A group of 25 British holidaymakers is pursuing legal action after suffering serious gastric illnesses during stays at a five-star resort in Boa Vista, Cape Verde. The affected tourists, who had expected a luxury experience, described their trips as “holidays from hell” due to widespread hygiene issues and contaminated food.
The guests reported raw and undercooked food, dirty crockery, and unsanitary buffet conditions, including birds, flies, and even cats roaming freely around food service areas. Several individuals required medical attention during or after their stay, with some still facing long-term health complications.
Serious Illnesses and Ongoing Health Problems
Sharon Burrow, 56, of Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, traveled to the resort in September 2024 for a ten-day holiday. She began experiencing fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea five days into her trip. Upon returning to the UK, she was diagnosed with E.coli and shigella.
“I was unwell for nearly three weeks. It was one of the worst experiences of my life,” said Burrow, who works in mental health. “I saw food served at room temperature, old food topped up with new, and dirty crockery. Cats wandered around the restaurant, and flies gathered on empty plates. I feel completely let down.”
Eight months later, Burrow continues to suffer complications and has joined the legal effort seeking accountability from the resort.
Another affected guest, Penny Robson, 55, a paramedic from London, visited the resort in September 2023 with a friend, spending £2,000 on the week-long break. Robson fell ill five days into the trip and required antibiotics and electrolytes provided on-site.
“I had been looking forward to this trip for months,” she said. “But I quickly became unwell. I had to cancel pre-paid excursions, and the illness ruined the experience.”
Robson also discovered a piece of raw chicken at the buffet and cited widespread hygiene failings, including uncovered and lukewarm food exposed to birds and flies. Since returning home, she says her confidence in food safety and travel has been deeply affected.
“I’ve never felt so vulnerable abroad,” Robson added. “I no longer trust my body and feel anxious when eating out.”
Legal Representation and Industry Concerns
The affected tourists have instructed law firm Irwin Mitchell, which is currently representing over 1,400 British holidaymakers who have reported illnesses linked to resorts in Cape Verde since 2022.
Jatinder Paul, international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, stated:
“This is yet another case involving a Cape Verde resort where British tourists have fallen seriously ill. Infections like E.coli and shigella can result in severe, long-term health complications. Where failings are identified, urgent measures must be taken to protect future guests.”
Paul emphasized that the group’s decision to seek legal support stems from a desire for accountability and transparency.
“These individuals booked luxury getaways but endured traumatic experiences. While legal action cannot undo their suffering, they deserve answers.”
Wider Pattern of Illnesses
The rising number of illness reports across Cape Verde has drawn concern from public health advocates and travel industry observers. Hygiene lapses in high-end resorts, where expectations of safety and cleanliness are high, have raised questions about food handling practices and regulatory oversight in the tourism sector.
A full investigation into conditions at the Boa Vista resort is expected as part of the legal proceedings.
