A group of 25 UK tourists are looking for legal action after becoming seriously ill on a “nightmare” holiday at Cape Verde's gorgeous five-star resort. A hotel guest said that after suffering from stomach illness while he was in Boa Vista, his dream trip quickly changed to a holiday from hell.
The holiday maker reported seeing birds, fly and even cats around the buffet area. One NHS worker who spent £3,000 on a trip to celebrate his early retirement was left hospitalized after being stabbed by E. Coli.
Sharon Barrow said she is still struggling with complications eight months later after the extravagant break turned into “one of the worst experiences of her life.” Another guest, Penny Robson, had to be given antibiotics after suppressing stomach symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps.
The pair are among the 25 people who have instructed their lawyers to investigate after raising concerns about hygiene standards at the resort. Sharon, 56, of Ashton Under Line in Greater Manchester, traveled to Cape Verde on September 20, 2024 for a 10-day break.
However, about five days after the holidays she began to suffer from pain and pain, and fever before experiencing stomach cramps and diarrhea. Sharon visited And when he returned to England and tests confirmed that she had E. coli and Shigella. She said she suspected that doctors had contracted an infection while on vacation.
The mental health worker said, “I felt sick for nearly three weeks and it was one of the worst experiences of my life.” I felt so painful and completely drained. I was worried about hygiene at the hotel. Food was served at room temperature and new foods were added to existing foods.
“I saw dirty dishes, cats around the restaurant and empty plates left on the table that attracted flies, and I feel totally disappointed.
Penny, a 55-year-old paramedic from London, traveled to the resort in September 2023 and paid £2,000 for a weekly break with a friend. She required treatment at the resort, which included antibiotics and electrolytes, and after falling five days after the holidays, she included antibiotics and electrolytes.
Penny had to cancel two prepaid excursions, including a Stargaze trip and a private island tour. She raised concerns about food hygiene at the resort, reporting that the food was often left slimy, covered and exposed to birds and fly.
One day she picked up chicken from the buffet and discovered it was raw. Since returning home, Penny says she has experienced ongoing anxiety and that the illness has had a lasting impact on her confidence and well-being.
Penny said: “I was looking forward to my holidays and I had saved myself for months. But when I started to feel sick, the excitement of the holidays quickly faded. It completely ruined what was a relaxing time.
“I'm currently very cautious about where to book my vacation. This has an impact on my choice and I'm not sure I'll travel much shorter to Europe because I don't have the confidence to travel far away.
“I no longer trust my body. When I eat out, I'm always worried about the food and how it's prepared. I just want an answer as to how my holiday has become a nightmare.”
Law firm Irwin Mitchell now represents more than 1,400 vacationers since 2022 who have suffered from severe illnesses related to Cape Verde's holiday. Jatinder Paul said he is an international seriously injured lawyer representing those who have become ill.
“We already represent more than 1,400 British vacationers who have suffered from stomach diseases related to island holidays in the past three years. Illnesses like E. coli are serious and can lead to long-term health complications.
“While we can't make up for their ordeal, this latest group is hoping for answers to understand. They booked what they wanted to be a luxurious holiday, but the in person accounts we heard about their holidays were not luxury.
“As part of the investigation, I am interested in contacting other guests who are staying at the hotel at the same time as this group.”
The resort was contacted for comment.
