At Holiday Claims Bureau we have been alerted to scores of British holidaymakers who say they fell ill during their stay at the Hotel RIU Palace Santa Maria in Cape Verde.

Guests have reported widespread cases of food poisoning, poor hygiene standards, and illnesses continuing after their return home. We are urging anyone affected to come forward for expert legal advice and to start a holiday illness compensation claim.

Holidaymakers Report Illness at Hotel RIU Palace Santa Maria

Several guests have spoken out about their experiences at the Cape Verde resort, raising serious concerns about hygiene and food safety.

Kevin, who stayed in September 2025, said:“This hotel will make you ill. After 3–4 days we all started to get tummy upsets. By day five, staff were handing out hand sanitiser and checking food temperatures. Since returning home, my wife and I are still suffering, and our children and grandchildren also had stomach upsets. I suspect that TUI and the hotel are well aware of this issue.”

Another guest shared: “We all suffered from very bad stomachs. The smaller buffet restaurant had birds flying around and eating the food—it was disgusting and unhygienic. No wonder we were sick!”

Nav Soar, who stayed in August, added: “Out of our group of 31, nearly everyone ended up sick. Birds and flies were all over the food. My mother-in-law ended up in hospital on the day of our flight home, needing IV treatment and antibiotics. Doctors confirmed the infection via a stool sample, but TUI denied all accountability.”

Why You Shouldn’t Suffer in Silence

If you’ve experienced holiday sickness at Hotel RIU Palace Santa Maria, you may be entitled to compensation. Hotels and tour operators have a duty of care to provide safe, hygienic food and accommodation.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many cases where families are left to deal with ruined holidays, ongoing illness, and unexpected costs while companies deny responsibility.

Recent Success Stories

We’ve helped many holidaymakers secure significant payouts after experiencing illness abroad.

Take a look at our recent success stories to see how we’ve successfully claimed compensation for families affected by food poisoning, unsafe hotel conditions, and poor hygiene standards.

Expert Reaction

Oliver Linton at Holiday Claims Bureau, said: “The growing number of complaints linked to Hotel RIU Palace Santa Maria is very concerning. Guests should not have to suffer illness due to poor hygiene and then face denial from operators when seeking answers. Our team is here to make sure affected holidaymakers are supported and compensated.”

Start Your Hotel RIU Palace Santa Maria Illness Claim Today

If you or your family became unwell at Hotel RIU Palace Santa Maria, don’t wait. You may be able to make a TUI holiday sickness claim with our expert help.

Call us today on 0161 813 2131
Complete our online contact form
Or speak directly to a legal expert via live chat

We’re here to help you claim the compensation you deserve and hold those responsible to account.

Think You May Have a Claim?

If what happened on your holiday should have been prevented, the next step is to get clear advice on whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Start your claim

Or speak to an advisor today 0161 813 2131