meet our architect, Kathrin Matthiesen and the Turkish hotel director, Yavuz Zeyrek, speak with BLUE Guide Cansu Camara and the Tuscan hotel director, Marco Metge, and ask our burning questions.
Speaking of which: the TUI BLUE hotels in Tuscany and Croatia open in 2017. We can hardly wait! Finally, we were able to meet many wonderful guests in recent months who share our passion for unknown places, new experiences, and thrilling activities. Some of these acquaintances have become genuine friends, and in the community of the BLUE App, we can exchange story after story about new places and experiences.
All in all, we’ve had a great time and enjoyed every moment of it. For all this, we say: thanks, 2016! Now on to the next year…
Your TUI BLUE team
And to you, dear blog readers, we want to dedicate a big thank you at this point. You made our year memorable, and you accompanied and supported us all the way. We hope you had the opportunity to experience “the new style of hospitality” this year. If not, maybe we’ll see you next year.
Until then, we wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2017!