On vacation – but where to? It is probably one of t h e questions in the summer of 2020 and I also asked myself. Not only because I was so gripped by wanderlust, but also because self-employment and holidays at home just don’t work for me. In search of summer, sun, beach and sea, I looked at the infection process in relation to the countries for which travel warnings no longer apply and quickly landed in Greece. In contrast to many other countries, the response to Corona was very early there, the borders were closed and the number of infections kept low.
Entry requirements for Greece
Nevertheless, the selection was not easy, because the pandemic has left its mark also in the blue and white paradise. Many hotels and restaurants are still closed and there is great concern everywhere that they will no longer open their doors. KOS, which is incidentally pronounced like Koss (not Kohs), was therefore quickly shortlisted and, in retrospect, was a true success. By the way, we owe it to Tom & Ella (Der Griechenland Reiseblog) that we were able to present the QR code that is mandatory for entry at the airport when leaving. You can apply for the so-called Passenger Locator Form here. Without this document there is a penalty of EUR 500 per person or the airline’s refusal to leave Germany.
The TUI BLUE Oceanis Beach
KOS welcomed us with a bright blue sky, full sun and plenty of wind. And it stayed the same until we had to leave unfortunately a week later. In order to avoid avoidable corona dangers, we took a taxi to the hotel. The journey from the airport to the TUI BLUE Oceanis Beach hotel near Kos Town costs EUR 42 – the prices are fixed and not negotiable. What does TUI BLUE mean? Behind the new name (from summer 2020) there are 3 hotel concepts for different holiday needs, namely TUI BLUE For All, TUI BLUE For Two (formerly known as TUI Sensimar) and TUI BLUE For Families. Oceanis Beach is part of the TUI BLUE For Two label and offers its extensive ALL-INCLUSIVE program for guests aged 16 and over. Thanks to reduced sound, more peace and quiet instead of partying and an evening entertainment that sometimes seduces a classic dance, we feel just right here.
The range of rooms is also extensive thanks to the relatively large hotel complex (<500 rooms) and ranges from classic double rooms to comfortable suites with their own pool or jacuzzi.
Corona protection
“Safety first” applies to this hotel. 
All employees wear a mask or shield and gloves, which is not required by the guests. Dispensers for hand disinfection are plentiful, the minimum clearances are observed everywhere – we were there in the most positive sense impressed and so it went on with maximum corona protection. The WiFi works perfectly, which is why it worked smoothly with all registrations via the TUI BLUE app. Means: you register for all activities (meals, leisure activities) and everything runs smoothly. If you sit down at a table, it is first disinfected in front of your eyes and then covered. So I was amazed because I haven’t seen such a protection program in German restaurants so far. The buffet is also perfectly organized. Along a course sufficient service staff await the guests to put the culinary enjoyment of your choice on the plate. Everything with a safe distance & all dishes behind glass. A mammoth task for the organizers.
Alternatively, you can indulge yourself in one of the two service restaurants. You can choose between the Italian restaurant “Meltemi” and the restaurant “Culinarium” with an international menu. A visit (in one of the two service restaurants) is included in the Al package, but you can also dine there everyday by normal payment.
Reserving sunbeds
„No thanks“ to this special German habit. Apart from the fact that I find this couch story to be totally impossible, the hotel complex does not give any reason because of its generosity – not even to those who – for whatever reason – have to have the same place every day Beach, garden and pool areas are so extensive that corona distance regulations are exceeded. The pictures are evidence of that. Who expects sandy beach is wrong here. But you can build gravel castles here, the next day still standing and that’s what. If you are looking to cool off in the sea (approx. 23 °), you should pack your so-called swimming shoes. I also saw a few snorkelers on the beach, what they discovered under water?, it was hidden from me …
Get some more impression in the following galerie. To see a unique photo in total just click on it.
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To sum up: For hotels and corona protection on Kos, especially in the TUI BLUE Oceanis Beach, both thumbs up!
Read next week what you can discover on Kos. Until then, your Renate
