Fiji alcohol poisonings: Inside the five-star Warwick Resort

A five-star resort in Fiji promoted its festive season program just hours after four Australian guests suffered suspected alcohol poisoning. Watch video to take a tour inside the luxury venue.

A luxury resort where four Australian women drank contaminated Pina Coladas says there are “no conclusive details” about the incident, as frustrated holiday-makers slam the hotel for promoting Christmas events.

The women, aged between 18 and 56, were among seven guests staying at the five-star Warwick Resort on Fiji’s Coral Coast on Saturday when they fell ill after drinking cocktails prepared by the on-site bar.

The guests were reportedly experiencing neurological symptoms, along with vomiting and nausea, and taken to Sigatoka and Laukota Hospitals where they were monitored overnight.

On Saturday evening, within hours of the poisonings, the resort’s festive season program was uploaded on Facebook. There was no mention of the incident.

“Get ready for a magical festive season filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories,” the post read.

“From exciting activities for the kids to indulgent dining experiences, we’ve got something for everyone to make this Christmas truly special.”

Warwick Resort posted their Christmas events on their Facebook page – just hours after the suspected alcohol poisonings. Picture: Facebook

The pool area of the Warwick Fiji Resort and Spa hotel in Fiji.

Guests started commenting on the post when the incident made headlines on Sunday, asking where the hotel sourced its alcohol and why staff had not released a statement.

“Concerned about the alcohol poisoning just mentioned on the news at your resort, given we have a holiday coming up in January,” one woman wrote.

Another said: “No way I’d stay there now, too risky.”

A third person wrote: “How does a five-star hotel not serve spirit alcohol only from legitimate distilleries?”

A resort spokesperson told this masthead on Monday the situation was being treated seriously.

“We are aware of the recent news regarding suspected alcohol poisoning,” they said.

“Please rest assured that we are taking this matter very seriously and are currently conducting a thorough investigation. We are also awaiting the health authorities test result report to gather all necessary information.

“At this moment, we do not have conclusive details, but we are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our guests.

“We will keep you updated as more information becomes available. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.”

On Monday, the Fiji government uploaded a statement to its Facebook page to say all seven victims were stable in hospital.

Five of the seven - including the four Australians - were subsequently discharged.

“The Ministry for Tourism and Civil Aviation, together with the Ministry of Health & Medical Services, want to acknowledge the serious health incident that occurred at a resort on the Coral Coast, where seven guests presented with illness after consuming a cocktail at one of the resort’s bars,” the statement read.

“Our thoughts are with the affected guests and their families during this time, and we are ensuring that they receive the best medical care possible. We are reassured that their condition this morning was stable, and we do hope their condition continues to improve.

“All seven guests have been transferred to Aspen Lautoka Hospital for further medical care, investigation, and management. Our health team has conducted initial investigations, and so far, no further cases have been reported.

“We are continuing to investigate the cause of this incident, and further testing and research are underway, with the full support of the Ministry of Health and the Fiji Police Force.”

Fiji police have launched an investigation into the Warwick Resort in Fiji after the incident.

The government described the incident as “extremely isolated”, pointing out that it happened at one bar within a popular resort.

“The resort management has assured us that they have not engaged in practices such as substituting ingredients or altering the quality of drinks served to guests,” it said.

“The incident occurred at only one bar, and it involved seven tourists, ranging in age from young to older, who fell ill. The resort management shares our concerns and is fully co-operating with the Ministry of Health and other authorities to identify what happened and to ensure the safety of all future guests.”

The Warwick Resort in Fiji charges up to $500 a night for a room.

The government reminded tourists that Fiji was typically regarded as a safe destination.

It is understood methanol poisoning has not been ruled out, but the cause is still unclear.

Meanwhile, a number of prospective guests changed their holiday plans entirely, either booking alternative accommodation or altering flights to other destinations.

“We had planned to visit there, have changed tack and are going to NZ instead,” one women wrote online.

Someone else said they had decided not to visit Fiji at all. “I think I will stick with Australia and New Zealand,” they added.

The venue is promoted as “perfect for family holidays, weddings or honeymoon”.

Rooms at the resort start at about $500 per night. According to the website, guests are encouraged to have pre-dinner drinks at the Sunset Terrace Bar.

“Perfect for family holidays, weddings or honeymoon, our luxury resort in the Fijian Coral Coast sets the standard for exclusive beachfront resorts in Fiji, providing everything you expect from the Warwick name,” the website read.

“With both family and adults only facilities, this tropical all-inclusive family resort overlooking the beach welcomes you with traditional decor and wooden carvings that reflect classic Fijian style.”

Features include a tennis and squash court, pool, along with a spa and fitness centre. It also offers bicycle tours, diving, and village tours.

Originally published as Fiji alcohol poisonings: Inside the five-star Warwick Resort