“Giardia poisoning” torment: Sensatori Resort Punta Cana guests speak out

TripAdvisor reviewers have said that guests were gravely ill after becoming infected with the microscopic Giardia parasite at TUI’s Sensatori Resort Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

British guest Neil, staying with his partner at the 5-star hotel in February 2019, claims that debilitating gastric illness spoiled their stay, along with other guests on the premises at the same time:

“Both of us got sick, just like every other resident that we spoke to.  We spent 4 of our 7 days in the hotel room, mostly spent sat on the toilet. Been to the doctors and they have confirmed what others have said, Giardiasis. Go there if you want to lose weight, or have a desire to get sick, however I am still recovering from this trip.”

And fellow February visitor Sarah B, posting a review in June, says that TUI’s treatment of their complaint after a bout of illness means that they will not travel with the tour operator again.

“I went on holiday with my mum for a week so we could enjoy some real bonding time, but for four out of seven days – nearly half of our holiday – I was ill as Giardiasis was confirmed to be in the hotel. I was unable to leave the room for one whole day and unable to eat for four days, due to constant diarrhoea, sickness and fever symptoms…”

Test results “lost”

“But most importantly and disappointingly was the communication and patronising responses we received when getting in touch with TUI since – this is when they could be bothered to reply. We emailed the team immediately to follow up a sickness sample I’d been asked to take on the resort (just what you want to do on a ‘relaxing’ holiday), but even though i had to do this disgusting sample, they had the audacity to lose it and never give me back my results”. 

“This seems far too much of a coincidence to hide having to compensate me, whilst other residents with the exact same symptoms as me had Giardiasis. Many staff on site were aware of my illness which makes it even more disappointing that they were so careless and never followed this up.”

Sarah says that she eventually received “patronising” responses suggesting that the heat had made her ill.

Hotels in the Punta Cana region are currently under the media spotlight, after several American guests recently passed away during their stays and illness beset large groups of guests.

When you arrange a package holiday, you don’t expect conditions at the accommodation you have booked to be a danger to your health.  The current situation in Punta Cana clearly needs to be thoroughly investigated and the Tour Operators selling all-inclusive holidays at the hotels involved should be concerned about the safety of their customers.

Has your holiday at the Sensatori Resort Punta Cana been affected?

Our solicitors continue to successfully represent clients suffering illness and injury on holidays across the world.  Even if your tour operator has denied your complaint, you could be entitled to compensation for your ordeal.  And the claims we take on proceed on a No Win, No Fee basis.

Call our helpline on 0161 813 2131 or get in touch online to see how we can help put things right.