A group of 25 Brits are taking legal action against a lavish five-star resort in Cape Verde, claiming serious illness ruined their "nightmare" holiday.
Intended as an idyllic retreat, the dream holiday for guests at the Riu Karamboa in Boa Vista soon descended into chaos, with claims of gastric sickness. The holidaymakers report alarming hygiene conditions around the hotel's buffet - including birds and flies, and cats roaming about. They also allege encountering frequently "raw and undercooked," food presented with "dirty crockery and cutlery."
One NHS employee who shelled out £3,000 to commemorate her early retirement found herself hospitalised with a severe E.coli infection. Sharon Burrow, 56, from Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, described the supposed deluxe sojourn as "one of the worst experiences of her life," and declares she still endures persisting health issues eight months later.
Another affected visitor, Penny Robson, a 55 year old paramedic from London, had no choice but to take antibiotics after a severe spell of gastric distress - ranging from bloating and diarrhoea to nausea and stomach cramps. Penny, who spent £2,000 on a week's escape with a companion in September 2023, was compelled to forgo two prepaid outings, such as an astronomy event and a personal island jaunt, due to falling sick on the fifth day, reports the Mirror.
Together with Sharon and others, Penny has joined a contingent of 25 holidaymakers who have engaged solicitors to delve into the resort's hygiene practices and pursue justice following their dreadful experiences. Sharon, 56, from Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, set off for a ten-day sojourn to Riu Karamboa on September 20, 2024.
However, about halfway through her break, she began experiencing body aches and a fever, which escalated to severe stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Upon returning to the UK, a trip to A&E ensued, where tests confirmed Sharon had contracted E.coli and shigella. Sharon expressed that doctors suspect the infection was picked up whilst on holiday.
The mental health worker recounted: "I was unwell for nearly three weeks and it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I was in so much pain and completely drained - it felt like my body just shut down."
She added her concerns regarding the hotel's cleanliness: "I'd been concerned about hygiene at the hotel. Food was served at room temperature and new food was added to existing food. I saw dirty crockery, cats in and around the restaurant and empty plates attracting flies were left on tables. I feel completely let down and while it's too late for me the least I feel I deserve is answers and to raise awareness of what I've been through so hopefully others don't have to."
Penny, meanwhile, required medical attention at the resort, including antibiotics and electrolytes when she fell ill five days into her own holiday.
Upon returning home, Penny has been struggling with persistent anxiety; the ordeal has notably shaken her confidence and sense of wellbeing. She shared: "I was looking forward to my holiday and had saved for months. However, the excitement for the holiday quickly disappeared when I started feeling unwell. It completely ruined what should have been a relaxing time. I've never felt so vulnerable while abroad."
She now exercises extra caution about her travel destinations, stating: "I'm very cautious now regarding where I would book a holiday. This has affected my choices and I travel much shorter distances to Europe as I don't feel confident travelling to further afield places. I no longer trust my body and if I ever eat out I constantly worry about food and how it's prepared. I just want answers as to how my holiday became a nightmare."
Legal firm Irwin Mitchell is representing over 1,400 holidaymakers who have endured serious illnesses connected to trips in Cape Verde since 2022. Jatinder Paul, the international serious injury lawyer working with the afflicted travellers, commented: "This is yet another resort in Cape Verde that has come under the spotlight following reports of serious illness.
"We're already representing more than 1,400 British holidaymakers who have suffered gastric illness linked to holidays on the islands over the last three years. Illnesses like E.coli are serious and can lead to long-term health complications. It's vital that if any issue are identified, swift action is taken to eradicate the risks to other holidaymakers.
"While nothing can makeup for their ordeals, this latest group we represent understandably want answers. They booked what they hoped would be luxury holidays, but the first-hand accounts we've heard about their holiday were anything but luxury. As part of our investigations, we would be interested in hearing from other guests staying at the hotel at the same time as this group."
The Riu Karamboa resort informed the Mirror: "For RIU Hotels and Resorts, the health and safety of our guests is our highest priority. That is why we adhere to strict Health and Safety protocols and comply with all applicable regulations. Additionally, we work closely with local health authorities to ensure a safe environment for both our guests and employees. As part of our proactive approach to preventing health issues, we conduct thorough internal and external audits on a regular basis.
"Our hotels in Cape Verde, which consist of six properties with a total of 4,650 rooms, maintain an average occupancy rate of over 80%. Given this high level of activity, we continuously monitor our operations to uphold the highest health and safety standards."
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