Holidaymakers sue 'nightmare' resort with 'gastric illness' and 'wild animals around buffet'

Twenty-five British holidaymakers are taking legal action against a posh five-star resort in Cape Verde, following a disastrous 'nightmare' holiday.
The anticipated idyllic escape turned into chaos as guests reportedly suffered from gastric illnesses at the Riu Karamboa resort in Boa Vista. They encountered alarming conditions near the buffet area, with birds, flies, and even cats lurking around the food, which was often described as "raw and undercooked," amidst claims of "dirty crockery and cutlery."
Sharon Burrow, 56, an NHS worker who paid out £3,000 for a trip to celebrate her early retirement, ended up in hospital with a severe E.coli infection. From Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, Sharon recounted that the so-called luxury holiday unfolded into "one of the worst experiences of her life," with health complications still plaguing her eight months after.
Penny Robson, 55, a paramedic from London, also shared her ordeal after spending £2,000 for a week-long stay only to endure severe gastric distress – bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Five days into her visit in September 2023, Penny was compelled to abort planned activities, including stargazing and a private island tour, as she grappled with the illness that necessitated antibiotics.
Alongside Sharon and others, Penny is involved in a collective of 25 travellers who have recruited solicitors to delve into the hygiene practices at the resort and pursue compensation following their dreadful experiences. Sharon, 56, from Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, flew out to Riu Karamboa for a ten-day getaway on 20 September 2024, reports the Mirror.
But around five days into the holiday, she said she started to suffer from aches and pains, and a fever before experiencing stomach cramps and diarrhoea.
She visited AandE when she landed in the UK and tests confirmed she had E.coli and shigella. Sharon 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 was meanwhile left requiring medical treatment at the resort, including antibiotics and electrolytes, after she fell poorly five days into the holiday.
Since returning home, Penny has been left suffering ongoing anxiety, with the illness having a lasting impact on her confidence and wellbeing. She 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 Riu Karamboa resort told 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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