25 UK tourists say they developed serious stomach problems after being served raw food on dirty plates
A group of 25 British tourists are seeking legal action after falling seriously ill on “nightmare” holidays to a luxury five-star resort in Cape Verde. Hotel guests said their dream trips quickly turned into holidays from hell after they suffered gastric illnesses while staying in Boa Vista.
Holidaymakers reported seeing birds, flies and even cats around the buffet area, which also served “raw and undercooked” food along with “dirty crockery and cutlery.” One NHS worker who spent £3,000 on a trip to celebrate early retirement was left hospitalised after being stuck down with E.coli.
Sharon Burrow said she still suffers from complications eight months on after the luxury break turned into “one of the worst experiences of her life”. Another guest, Penny Robson had to be given antibiotics after coming down with gastric symptoms including bloating, diarrhoea, nausea and stomach cramping.
The pair are among 25 people who have now instructed lawyers to investigate after raising concerns about hygiene standards at the resort. Sharon, 56, of Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, travelled to Cape Verde for a ten day break on September 20, 2024.
But around five days into the holiday, she started to suffer from aches and pains, and a fever before experiencing stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Sharon visited A&E upon her return to the UK and tests confirmed she had E.coli and shigella. She said doctors suspected she contracted the infection on holiday.
The mental health worker said: “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. 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, a 55-year-old paramedic from London, travelled to the resort in September 2023 and paid £2,000 for the week-long break with her friend. She was left requiring medical treatment at the resort, including antibiotics and electrolytes, after she fell poorly five days into the holiday.
Penny had to cancel two pre-paid excursions, including a stargazing trip and a private island tour. She raised concerns about the food hygiene at the resort, reporting that food was often served lukewarm, left uncovered, and exposed to birds and flies.
On one occasion, she picked up a piece of chicken from the buffet and discovered it was raw. Since returning home, Penny says she has experienced ongoing anxiety and the illness has had a lasting impact on her confidence and wellbeing.
Penny said: “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.
“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.”
Law firm Irwin Mitchell is currently representing more than 1,400 holidaymakers who suffered serious illnesses linked to holidays in Cape Verde since 2022. Jatinder Paul, the international serious injury lawyer representing those who have fallen ill, said: “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 make up 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 resort has been contacted for comment.