Diane Darlington and her boyfriend Matthew Kenyon travelled to Tunisia on Wednesday to celebrate Diane’s 21st birthday.
The couple, who are staying at the El Mouradi Palm Marina hotel, are safe.
Recalling the action, Diane said: “I was in the pool taking part in pool aerobics while my partner lounged next to the pool.
“I heard a gun and looked toward Matty to see if I had heard correct and as that happened a crowd came running from the beach shouting.
“I couldn’t make out what they were saying as it was in another language, but you know when to move.
“I got out the pool, grabbed my phone and bumbag, filled with our important things, and ran into the hotel with my boyfriend and everyone else.
“Everyone was shouting and panicking we tried to remain calm and got into our room, barricading the door behind us.
“I was very shaken as you only see these things on TV or online.”
She added: “My partner started recording from the balcony all the gun shots and explosions, which I instantly recognised to be grenades.
“We could see the staff gathering everyone and trying to control the situation, every staff member gets my full respect as they ran into danger to save us.
“Staff were everywhere police arrived and not long after the army arrived in helicopters and a lot of boats.”
Diane says the couple’s main source of news was through family and friends who were watching the news back in the UK while they remained barricaded in their room.
She said: “We waited for a good three hours before it went really quiet and then we headed towards reception were we were told it is safe and we should continue our holiday.”
The couple are due to fly back next Wednesday but want to leave Tunisia as soon as possible.
Diane said: “Our families back home trying to arrange a sooner flight.
“They may say it’s safe but we want to be back home and safe in our own country.”
She added: “I don’t feel completely threatened and scared now as the staff have made an effort to keep us light hearted.
“They really are a credit to this hotel, I was loving absolutely everything about this place until today.
“Now I just wish to be home.”
