Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions

Booking & Agreement

By paying a deposit or making any payment towards a Reading Retreat, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. These Terms and Conditions constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("the Guest", "you" or "your") and Ladies Who Lit ("the Organiser", "we", "us" or "our").

Ladies Who Lit is the organiser of the Reading Retreats described on our website and the contracting party for your booking.

Your booking is not confirmed until the required non-refundable deposit has been received or, where applicable, a successful Klarna transaction has been completed.

As this booking relates to leisure services provided on specific dates, the statutory 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 does not apply.

Ladies Who Lit reserves the right to refuse or cancel a booking where, acting reasonably, we believe a Guest's behaviour, conduct or previous interactions present a risk to the safety, wellbeing or enjoyment of others, our staff, suppliers or the smooth running of the retreat, in accordance with our Code of Conduct.

Deposits & Payments

Deposit

A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place on a Reading Retreat. The deposit amount is retreat-specific and will be clearly stated at the time of booking.

Deposits contribute towards accommodation commitments, supplier contracts, planning, administration and other costs incurred in organising the retreat.

Deposits are non-refundable where a Guest voluntarily cancels their booking. However, nothing in this clause affects your statutory rights under applicable travel legislation. Where unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occur at or affecting the destination and significantly affect the performance of the retreat or travel to the destination, Guests may be entitled to terminate the contract and receive a refund in accordance with applicable law.

Payment Schedule

The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than 60 days before the retreat start date unless otherwise agreed by us in writing.

Failure to complete payment by the stated deadline may result in cancellation of your booking and the loss of any monies already paid.

All payments are processed securely through Stripe and are charged in British Pounds Sterling (GBP). Payments made in other currencies may be subject to exchange rate fluctuations and currency conversion charges imposed by your payment provider.

Payment Plans

Ladies Who Lit Payment Plans

For selected retreats only, Ladies Who Lit may offer a staged payment plan. Where available, this will be clearly outlined at the time of booking.

Any payment plan offered by Ladies Who Lit:

• is a staged payment arrangement for a future service;
• does not constitute a loan, credit agreement or regulated financial product;
• must be completed in full by the final balance due date.

Failure to complete payments may result in cancellation of your booking without refund of monies already paid, to cover losses, supplier commitments and administrative costs.

Klarna Payments

Klarna is available as a payment option for selected retreats, allowing Guests to spread the cost of their booking.

Where Klarna is selected:

• Your booking is confirmed once the Klarna transaction has been successfully completed.
• No separate deposit payment to Ladies Who Lit is required.
• Any finance agreement is solely between you and Klarna.

Ladies Who Lit is not responsible for Klarna's terms, fees, interest charges, payment schedules or administration. Any payment disputes must be resolved directly with Klarna.

Where a booking is cancelled, the applicable non-refundable deposit amount will be retained regardless of the payment method used.

Independent Suppliers

Many elements of our Reading Retreats are provided by carefully selected independent third-party suppliers including, but not limited to:

• accommodation providers;
• yacht operators;
• transport providers;
• activity providers;
• restaurants;
• wellness practitioners;
• guides; and
• excursion providers.

Whilst Ladies Who Lit exercises reasonable care in selecting reputable suppliers, these businesses operate independently and remain responsible for the delivery of their own services.

Except where liability cannot legally be excluded, Ladies Who Lit shall not be responsible for the acts, omissions or negligence of any independent third-party supplier.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory condition of participation on all Reading Retreats.

Guests are responsible for ensuring their insurance policy provides suitable cover for their chosen retreat and should include, as a minimum:

• cancellation;
• curtailment;
• emergency medical expenses;
• repatriation;
• personal belongings;
• personal liability; and
• travel delays.

Failure to obtain appropriate travel insurance is entirely at the Guest's own risk.

Ladies Who Lit accepts no responsibility for financial losses arising from inadequate or absent travel insurance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Guest Cancellations

More than 60 days before the retreat start date

If you cancel your booking more than 60 days before the retreat start date, any monies paid above the applicable deposit will be refunded, less any non-refundable transaction or payment processing fees.

The deposit remains non-refundable where cancellation is voluntary, including where the retreat has been paid for in full.

This clause applies only to voluntary cancellations and does not affect any statutory rights arising under applicable travel legislation.

60 days or fewer before the retreat start date

If you cancel your booking 60 days or fewer before the retreat start date, no refund will be issued and the full retreat price will be forfeited.

This policy applies only to voluntary cancellations and does not override any statutory rights that may arise where unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances significantly affect the performance of the retreat or travel to the destination.

No refunds are available once a Guest has attended, stayed at or participated in any part of the retreat, including accommodation, meals or activities.

Where a refund is due, it will normally be processed within 10 working days of receiving written notice of cancellation.

Deposit Non-Transferability

Deposits are non-transferable and cannot be transferred to another Guest, another retreat or another departure date.

Should you wish to attend a different Reading Retreat, a new booking and deposit will be required.

This clause applies only to voluntary changes and does not affect any statutory rights under applicable travel legislation.

Non-Payment & Non-Responsive Bookings

If a Guest fails to respond to communications or fails to make payments by the agreed deadlines, Ladies Who Lit reserves the right to cancel the booking and retain all monies paid in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.

The cancelled place may then be offered to another Guest.

Shared Room Bookings

Where a shared room is booked, both Guests accept joint responsibility for the total booking cost.

If one Guest can no longer attend, the remaining Guest may either:

• provide a suitable replacement Guest, subject to Ladies Who Lit's approval; or
• upgrade to sole occupancy by paying the applicable price difference.

If neither option is taken, the booking may be cancelled in accordance with the standard cancellation policy.

Minimum Numbers & Cancellation by Us

All Reading Retreats are subject to minimum participant numbers.

Ladies Who Lit reserves the right to cancel a retreat where necessary due to:

• insufficient participant numbers;
• force majeure or unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances;
• supplier or venue issues;
• health and safety concerns;
• staff illness; or
• other unforeseen operational circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Where we cancel a retreat, you will be offered either:

• a full refund of all monies paid; or
• the option to transfer your payment to another Reading Retreat, subject to availability.

Refunds will be provided in accordance with applicable travel legislation where required.

Where reasonably practicable, we will aim to provide at least 30 days' notice of cancellation.

Guests are strongly encouraged to book flexible travel arrangements wherever possible.

Force Majeure (Including War & Hostilities)

Neither party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performing their contractual obligations where such failure or delay results from events beyond their reasonable control ("Force Majeure Events").

Force Majeure Events include, but are not limited to:

• war (declared or undeclared);
• armed conflict;
• invasion;
• acts of terrorism;
• civil unrest;
• rebellion;
• riots;
• military action;
• pandemics or epidemics;
• natural disasters;
• severe weather events;
• government restrictions;
• border closures;
• sanctions;
• travel bans;
• supplier insolvency resulting directly from such events;
• transport disruption; or
• venue unavailability caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control.

Where a Force Majeure Event constitutes unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances affecting the destination or travel to the destination, Guests may exercise any statutory rights available under applicable travel legislation.

To rely on a Force Majeure Event, the affected party must demonstrate that:

• the event directly prevented performance of contractual obligations;
• the event was not reasonably foreseeable at the time of booking;
• reasonable steps were taken to minimise the impact wherever possible.

Participant Responsibilities & Liability

Guests are responsible for:

• booking and funding their own travel to and from the retreat unless otherwise stated;
• ensuring they hold valid passports, visas and any other travel documentation required for their destination;
• arranging comprehensive travel insurance in accordance with these Terms and Conditions;
• booking flexible travel arrangements wherever reasonably possible;
• ensuring they arrive at the retreat location at the advertised meeting time;
• informing Ladies Who Lit of any medical conditions, allergies, dietary requirements or accessibility requirements before travelling;
• behaving respectfully towards fellow Guests, staff, suppliers and members of the public;
• complying with all local laws and regulations during the retreat; and
• taking reasonable care of any accommodation, vehicles, yachts, equipment or property used during the retreat.

Guests remain responsible for any costs arising from missed flights, delayed transport, immigration issues, insufficient travel documentation or any other circumstances outside the reasonable control of Ladies Who Lit.

Medical Information

Guests confirm that they are medically and physically fit to participate in the retreat and any activities they choose to undertake.

Guests must disclose any medical conditions, allergies, dietary requirements, mobility limitations or other information that may reasonably affect their participation before travelling.

Guests agree to notify Ladies Who Lit if their medical circumstances change between booking and the retreat start date.

Whilst we will always do our best to accommodate reasonable medical or dietary requirements, we cannot guarantee that every destination, venue or supplier will be able to accommodate every request.

Guests remain responsible for carrying sufficient medication for the duration of the retreat and for ensuring they have obtained any necessary medical advice before travelling.

Failure to disclose relevant medical information may limit our ability to provide appropriate assistance during the retreat.

Participation & Assumption of Risk

Reading Retreats are designed to provide enjoyable and relaxing experiences, but some optional activities carry inherent risks.

Depending on the retreat, activities may include (but are not limited to):

• swimming;
• paddleboarding;
• hiking;
• yoga;
• sightseeing;
• boat travel;
• wine tasting;
• wellness experiences;
• fitness activities; and
• organised excursions.

Participation in all activities is entirely voluntary.

By choosing to participate, Guests acknowledge that these activities involve inherent risks and accept responsibility for deciding whether participation is appropriate for their own abilities and health.

Guests agree to follow all reasonable instructions given by retreat hosts, yacht crew, activity providers and local guides.

Ladies Who Lit shall not be responsible for injury arising from a Guest's failure to follow reasonable safety instructions or from risks that are inherent in the activity itself, except where caused by our negligence.

Water Activities

Many Reading Retreats include access to beaches, lakes, swimming pools or the sea.

Guests choosing to swim, paddleboard or participate in any water-based activity do so voluntarily and at their own risk.

Guests must comply with all safety instructions given by yacht crew, instructors, activity providers and retreat hosts.

Ladies Who Lit reserves the right to prevent a Guest from participating in water-based activities where we reasonably believe their participation may present a safety risk to themselves or others.

Alcohol

Some Reading Retreats include wine tastings, welcome drinks or other opportunities to consume alcohol.

Consumption of alcohol is entirely optional.

Guests remain solely responsible for their own behaviour, decisions and actions whilst consuming alcohol.

Ladies Who Lit reserves the right to refuse alcohol service or remove a Guest from any activity where behaviour becomes unsafe, disruptive or places others at risk.

Independent Time

Many retreat itineraries include scheduled free time.

Guests who choose to leave organised activities or explore independently do so entirely at their own risk.

Ladies Who Lit accepts no responsibility for incidents, injuries, losses or expenses arising during periods where Guests are acting independently of organised retreat activities.

Damage to Property

Guests are responsible for any loss of or damage to accommodation, yachts, vehicles, furnishings, equipment or property caused by their actions, whether deliberate, negligent or reckless.

Any repair, replacement or additional cleaning costs resulting from damage caused by a Guest shall be payable by that Guest.

Where a supplier charges Ladies Who Lit for damage caused by a Guest, we reserve the right to recover those costs from the responsible Guest.

Health & Safety

Guests must comply with all health and safety guidance provided by Ladies Who Lit, venue staff, yacht crew and activity providers throughout the retreat.

Failure to comply with reasonable safety instructions may result in removal from an activity or, where appropriate, removal from the retreat without refund.

Code of Conduct

Ladies Who Lit is committed to creating welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable Reading Retreats for all Guests.

Guests are expected to behave respectfully towards fellow Guests, retreat hosts, suppliers and members of the public at all times.

We reserve the right to remove any Guest from a Reading Retreat, without refund, where their behaviour is considered:

• unsafe;
• abusive;
• threatening;
• discriminatory;
• harassing;
• illegal; or
• likely to significantly affect the safety, wellbeing or enjoyment of others.

Any additional costs arising from such removal, including accommodation, transport or travel arrangements, shall be the responsibility of the Guest.

Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits liability where it would be unlawful to do so, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or any other liability that cannot legally be excluded.

Subject to the above, Ladies Who Lit shall not be liable for:

• indirect or consequential losses;
• loss of enjoyment;
• loss of earnings;
• missed flights or onward transport;
• additional accommodation costs;
• loss of business opportunity;
• currency fluctuations;
• losses arising from travel delays outside our reasonable control; or
• any loss resulting from events beyond our reasonable control.

Except where otherwise required by law, the total liability of Ladies Who Lit arising from any booking shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Guest for the relevant Reading Retreat.

Nothing in these Terms affects any statutory rights you may have under applicable consumer or travel legislation.

Changes to Itinerary

Ladies Who Lit reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the itinerary, accommodation, activities, dining venues or suppliers where necessary due to operational requirements, weather, health and safety considerations, supplier availability or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Where significant changes are necessary, we will inform Guests as soon as reasonably practicable.

Such changes shall not automatically entitle a Guest to a refund unless required under applicable law.

Lost Property

Guests are responsible for their personal belongings throughout the retreat.

Ladies Who Lit accepts no responsibility for loss, theft or damage to personal belongings during the retreat or whilst travelling.

Where lost property is found after a retreat, we will make reasonable efforts to arrange its return. Any postage, courier or delivery costs shall be the responsibility of the Guest.

We cannot guarantee the recovery or return of lost items.

Photography & Media

Ladies Who Lit loves sharing the magic of our Reading Retreats with our wider community.

By attending a retreat, you consent to photographs and video footage being taken during the retreat for promotional, editorial and marketing purposes unless you notify us in writing before the retreat begins that you do not wish to be photographed or filmed.

You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us, although this will not apply retrospectively to materials already published or distributed before your request was received.

We ask all Guests to respect the privacy of fellow attendees. Guests should seek permission before sharing photographs or videos in which another Guest is clearly identifiable.

Ladies Who Lit reserves the right to request the removal of social media content that is unlawful, defamatory, misleading or infringes another Guest's privacy.

Privacy Policy

Information collected during the booking process will be used solely for the purposes of administering your booking, communicating with you about your Reading Retreat and fulfilling our contractual obligations.

We are committed to protecting your personal information and processing it in accordance with applicable data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

We will never sell your personal information. Information will only be shared with trusted suppliers where necessary to deliver your retreat or where required by law.

For further information about how we collect, use and protect your personal data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Complaints Procedure

We are committed to providing an enjoyable and supportive experience for every Guest.

If you experience any issue during your Reading Retreat, you should notify your retreat host or a member of the Ladies Who Lit team as soon as reasonably possible so that we have the opportunity to resolve the matter during your stay.

Most issues can be resolved quickly when raised at the time.

If your complaint cannot be resolved during the retreat, you should submit your complaint in writing to help@ladieswholit.co.uk within 28 days of the retreat ending.

Please include:

• your booking details;
• a description of your complaint;
• any relevant supporting information; and
• the outcome you are seeking.

We will acknowledge your complaint and aim to provide a full written response within a reasonable timeframe.

Failure to notify us during the retreat may affect our ability to investigate the matter fully or resolve your complaint effectively.

Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions or your booking shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales, except where mandatory consumer protection legislation provides otherwise.

Nothing in these Terms limits any statutory rights you may have under applicable consumer or travel legislation.

Amendments to these Terms

Ladies Who Lit reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time where reasonably necessary, including to reflect changes in legislation, regulatory requirements, operational practices or our services.

The version of the Terms and Conditions in force at the time your booking is confirmed shall apply to your booking unless changes are required by law.

The most up-to-date version will always be available on our website.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found by a court or other competent authority to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severed from the remaining Terms and Conditions.

The remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with any booking confirmation, itinerary, retreat-specific information and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Ladies Who Lit in relation to your booking.

No verbal statements or representations shall form part of this agreement unless confirmed by us in writing.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding these Terms and Conditions or your booking, please contact us:

Email: help@ladieswholit.co.uk

We are always happy to help before, during and after your Reading Retreat.

Acceptance of these Terms

By paying a deposit, completing a booking or making any payment towards a Reading Retreat, you acknowledge that you have:

• read these Terms and Conditions;
• understood them;
• had the opportunity to ask questions before booking; and
• agreed to be bound by them.

Dispute Resolution

We are committed to providing a positive and supportive experience for all participants. In the unlikely event that a dispute arises between you and Ladies Who Lit in connection with the retreat, we ask that you first contact us directly at help@ladieswholit.co.uk so we can work together to resolve the matter informally.

If we are unable to reach a satisfactory resolution within 30 days, both parties agree to resolve the dispute through binding arbitration rather than in court. The arbitration will be conducted in England in accordance with the rules of the Central Arbitration Committee or another mutually agreed upon arbitration service.

By registering for the retreat, you waive any right to participate in a class action or jury trial. Each party shall bear its own legal costs unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.

This process helps us avoid lengthy legal proceedings and instead focus on reaching a fair and efficient outcome for everyone involved.

We reserve the right to amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website.

By registering for the retreat, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to abide by these terms and conditions.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these terms and conditions, please contact us at help@ladieswholit.co.uk.

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