Hampshire Newlyweds’ Cuba Honeymoon Ruined By ‘Murky’ Hotel Pool And Undercooked Food

A newlywed groom is taking legal action against tour operator Thomas Cook Tour Operations Limited after he spent most of his Cuban honeymoon confined to the hotel with gastric illness.

James and Kathryn Longhurst from Eastleigh, Hampshire were staying at the Paradisus Rio de Oro in Holguin, Guardalavaca when James fell ill.

The distraught couple have instructed expert International person injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to obtain answers about what went wrong to cause them both to fall ill on what was meant to be a memorable holiday.

Due to the severity of James’ symptoms, he was rushed to hospital in Cuba where he was given a series of injections and put on IV drips. For the rest of the holiday, as James was not getting better nurses from the Hospital came to his hotel room on a daily basis. Upon his return to the UK on 16 November, James went to A&E as he was still suffering.

James, 38, was treated with fluids and a number of blood tests were taken. He was kept under observation at Winchester Hospital for 5 hours before being discharged.

The newlyweds, who tied the knot at Chilworth Manor on 9th July 2016 flew out for the luxury five star resort on 1st November 2016 for a two week all-inclusive break, costing them £5000.

But shortly after their arrival, the couple say they noticed the resort’s lagoon-style pool was cloudy and dull and the food was on occasions not served at the correct temperature and on occasions left uncovered in the restaurant buffet, at the mercy of the local wildlife. The couple also noticed that on some occasions they saw staff not wearing any gloves whilst handling food, same utensils used for different dishes at the buffet and the glassware would not be clean.

James said: “There were birds in the restaurant flying around the food and insects all over the tables.

“Nothing seemed to be properly cleaned and the food was periodically taken away to be re-heated and then brought back out.”

James fell ill with gastric symptoms on 4th November and was so unwell he was seen by a local doctor. The couple were unable to enjoy any of the meals provided under the package holiday or trips as James was too unwell to leave the resort.

James added: “It was memorable for all the wrong reasons and ruined an otherwise perfect wedding. We were so upset. It’s not how we wanted to start married life.”

Expert Opinion

“James and Kathryn wanted and expected to spend their honeymoon to be a relaxing and memorable start to married life. Instead James suffered an unpleasant and painful ordeal which prevented either he or Kathryn from making the most of their two-week break.

“We have seen first-hand how much of an impact gastric illness can cause and the effects it can have on the many people who suffer long-lasting problems.

“No one goes on holiday expecting to suffer from illness problems as James and Kathryn did and we would encourage Thomas Cook to look into the matter to prevent other holidaymakers suffering from the same issues.” Amandeep Singh Samra - Associate Solicitor