Newlyweds Jess and Conor Phillips eagerly flew to Cape Verde on October 21, just three days after their wedding in Somerset, anticipating a restful week at a five-star resort. Unfortunately, Jess’s honeymoon quickly turned into a nightmare when she fell gravely ill, making nearly 100 trips to the bathroom over three days.
Having stayed at the same resort two years prior, Jess, 31, expected nothing less than a peaceful getaway. However, within days of their all-inclusive trip booked through TUI, she developed severe diarrhoea followed by vomiting, leaving her weak and unable to eat. Her desperate attempt to replenish salts with Pringles underscored the severity of her condition.
Jess was hospitalized and treated for gastroenteritis, but subsequent tests by her GP revealed she had contracted shigella—a highly contagious bacterial infection linked to poor hygiene and often caused by contaminated food or water. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever.
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Law firm Irwin Mitchell confirmed they are representing more than 1,500 British tourists who have suffered similar gastrointestinal illnesses linked to Cape Verde holidays over recent years.
Despite her deteriorating health, upon discharge Jess was met with further frustration when the hotel demanded a steep fee exceeding 100 euros for a late check-out. After negotiation, the charge was reduced to 50 euros, but Jess expressed outrage, emphasizing the risk of contagion and feeling neglected by hotel staff.
From her home near Wells, Somerset, Jess described the ordeal: “I was so careful with hygiene—using hand sanitizer everywhere, avoiding meat, fish, and unpeeled fruit, only drinking bottled water. Still, I got this serious infection. I can’t believe how quickly it wrecked what should have been the happiest week of my life.”
While the hotel reassured they follow strict hygiene protocols and conduct regular health audits, the incident has left Jess seeking a significant refund, stating her honeymoon was “completely ruined.”
A TUI spokesperson highlighted their commitment to customer health and safety and confirmed they are reviewing Jess’s case.