Nightmare in Paradise: Quebec Families Recount 'Traumatizing' Sunwing Vacation in Cuba

It was supposed to be a dream getaway to the sunny shores of Varadero, Cuba, a much-needed escape for Quebec families. Instead, for several unfortunate travellers who booked their vacations through Sunwing, what unfolded was a holiday nightmare, leaving them not refreshed, but traumatized and deeply disappointed by conditions they describe as deplorable.

At the heart of these distressing accounts is the Memories Varadero Beach Resort, where families encountered a litany of issues ranging from pervasive mould and raw sewage smells to shocking bed bug infestations.

These weren't minor inconveniences; they were conditions so severe they overshadowed any semblance of relaxation and enjoyment, turning what should have been a relaxing retreat into a constant source of anxiety and discomfort.

Take, for instance, the Maly family, who arrived with their infant only to discover their room was a hotbed for bed bugs.

"We thought it was mosquito bites at first," recounted Ms. Maly, detailing the horrific moment they peeled back bed sheets to find the pests crawling. Their baby, barely able to defend herself, was covered in painful, itchy bites, necessitating medical attention and a disturbing start to what should have been a joyous trip.

Despite their immediate complaints and desperate pleas, resolving the issue was a struggle, leaving them feeling stranded and unheard by resort staff and Sunwing representatives.

Another Quebec family, the Hamels, also painted a grim picture of their stay. Upon entering their room, they were greeted not by the enticing scent of the ocean, but by the nauseating stench of raw sewage.

Pervasive mould marred the walls, a clear health hazard, and the air conditioning, a crucial amenity in a tropical climate, was completely defunct. These conditions made their room practically uninhabitable, forcing them to spend their vacation in constant discomfort and worry, a far cry from the promised luxury.

Beyond these individual horror stories, a common thread of neglect wove through the families' experiences.

Complaints included a chronic lack of hot water, general uncleanliness across facilities, and amenities that were either broken or simply non-existent. The stark reality of the resort was a world away from the glossy brochures and enticing promises of a tropical paradise, revealing a disturbing lack of maintenance and hygiene.

Attempts to rectify the situation with Sunwing representatives on-site often proved futile, leading to immense frustration and a profound sense of helplessness.

Upon returning home, the families pursued their complaints further through Sunwing's customer service, seeking appropriate compensation for their ruined vacations and the enduring trauma. However, the travel giant's response – a partial future travel credit – was viewed as insultingly inadequate, failing to acknowledge the true extent of their suffering and the potential health risks endured.

These harrowing tales serve as a stark reminder that a dream vacation can quickly turn into a nightmare when basic standards of hygiene and safety are neglected.

For these Quebec families, their Cuban getaway will forever be etched in their memories, not as a sun-drenched escape, but as a "traumatizing" ordeal that left them questioning the integrity of their travel provider and the reality of their "all-inclusive" experience, highlighting the critical importance of robust consumer protection in the travel industry.