Seven Hotel Guests Hospitalized After Suspected Poisoning at Luxury Fiji Resort.

 

Seven tourists were hospitalized following suspected poisoning after consuming cocktails at a bar in the Warwick Fiji resort, a five-star hotel now under police investigation.

The group included four Australians and three other foreign nationals, aged 18 to 56, who experienced nausea, vomiting, and "neurological symptoms," according to Fiji's Health Ministry. The incident occurred on Saturday, with the guests requiring medical treatment after drinking cocktails at the upscale resort.

By late Monday, five of the affected tourists had been discharged, while two remained in the intensive care unit at Lautoka Hospital in stable condition, confirmed Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Viliame R. Gavoka.

Uncertainty Over the Cause

Fiji health officials are investigating the incident, but the exact cause remains unclear. Methanol poisoning—a concern in similar past cases—has not been confirmed. Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health & Medical Services, emphasized that further investigation is needed.

“We don’t have the results yet and cannot confirm whether it was spiking or another cause until the investigation is complete,” Dr. Tudravu said on Monday.

Sydney resident David Sandoe, whose daughter and granddaughter were among the affected, shared that the group fell ill after drinking piña coladas in the resort lounge. "Seven people showed symptoms after having similar cocktails," Sandoe said, noting his relatives were expected to return home shortly.

Reassurances from Authorities

Deputy PM Gavoka, who also serves as Fiji's Tourism Minister, described the incident as “extremely isolated.”

“No other similar incidents have been reported, either at this resort or across Fiji,” he said. “The resort has operated successfully for many years and holds a strong reputation, especially among Australian visitors.”

The Warwick Fiji management assured guests of its commitment to safety, stating, "We are taking this matter very seriously. While details remain inconclusive, the safety and well-being of our guests are our top priority."

Warnings for Travelers

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers called the incident “very concerning” and confirmed that four Australians were receiving consular support. He urged travelers to take precautions, including monitoring drink preparation and seeking urgent medical help if symptoms arise.

The U.S. Embassy in Fiji acknowledged reports that an American may have been among the affected but offered no further details.

Broader Context

This case comes just weeks after a similar tragedy in Laos, where six tourists, including two Australians, died from methanol poisoning after consuming tainted alcohol. That incident prompted travel warnings about the risks of spiked or contaminated drinks abroad.

Deputy PM Gavoka emphasized that such events are rare in Fiji, which hosts nearly one million visitors annually. “We understand the concern, but the tourism experience in Fiji is overwhelmingly safe. We are working swiftly to determine what caused this isolated incident,” he stated.

The Warwick Fiji, part of the global Warwick Hotels and Resorts chain, offers luxury accommodations, with suites overlooking the Pacific Ocean priced at around $500 per night.