we were in spain recently, staying in a lovely little hotel (all english guests) with a very small sunbathing area round the pool, there were loads of beds but no space! every morning before breakfast one chap would set up his bed, towel and book on it, in the best place free of shadows and then disappear until at least 2pm!!!! no one was brave enough to move it, including me! we did park our beds right upto his though, so we weren't in the shade!
ger x