Cancellation & Refund Policy

Your Consumer Rights

As a UK consumer, you have a 14-day cooling-off period from when you book our retreat services, during which you may cancel for any reason and receive a full refund. This statutory right applies to all distance contracts (online or phone bookings) under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.

Important: If you agree to services starting within the 14-day cancellation period, we may charge you for any service you have received benefit from if you decide to cancel.

Cancellation Policy & Refund Schedule

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to [your email address]. Cancellation fees are calculated from the official retreat start date and are designed to cover non-recoverable costs for accommodation, facilitator arrangements, and local partnerships.

90+ Days Before Retreat Start Date

• Refund: 100% of all payments made

• What you get back: Full refund processed within 14 days

• Administration fee: None

60-89 Days Before Retreat Start Date

• Refund: 75% of all payments made

• Retention: 25% to cover committed costs

• Refund processed: Within 14 days of cancellation notice

30-59 Days Before Retreat Start Date

• Refund: 50% of all payments made

• Retention: 50% to cover accommodation, facilitator, and preparation costs

• Refund processed: Within 14 days of cancellation notice

7-29 Days Before Retreat Start Date

• Refund: 25% of all payments made

• Retention: 75% due to committed arrangements and final preparations

• Credit option: May transfer 50% as credit toward future retreat within 12 months

Less Than 7 Days Before Retreat Start Date

• Refund: No monetary refund available

• Credit option: 30% credit toward future retreat within 12 months (subject to availability)

• Reason: All costs committed, staff deployed, final preparations completed

Deposits & Payment Plans

• Initial Deposit: £150 (secures your place and visa invitation letter)

• Deposit Status: Non-refundable after 14-day statutory cooling-off period

• Payment Plans: If paying by installments, cancellation terms apply to total amount paid to date

• Final Payment: Due 30 days before retreat start date

Force Majeure & Operator Cancellations

If We Must Cancel Your Retreat

In the unlikely event that AbbeNoir Resort must cancel your retreat due to:

• Government travel restrictions or policy changes

• Natural disasters or extreme weather

• Political instability in the region

• Public health emergencies

• Circumstances beyond our reasonable control

Your Options:

1. Full Credit Transfer: Move to any future retreat within 24 months at no additional cost

2. Partial Refund: Refund minus non-recoverable costs already incurred (accommodation deposits, facilitator fees, etc.)

3. Enhanced Future Retreat: Upgrade to premium accommodation on future dates

What We Cannot Cover: International flights, travel insurance claims, or personal expenses incurred. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.

Medical & Emergency Circumstances

Serious Illness or Injury

• Medical Documentation Required: Official medical certificate from qualified physician

• Consideration: Case-by-case review for partial credit or future date transfer

• Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance including "cancel for any reason" coverage

Family Emergencies

• Documentation Required: Appropriate official documentation

• Consideration: Case-by-case review for credit transfer options

• Timeline: Must be reported within 48 hours of occurrence

Travel Insurance Recommendation

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes:

• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage

• "Cancel for Any Reason" policies (typically 75% refund)

• Medical emergency coverage

• Adventure activity coverage (hiking, water sports, cycling)

Recommended Providers: Travel Guard, World Nomads, or similar comprehensive coverage providers. Purchase within 15 days of your initial booking for maximum coverage.

Important Exclusions

No refunds or credits will be provided for:

• Voluntary early departure from retreat

• Missing activities due to late arrival

• Flight delays or cancellations (travel insurance matter)

• Change of mind regarding ayahuasca participation

• Failure to meet health/preparation requirements disclosed at booking

• Dissatisfaction with accommodation, food, or activities

• Personal circumstances not constituting force majeure

• Found to be consuming illegal drugs or alcohol

Ayahuasca-Specific Considerations

Pre-Retreat Requirements

• Completion of medical screening questionnaire

• Adherence to pre-retreat dietary guidelines

• Medication compatibility assessment

• Signed informed consent documents

During Retreat

• Ayahuasca ceremonies are optional

• Alternative activities provided for non-participants

• No refunds for choosing not to participate in specific ceremonies

• Full retreat value maintained regardless of individual ceremony participation

Transfer & Credit Policies

Transferring Your Booking

• To Another Person: Permitted up to 30 days before retreat with £50 administration fee

• To Future Date: Subject to availability, price differences may apply

• Credit Validity: All credits valid for 12-24 months depending on timing

Date Changes

• 60+ days before: £100 change fee plus any price difference

• 30-59 days before: £200 change fee plus any price difference

• Less than 30 days: Subject to availability, substantial fees apply

Payment Dispute Policy

Credit Card Chargebacks

Should you initiate a chargeback dispute instead of following this cancellation policy:

• You remain liable for the full retreat cost

• Additional administrative and legal fees may apply

• Future booking privileges may be suspended

• We will provide all documentation to support legitimate charges

Legal Framework & Fair Trading

This policy complies with:

• Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 (14-day cooling-off rights)

• Consumer Rights Act 2015 (fair trading practices)

• Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (transparent pricing)

• Unfair Contract Terms Regulations (balanced terms)

Under the new UK consumer protection regime effective April 2025, all terms must be fair and transparent. This policy has been designed to balance legitimate business costs with reasonable consumer protection.

Contact & Dispute Resolution

For Cancellations: [Your Email]Phone: [Your Phone Number]Response Time: Within 48 hours

If Unsatisfied:

1. Direct resolution with AbbeNoir Resort management

2. Independent mediation through travel industry dispute services

3. Citizens Advice Consumer Service (03454 04 05 06)

Final Note: This policy is designed to be fair to both participants and our business while covering the significant advance commitments required for authentic retreat experiences. We encourage all guests to carefully consider their commitment and protect themselves with appropriate travel insurance.

Policy effective from [Date] and subject to periodic review in line with legal requirements.

This cancellation policy incorporates UK legal requirements while following industry best practices from established retreat operators. It provides clear structure, protects both parties, and encourages travel insurance while being transparent about non-recoverable costs.