'Fiji safe for tourists': Resort denies any misconduct amid alcohol poisoning case

A five-star resort in Fiji, the Warwick, has denied any wrongdoing and says it is taking allegations of suspected alcohol poisoning at its hotel "very seriously".

Located just over a two-hour drive from the capital, Suva, the Warwick has found itself in controversy after seven guests were hospitalised following an event where they drank cocktails.

The guests - four Australians, one American, and two other foreign nationals - ranged in age from 18 to 56.

They were in critical condition at Sigatoka Hospital on Saturday night, experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues after consuming piña coladas at the Warwick.

A pool bar at Warwick Fiji. Photo/Facebook/Warwick Fiji

They were later transferred to Lautoka Hospital, a 90-minute drive away. By Monday, five of the guests had been discharged, while two remained in stable condition.

Warwick Fiji, formerly Fiji Hyatt, said it was concerned for the victims.

The resort said it was “aware of reports regarding suspected alcohol poisoning” at its hotel and was "taking the matter very seriously".

The hotel said it had been in business for over four decades and never had an incident like this.

Warwick said it is cooperating with the police, and the contents of the cocktails are being forensically tested.

The resort has not addressed new allegations from New Zealanders claiming to have fallen ill during their stays amid concerns about potential methanol poisoning at a nearby resort following the recent alcohol poisoning cases.

Founded in 1980 by Hong Kong-born, England-based Richard Chiu, Warwick Hotels and Resorts represents a collection of distinct, upscale hotels and resorts known for quality worldwide. It has over 40 hotels on five continents.

With about 400 staff, Warwick Fiji announced last month it was undergoing "thoughtful renovations to honouring legacy and enhancing guest experience".

Fiji Police confirmed they are investigating the incidents alongside health inspectors.

Local journalist Shayal Devi says police have also confirmed that it could take up to four days for a toxicology report to be completed.

Richard Chiu is the founder and president of Warwick International Hotels and Resorts. Photo/HIT

"We will then find out what happened," she told PMN News.

Fiji's Health Ministry has already begun investigating and released details about the affected guests - four Australians, one American, and two foreigners residing locally.

"We had a lot of briefings with the Ministry of Tourism. The entire industry is awaiting the toxicology report, which will be available in the next four days," Devi said.

Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew confirmed an investigation is underway to determine what happened.

The Fiji government says this is an “extremely isolated incident” at a resort with a “strong reputation”.

The incident is particularly challenging as Fiji tackles an economic crisis amid a rising cost of living.

An aerial view of Warwick Fiji resort. Photo/Facebook/Warwick Fiji

At this time of year, Fiji welcomes tens of thousands of tourists to its shores for the holiday season.

Tourism is Fiji's main economic driver, with a record 929,740 visitors in 2023.

Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka sought to reassure tourists, posting on X, "Fiji is and will remain typically very safe for our tourists, and the recent incident at a prominent resort on the Coral Coast is extremely isolated."

He said this was the first incident in Fiji, adding that the victims had been drinking piña colada cocktails made with local rum, prepared by a bar server with more than 15 years of experience.

"We are determined to find out what [happened] ... because tourism is our number one in this country, and we are approaching Christmas and New Year," Gavoka said.

He said the Lautoka Hospital is managed by a Canberra-based company, which provides an Australian standard of care.

Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, says the country remains safe for tourists. Photo/Sodelpa

The incident has renewed official warnings for travellers to avoid drink spiking and other adulterants while overseas.

It also comes on the heels of the deaths of two Australians in Laos, who were among several victims of suspected mass ethanol poisoning.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is providing consular assistance to two Australian families in Fiji.

As a result, DFAT updated its travel advice on the Smartraveller website, reminding Australians of the "potential risks around drink spiking" and suggesting they "exercise normal safety precautions."

The advisory stated, "Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks," and encouraged individuals to "get urgent medical help if you suspect drink spiking."

New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Ministry has also raised its alert level to two out of four for Kiwis travelling to Fiji.

Fiji's Lautoka Hospital, where seven guests at a resort were admitted for suspected alcohol poisoning. Photo/Fiji MOH