A family on holiday in Ibiza say their trip has turned into a nightmare after they contracted Covid-19.
Matthew and Vicky Groves, from Glossop, travelled to the Sirenis Seaview Village on the Spanish island with their two young sons for a long-awaited family holiday on July 7.
Shortly after arriving at the four-star resort, they raised concerns with their holiday provider TUI about the conditions at the hotel.
Read more:Greater Manchester's latest Covid infection rates
The couple claimed the hotel was 'filthy' and that thermometers used to check guests' temperature were broken.
A spokesperson for TUI denied these claims and said that 'strict covid protocols' are in place at the hotel, and that all hotel staff are being regularly tested.
Matthew, 37, says he made repeated requests to the travel operator to move to another hotel, after complaining that the resort was 'dirty' and described the food as 'awful.'
He claims they were told by TUI that this wouldn't be possible.
On July 16 the family travelled into the town centre to get their Covid tests, in order to be allowed to fly home.
Vicky, 34, tested positive for coronavirus whilst Matthew tested negative, meaning the family would be forced to isolate before returning to Manchester.
They have since been told to pay £2,000 to stay at a quarantine hotel on the island.
The couple say they want to warn other holidaymakers about their situation.
Matthew, Vicky and their two sons aged eight and ten, have been moved to a sister hotel for the duration of their isolating period.
"It was very hard to get in contact with the Rep and we had to contact TUI to make them aware of the situation," Matt said.
"We have been getting calls from Track and Trace in England who are under the impression that we have flown home."
The family have now been issued with a £2,000 bill for the quarantine room, which they say consists of a double bed and sofa bed for the children.
Because Matt tested negative, he has been trying to distance himself from Vicky, which he says has been incredibly difficult given the layout of the room.
"I am essentially paying £2,000 to sleep on the floor," he said.
"When I asked what would happen if I didn’t pay the bill I was told they would chuck us out even though Vicky has Covid and alert the authorities so I've had to pay it under duress."
Fortunately, the couple have both been double-jabbed so Vicky is currently only suffering with mild symptoms of coronavirus.
But the family are terrified that Matt could test positive, meaning that they would have to isolate all over again.
"This is our first holiday since the pandemic," Vicky said.
"We are both fully vaccinated and Ibiza was on the green list and we booked with TUI so we thought everything would be okay."
A TUI spokesperson confirmed there are currently 11 customers isolating at nearby TUI Blue Aura hotel, with four positive cases.
They said: "We’re sorry to hear the Groves’ family has to self-isolate during their holiday and understand how frustrating this must be.
"We can confirm that the Sirenis Seaview Village has to follow strict covid protocols in place locally in Ibiza.
"These include regular testing of all staff, including the cleaners, who have all tested negative. Our resort and customer care teams are supporting the family and have explained how to make a claim through the Covid Cover included in their package.
"We’d like to reassure our customers that we have robust policies in place and regularly audit all of our hotels in respect of health and safety, including Covid safety measures."
