A British holidaymaker’s luxury getaway in Greece turned into a nightmare when she says her arm became trapped by a hot tub’s powerful suction—an ordeal which left her injured and shaken. Even more distressingly, she claims the hotel subsequently placed the blame on her for “blocking” the vent, an assertion she contests.
Emily Harper-Hemming, a 28-year-old bodybuilder from Wrexham, North Wales, had booked a premium suite with her partner, Josh Martin, for a week-long holiday on the stunning island of Santorini. The trip, costing around £2,000, was intended as a relaxing break, with the added luxury of a private pool and hot tub attached to their room.
The first two days went smoothly, according to Emily, who recounted the ordeal after arriving back in the UK. “We picked the nicest suite to make this a special holiday, and it started out perfectly,” she explained. But events quickly took a turn for the worse. On the third day, the couple were enjoying their private hot tub when disaster struck.
Emily describes how she had only just joined Josh in the water when she leaned back and, without warning, her right arm was forcefully drawn into an air vent. “I wasn’t even directly on top of it,” she said. “Suddenly, it pulled me in and I felt a sharp pain as the suction grabbed my skin. I started shouting, ‘I’m stuck, I’m stuck!’ and began to panic when I couldn’t free myself.”
What followed was twenty seconds of distress as Emily struggled to break free. Despite her strength as a bodybuilder, she said the suction was so strong that she could not wriggle loose. Ultimately, her boyfriend managed to pull her free. The immediate aftermath saw Emily left with severe bruising, particularly under her arm, and a burning pain that only deepened over the ensuing day.
She shared photos documenting the angry red marks covering her skin, which, she added, were still sore hours after the incident. “I may be strong, but this was incredibly painful. My arm was red raw, and my skin felt like it was on fire.” The experience left her deeply unsettled, particularly as she considered what might have occurred had a young child been involved. “It was terrifying, and the injury was serious. If it had been a child, the consequences could have been far worse.”
Seeking help, Emily reported the incident immediately to hotel management through WhatsApp, providing photographs of her arm and of the suspect vent. The initial response, she claimed, was one of shock and regret, with staff expressing how such an incident had never occurred before. However, the hotel’s tone changed after further conversations, both in person and in writing.
According to Emily, she was told that she was at fault for “blocking” the air vent, with the implication being that her actions caused the issue. “They basically said it couldn’t have happened unless I had obstructed the vent, which I hadn’t done intentionally. It made me start to question myself, but friends and family reassured me this wasn’t normal in any hot tub.”
The holiday was ultimately cut short, with the hotel agreeing to refund the final two nights. Emily and Josh hurriedly relocated to a different hotel to salvage what remained of their trip before returning home on 7 June. Nonetheless, Emily feels the experience overshadowed what should have been a memorable holiday. “I just wanted to enjoy our time, but after the incident I couldn’t relax—I was on edge until we moved hotels.”
Since returning to Wales, Emily’s physical injuries have faded, but the emotional impact endures. She says the incident has not only affected her trust in the hotel industry but also left her more cautious. “We tried to stay positive and make the most of the last few days, but I honestly just wanted to come home.”
Further compounding her disappointment, Emily alleges she was pressured by the hotel’s staff to remove a negative online review she’d posted about the ordeal, only receiving her refund on the condition the critical feedback was deleted.
This incident raises questions over safety standards in hotel leisure facilities and highlights the importance of clear communication and guest support in the event of unexpected accidents. As Emily reflects on her experience, she cautions travellers to remain vigilant, adding: “It’s not something you ever expect to happen on holiday, especially when you book what’s advertised as a premium experience.”