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Hundreds of UK holidaymakers report serious illness after stays at luxury Cape Verde resorts, with legal claims mounting against travel giants.
What should have been a relaxing break in the idyllic Cape Verde islands has turned into a nightmare for hundreds of British holidaymakers, many of whom are now preparing legal action after falling violently ill while staying at top-rated resorts.
Shocking Reports of Food Poisoning, Poor Hygiene, and Bed Bugs
An investigation by Holiday Claims Bureau has revealed a disturbing pattern of illness outbreaks across multiple resorts in Cape Verde, with many guests struck down by food poisoning, bacterial infections such as Shigella, Salmonella, and E. coli, and even bed bug infestations.
The affected hotels, many of which are promoted as all-inclusive luxury escapes, include some of the biggest names in the industry:
Riu Palace Santa Maria: A popular resort now under scrutiny due to a surge in illness complaints.
RIU Touareg: Guests describe being “mauled” by bed bugs, with some requiring medical treatment for bites.
Melia Dunas: Holidaymakers report being “left fleeing” the resort after a widespread food poisoning outbreak.
RIU Funana: At least a hundred cases of sickness linked to contaminated food or drink.
RIU Karamboa: Multiple reports of Salmonella have prompted health concerns.
Sol Dunas: Guests described food as “dangerous” and undercooked, especially during peak travel periods.
RIU Cabo Verde and RIU Palace Hotel: Ongoing issues with hygiene and illness continue to be flagged.
‘It Ruined Our Holiday’ – Holidaymakers Speak Out
Several families have spoken of their ordeal, including young children suffering days of vomiting and diarrhoea, ruined holiday plans, and unexpected medical bills.
“I spent half the trip in bed and the other half trying to find safe food,” said one mother who stayed at Melia Dunas in May. “My children were sick within days, and staff did little to help.” she told the Mirror.
Legal Success Stories Offer Hope
Despite the distress caused, there is light at the end of the tunnel. At Holiday Claims Bureau, we have already helped numerous clients win compensation for their suffering in Cape Verde.
Mark Hudson from Crawley received £5,000 after falling ill at Hotel RIU Touareg
Lily and Jordan received £2,900 compensation after suffering food poisoning at RIU Funana
These successful claims are part of a growing number of payouts to British holidaymakers who were left physically and financially impacted by their stay at Cape Verde resorts.
‘Tour Operators Must Be Held Accountable’
“We’re seeing a deeply concerning trend in illness reports from Cape Verde,” said Michael Walker, Partner at Holiday Claims Bureau. “Our clients have suffered physically, emotionally, and financially through no fault of their own. Tour operators and package holiday resorts must be held accountable for failing to maintain even the most basic health and hygiene standards expected by holidaymakers.”
What You Can Do If Affected
If you or a loved one became ill during or shortly after your stay at any Cape Verde resort,especially those listed above,you could be entitled to compensation.
Holiday Claims Bureau is offering free legal advice and can support you in seeking justice for the pain, disruption, and financial loss suffered.
Call 0161 813 2131
Live chat with an expert
Fill out our online claim form to request a call back
