A nurse from South Wales nearly died from sepsis following a stay at a hotel in Rhodes that she described as deteriorating in condition. Amanda Mortimer, 54, fell seriously ill after visiting the Thalia Hotel in Pefkos in 2022 with her partner, Estelle Mattravers.

Mortimer, who had previously stayed at the hotel twice without incident, noticed a marked decline in cleanliness during her most recent visit. She reported concerns about poor hygiene, including algae accumulation near the pool area and unsanitary conditions around the food service areas. Reports from the couple also included worries about water quality in guest rooms.

Shortly after returning from their holiday, Mortimer developed symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and a fever. Initially diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, her health rapidly worsened. She experienced breathing difficulties and developed pneumonia, which escalated to sepsis. Due to the severity of her condition, Mortimer was transferred to intensive care and airlifted to London for specialist treatment. She was placed in an induced coma and remained hospitalized for approximately one month before being discharged.

Mortimer, who resides in Llantwit Major, South Wales, engaged law firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate the circumstances surrounding her illness and its possible connection to the holiday. The family holiday had been booked through the tour operator LoveHolidays. According to the law firm, there was evidence that other guests at the hotel had reported similar illnesses.

LoveHolidays later reached a substantial out-of-court settlement with Mortimer but maintained that it did not accept liability for the incident.

The case highlights concerns over hygiene and safety standards in tourist accommodations and raises questions regarding the responsibilities of tour operators in ensuring the health and safety of their clients.