A family who went on a five-star Caribbean holiday ended up contracting parasitic worms, describing their £3,700 trip as a ‘holiday from hell’. Sarah Sigston, 57, her husband Jeremy, 53, and their 25-year-old daughter Isabelle, from Rayleigh, Essex, stayed at the Viva Dominicus Palace by Wyndham resort. Upon arrival, they found the hotel to be disappointing, with issues like undercooked meat, insects in salads, and birds around the buffet trays. The family also complained about loud and explicit drum and bass music at the pool.
Isabelle, who has coeliac disease, became unwell after being assured a gluten-free burger contained no gluten. By the eighth day, the family began noticing worms in their stools, leading to a three-day medication course back in the UK. Despite their experiences, the travel company refused their compensation claim, citing insufficient evidence linking their illnesses to the hotel.
Sarah mentioned feeling misled by the resort’s claims of being coeliac-friendly. They were unimpressed with the hotel’s condition, food quality, and security. Isabelle’s health deteriorated after eating the incorrectly labeled burger, causing her sickness and discomfort throughout the holiday.
Although the family sought compensation through TUI, their claim was rejected due to a lack of conclusive evidence. They had requested special meals for Isabelle, who struggled to find safe food options at the hotel. The family’s frustration was compounded by the inadequate response from the hotel and the travel company.
The Sigston family’s ordeal highlights the importance of thorough research and vigilance when choosing holiday destinations, especially for individuals with dietary restrictions. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for travellers seeking inclusive and safe accommodations.