Terms and Conditions
General Terms and Conditions (GTC) for Retreats
These General Terms and Conditions are based on German travel law and the recommendations of the German Travel Association (DRV). They govern the legal relationship between the customer and Saskia Bing and Josepha Schmidt(hereinafter referred to as the “Organizer”).
1. REGISTRATION AND CONFIRMATION
Registration for the retreat must be made exclusively in written form. Written registration includes the use of the official registration form on the organizer’s website or booking platforms such as Fyndery, BookRetreats or mindfulness-retreat-vacation.com, as well as registration via email.
Telephone, verbal or other forms of registration are not valid and do not create any entitlement to participation or conclusion of a contract.
By submitting the written registration, the customer makes a binding offer to conclude a travel contract. The contract becomes effective upon acceptance by the organizer, which does not require a specific form.
If one person registers several customers, the registering person shall be liable for their contractual obligations as for their own, unless this is expressly declared otherwise.
The customer agrees to the storage and processing of their data for the purpose of contract execution.
2. PAYMENT
Upon conclusion of the travel contract, the full retreat price becomes immediately due.
The customer undertakes to pay the full amount without delay after receiving the booking confirmation.
If payment is not made within the required time, the organizer is entitled to withdraw from the contract and may claim cancellation costs equal to the agreed price, unless the customer had a legal right to withhold payment.
Partial payments or deposits are not accepted; the booking only becomes binding once the full payment has been received by the organizer.
3. SERVICES
The scope of the contractual services results from the description published on the websites
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mindfulness-retreat-vacation.com
as well as from the retreat confirmation.
The organizer reserves the right to make changes before the contract is concluded if these changes are objectively justified, significant and unforeseeable. The customer will be informed accordingly.
4. CHANGES TO SERVICES
Changes or deviations of minor services that become necessary after the contract has been concluded and were not caused by the organizer in bad faith are permitted, provided that the overall character of the retreat is not affected.
Changes in the program schedule due to force majeure or specific retreat circumstances (e.g. weather conditions) remain reserved.
5. WITHDRAWAL OR CANCELLATION BY THE CUSTOMER
Withdrawal before the start
The customer may withdraw from the contract at any time before the retreat begins by submitting a written withdrawal declaration. The decisive date is the receipt of the withdrawal by the organizer.
Compensation
If the customer withdraws or does not attend the retreat, the organizer may demand reasonable compensation regardless of the reason for withdrawal.
Cancellation fees
Flat-rate compensation per person:
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From 89 days before the start: 40%
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From 44 days before the start: 50%
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From 22 days before the start: 60%
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From 15 days before the start: 75%
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From 2 days before the start: 90%
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On the day of departure or immediately before: 100%
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Replacement participant
The customer may nominate a replacement participant. The organizer may refuse this person if the retreat requirements or legal regulations prevent participation. The original customer and the replacement participant are jointly liable for any additional costs.
Early termination
If the customer ends the retreat prematurely or does not use booked services, the customer is obliged to leave the retreat hotel, accommodation or location immediately.
Refund
Refunds for unused accommodation or services will only be granted at the discretion of the organizer. There is no legal entitlement to a refund.
Personal responsibility
If the retreat is terminated early, the customer is responsible for their onward or return journey. Any additional costs must be borne by the customer unless caused by the organizer.
Failure to start the retreat
If the customer cannot start the retreat due to personal circumstances or incomplete travel documents, the organizer retains the right to the full price. Saved expenses will be deducted where applicable.
6. MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
The retreat will only take place if a minimum number of participants is reached.
The organizer will inform the customer no later than four weeks before the start of the retreat whether the minimum number has been reached and whether the retreat will take place.
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the organizer may cancel the retreat. Payments already made will be fully refunded. No further claims shall arise.
7. ADDITIONAL COSTS
All additional costs arising from the behavior of the customer or changes in the travel process (e.g. extension of stay or early departure) shall be borne by the customer and must be paid immediately.
8. WITHDRAWAL OR TERMINATION BY THE ORGANIZER
The organizer may withdraw from the contract up to four weeks before the start of the retreat if the minimum number of participants has not been reached. Payments already made will be refunded; no further claims shall arise.
The organizer may terminate the contract without notice if the customer persistently disrupts the retreat or behaves in a manner contrary to the contract, particularly if health or group requirements are disregarded.
Termination may also occur due to unforeseeable circumstances or force majeure, for example newly imposed vaccination requirements, taking into account costs already incurred.
9. LIABILITY
The organizer is liable in accordance with the duty of care of a prudent businessperson for the correctness of the retreat description on the websites
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mindfulness-retreat-vacation.com
for careful preparation, the selection and supervision of service providers, and the proper provision of the agreed services.
10. LIABILITY, PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
10.1 Personal responsibility
Participation in the retreat is voluntary and at the customer’s own responsibility. Adequate physical and mental health is required.
10.2 No substitute for medical advice
Retreat activities are intended for personal development and do not replace medical or therapeutic treatment.
10.3 Limitation of liability
The organizer is fully liable for damages resulting from injury to life, body or health caused by intentional or negligent conduct.
For other damages, liability exists only in cases of intent, gross negligence or breach of essential contractual obligations.
10.4 Participation in activities
Participation in retreat activities takes place at the participant’s own responsibility. Instructions of the retreat leader must be followed.
10.5 Personal belongings
No liability is assumed for loss or damage to personal belongings unless caused by intentional or grossly negligent conduct.
10.6 Third-party services
Additional activities offered by third parties are contracted directly between the customer and the provider. The organizer assumes no liability for these services.
10.7 Insurance
The customer is responsible for ensuring adequate insurance coverage (health, accident and liability insurance).
11. OBLIGATION TO COOPERATE
The customer must take all reasonable measures to avoid or reduce service disruptions and must report defects immediately.
12. REMEDIES, EXCLUSION OF CLAIMS AND LIMITATION
If services are not provided in accordance with the contract, the customer may request remedy. The organizer may refuse remedy if it requires disproportionate effort.
Claims must be asserted within one month after the end of the retreat. Limitation periods are governed by German travel law (§§ 651c–651f BGB).
13. ENTRY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
The customer is responsible for complying with all regulations relevant to the trip. Any disadvantages resulting from non-compliance shall be borne by the customer.
The organizer informs German citizens about passport, visa and health regulations. Non-German citizens should contact their respective consulate.
14. FINAL PROVISIONS
The customer may only bring legal action against the organizer at the organizer’s place of business.
If individual provisions of the contract become invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected.