Dozens of Canadian travellers say their vacations turned into medical ordeals after experiencing vomiting, diarrhea and severe stomach pain following stays at the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun.
Several families report that symptoms began a few days into their trips, spreading quickly among guests. Kelly Bennett, who travelled to Cancun from Hamilton with extended family members, said what started as a sunny getaway quickly deteriorated.
According to Bennett, multiple members of her group fell ill within a short period. Children were bedridden or resting poolside wrapped in towels, while adults struggled with intense gastrointestinal symptoms. Upon returning to Canada, members of her family were reportedly diagnosed with norovirus, a highly contagious virus that commonly causes vomiting and diarrhea, along with what doctors described as food-borne parasites.
Bennett said her son continues to experience lingering symptoms and that multiple stool samples have been submitted for medical testing.
Other travellers have reported similar experiences. Warren Carriere said his girlfriend required hospitalization for several days after returning to Vancouver Island. In her case, doctors confirmed E. coli, a bacteria often associated with contaminated food and severe gastrointestinal illness.
A growing number of travellers have shared similar complaints online, including in social media groups formed by recent resort guests who say they became sick during February stays.
The resort has not publicly responded to requests for comment.
Wayne Smith of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Institute for Hospitality and Tourism noted that Mexico remains a major destination for Canadian travellers, with millions visiting annually. He added that negative publicity related to illness outbreaks can significantly impact the tourism industry.
Questions have also been raised about reports that at least one guest was presented with a non-disclosure agreement after falling ill. Smith suggested that such agreements may be difficult to enforce, particularly if signed while a person was medically distressed.
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch cautioned that food-borne and viral outbreaks can occur at international resorts and advised travellers to take precautions. He emphasized common travel-health guidance: avoid uncooked foods, peel fruits personally, and ensure meals are thoroughly cooked.
Some guests reported observing changes at the resort toward the end of their stay, including staff offering hand sanitizer at restaurant entrances and wearing masks while interacting with guests — measures they believe may have been implemented in response to the outbreak.
Health experts advise travellers to carry adequate medical insurance when travelling abroad and to seek prompt medical attention if experiencing severe symptoms during or after international trips.