Resort staff pressured ill guests to sign NDAs during Cancun vacation, say Sask. families

Two Saskatchewan families have come forward to share their harrowing experiences at a resort in Mexico, where they felt more like hostages than guests after falling severely ill and being pressured to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) in exchange for medical help.

Jesslyn Schigol, her husband, and their two sons embarked on a Christmas holiday trip from Yorkton, Sask., to the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun in Mexico. On Christmas morning, Schigol sought medical assistance at the resort’s front desk when her husband started vomiting uncontrollably, his second bout of sickness since their arrival a week earlier. To her shock, she was presented with an NDA and told that medical help would only be provided if she signed it.

Refusing to agree to the terms of the NDA, Schigol was adamant about not signing away her rights, which prohibited her from discussing their ordeal publicly or holding the resort accountable. The situation escalated when resort staff insisted that they would not send a doctor unless she complied with their demands.

Allison Field, another guest from Saskatoon, shared a similar ordeal with her husband and four-year-old son falling ill at the same resort during their Christmas vacation. When her family’s condition worsened, Field made the decision to check out of the resort and seek medical help at a hospital. However, she faced resistance from the resort staff, who continuously pressured her to sign an NDA before allowing them to leave.

Field expressed her frustration at the lack of compassion and care shown by the resort staff, emphasizing that they felt neglected and mistreated during their time of need. Although both families did not sign the NDA, they were aware of other guests who agreed to the terms in exchange for compensation ranging from $500 to $1,000.

The Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, owned by Blue Diamond Resorts and part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, has come under scrutiny for its handling of the situation. In response to the allegations, Alejandro Rodríguez del Peón, vice-president of marketing and public relations for Blue Diamond Resorts, confirmed that an internal investigation is underway to address the claims.

Wayne Smith, a professor of hospitality and tourism management at Toronto Metropolitan University, highlighted the prevalence of NDAs in the tourism industry as companies aim to safeguard their brands and reputations. However, he noted that such practices can have negative repercussions on customer relations and the overall perception of the business.

Both Schigol and Field raised concerns about the resort’s food handling practices, which they believe contributed to their illnesses. Field’s son was hospitalized for dehydration, prompting her to question the legality and ethics of signing an NDA under duress in such critical situations.

As the families seek justice and transparency, they hope that their experiences serve as a cautionary tale for other travelers. In light of these events, it is essential for travelers to consider purchasing travel insurance for international trips and educate themselves on food safety practices to avoid falling victim to similar circumstances.