RETREAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations made by you

• All cancellations must be made in writing to catharinakuhlyoga@gmail.com

• Your deposit is non-refundable

• If you cancel 12 weeks prior to the first day of the retreat, 100% of your fee minus the deposit will be refunded

• If you cancel less than 12 weeks but more than 6 weeks prior to the first day of the retreat, 50% of your fee not including the non-refundable deposit will be refunded. Should there be a wait list and your spot can be filled from this wait list or you have someone to take your spot, 100% of your fee not including the non-refundable deposit will be refunded.

• If you cancel less than 6 weeks prior to the first day of the retreat, no refund is due unless your space can be filled from the wait list or by you, in which case 50% of your fee not including the non-refundable deposit will be refunded.

Cancellations made by me

• If the retreat is cancelled or there is a change of date, you are entitled to transfer any payments to another retreat, or to request a full refund

• Any travel costs, loss of work etc. linked to a cancellation of a retreat remain your sole responsibility and are not covered by this cancellation policy

HEALTH & SAFETY

• At all times participants must comply with the rules and safety instructions provided to them by Catharina Kuhl Yoga and The Old Rectory House Somerset to protect the health and safety of all in attendance.

• All classes, workshops, activities and use of facilities at the retreat venue are undertaken at your own risk.

• If you suffer from a known medical condition or are in any doubt about your health, please consult professional medical advice before booking. You must inform me of any such condition or concern that you may have before attending the classes. You must also inform me if you are pregnant or are taking any medication. I will not, under any circumstances, be held responsible for physical or mental health, injury, loss or death, howsoever arising, during and after your stay.

• It is your responsibility to ensure that your physical condition is appropriate to the activities relevant to the holiday that you are booking.

• Food will be provided by the retreat venue. You must inform me of any dietary requirements and allergies prior to the retreat.

• A health questionnaire will be sent to you no later than 4 weeks prior to the retreat that you agree to complete.

• Please take out your own travel insurance.

• I am not responsible for the vaccination status and/or risks associated with the transmission or exposure of COVID-19 or any other illness. The Company reserves the right to implement COVID-19 secure measures at their total discretion.

• I do not take any responsibility for the safekeeping, loss or damage of your valuables.

PRIVACY POLICY

• Any personal information including your contact details and your health will be kept strictly confidential.

• You may be required to sign a safety disclaimer by the retreat venue, which may include your contact details.

• In the event that you book additional services (e.g. massages) with external providers, your name and preferred means of contact may be shared with them.

• You agree to keep any information about other participants confidential.

• You will be required to provide details for an emergency contact. This contact will be kept strictly confidential, and I will only use this contact in emergencies. I will only share this contact with the retreat venue or other third parties if absolutely required in the event of an emergency.

• I do not hold and debit or credit card details and all payments will be made by bank transfer.

• All GDPR rights apply.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

This condition sets out our entire financial liability (including any liability for the acts or omissions of our employees, teachers, consultants and suppliers) to you in respect of: (a) any breach of our Contract; (b) any use made by you of the Retreat or the services we provide to or arrange for you; and (c) any representation, statement or tortious act or omission (including negligence) arising under or in connection with our Contract or the Retreat

• All warranties, conditions and other terms implied by statute or common law are, to the fullest extent permitted by law, excluded from this Contract.

• Nothing in these Conditions limits or excludes my liability: (a) for death or personal injury resulting from negligence; or (b) for any damage or liability incurred by you as a result of our fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.

• My total liability to you in relation to you in tort (including negligence or breach of statutory duty), misrepresentation, restitution or otherwise arising in connection with this Contract and the Retreat shall be limited to the price you pay to me.

GENERAL

All participants are expected to be respectful and kind to each other, respecting each others privacy and rights. I reserve the right to remove any participant from the retreat should I consider that there has been inappropriate behaviour. Bullying, racism or sexism of any kind will not be tolerated.

Although I take every reasonable care to ensure that nothing untoward occurs during your stay, I accept no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any injury, loss, accident, death, delay, inconvenience, damage or irregularity arising, howsoever caused (to the fullest extent permitted by law). I do not accept responsibility whatsoever for events beyond my control. Similarly I do not accept responsibility for breakdown in the supply of water, gas or electricity or access to the retreat amenities. Together with the retreat venue, I will however endeavor to arrange for such problems to be resolved as promptly as possible. Our Contract and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with the accommodation or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim that arises out of or in connection with our Contract or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims). If any part of our Contract is deemed by the laws of England and Wales, to be unfair or unjust, the remainder of our Contract shall remain valid.

IMPORTANT NOTE - EVENTS BEYOND OUR CONTROL
Events beyond our control include: war, threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemics, health risks, technical problems with transport including changes due to rescheduling or cancellation of flights by an airline or alteration of the airline or aircraft type, closed or congested airports or ports, hurricanes and other actual or potential severe weather conditions, theft and any other similar events.

THE OLD RECTORY HOUSE SOMERSET TERMS & CONDITIONS AND SAFETY DISCLAIMER

MISCELLANEOUS

No smoking is allowed in any of the properties or around the pool.

Whilst every care is taken to provide a true and accurate description of the property, over time, alterations are made and some things do change. The holidaymaker accepts that no refunds are available for such discrepancies.

The property owner reserves the right to enter the property, at a reasonable time, in the event of an emergency or remedial repair work being required.

The property owner reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone, who in the property owner's opinion is not suitable to or capable of taking charge of the property.

The property owner reserves the right to ask the holidaymaker and their party to leave the property, without refund, should the behaviour of the holidaymaker and/or their party be considered by the property owner to be unreasonable.

NUMBER OF GUESTS

The maximum number of people entitled to stay at each property and on a retreat is the number agreed at the time of booking and furthermore, only those people named on the booking form are entitled to stay. If it is found that more people than agreed are using the property, this will be considered a breach of contract and the holidaymaker and his/her party will be asked to leave immediately without any refund. Sub-letting of the let is prohibited.

We do not allow additional visiting guests on site.

PETS

Unfortunately we cannot accommodate any pets on site due to the proximity of our livestock.

PARKING

We offer secure off street parking for all our guests. Each shepherds hut is allocated 1 parking space.

LIABILITY

The property owner takes no responsibility for the personal possessions of the holidaymaker or the holidaymaker's party. Vehicles and possessions are left entirely at the risk of the holidaymaker.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIME

The shepherd huts will be available from 3pm on the day of arrival. The property must be vacated by 3pm on the day of departure. We cannot allow extended stays around the pool or in the grounds after your departure time. Late departure may result in an additional charge being made. 

CLEANING

We would like to think the holidaymaker and party would treat the property as they would their own home and at the end of the holiday the property is left in a clean and tidy condition. The property owner retains the right to make an additional charge for cleaning should the property not be left in a similar condition to the way it was found at the start of the holiday.

Extra laundry charges may be incurred for any stains caused by accidents, spills, make up/fake tan or pet damage. If stains cannot be removed, replacements may be charged for.

BREAKAGES

The holidaymaker should make every effort to keep the property, fixtures and fittings and all contents in the same state of repair and condition as at the start of the holiday. Any accidental damages or breakages should be reported to the property owner prior to departure. The property owner retains the right to make an additional charge for damage and breakages although it should be noted that minor breakages and reasonable wear and tear (in the opinion of the property owner) will not be charged for.

TOILETRIES

Full size Bramley toiletries are provided for your use but remain the property of the owners. If the holidaymaker takes the toiletries you will be charged for the full amount (£14/bottle).

COMPLAINTS

Every endeavour is made to ensure your stay with us is memorable for all the right reasons. However, we do recognise that from time to time things do go wrong. In these circumstances, it is the responsibility of the holidaymaker to make any such problem known to the property owner (or their representative) immediately it becomes apparent, thereby giving the property owner the opportunity to correct the situation. Unless this procedure is followed, no subsequent claim will be entertained.

The property owner will make every endeavour to rectify any identified problems as soon as is reasonably possible.

POOL

The pool rules in our safety disclaimer must be adhered to. Solo swimming is not allowed. There is no lifeguard at the pool and you swim at your own risk. The owners cannot accept responsibility for any accidents in and around the pool.

HOT TUBS

The holidaymaker must follow the manufacturer's operating instructions (these are in the handbook in each hut and displayed on the wall adjacent to the tubs) before attempting to use the hot tub. The holidaymaker will be liable to pay for any damage caused by misuse. The hot tub disclaimer must be signed and returned to the owners before the tub can be used. The owners cannot accept responsibility for any accidents in and around the hot tubs.

Wood burners, fire pits and chimineas

Please act responsibly around all fires and do not leave unattended. Extra charges may be made for any damage caused by misuse. The owners accept no responsibility for any accidents around the fire areas.

SAFETY & RULES DISCLAIMER

We want all guests to have an amazing experience here but your safety is of utmost importance. Byusing any of the facilities here at Old Rectory House you are agreeing to adhere to all the rules in this disclaimer.

SITE

We provide free, off street parking for all our guests, however you park at your own risk and we cannot take any responsibility for any damage, accident or loss.

Wi-Fi is available over the whole site and generally good, but being rural and the spread out nature of our site, it can be intermittent occasionally.

If you take anything from the Pantry shop or minibar in the spa cottage or pool house, simply fill out the IOU form and settle up before departure.

Due to the geographical nature of our site, the ground is undulating and uneven in places. Where possible stick to the pathways. At certain times of year the ground can become waterlogged or dry and cracked so please make sure you wear the appropriate footwear. Please use caution when walking around the site.

We have several decking areas around the site for the hot tubs, sauna etc. These can get slippery in wet weather so please be very careful.

After dark the lighting around the site is sparse so please be careful moving around the site at night time.

Our huts are a short walk from the parking area (uphill!). We provide wheelbarrows to help transport your luggage to your hut. If you need assistance please let us now in advance so we can ensure someone is on hand to help you. To access Minnie’s Hut you’ll need to walk through our sheep field. Please stick to the mown path. The sheep will not bother you (they will avoid you!) but if you are concerned and want an escort, please let us know. This is a working smallholding with livestock so please keep all gates shut.

The beauty of our site is we are surrounded by amazing countryside. As such, at certain times of year there will be farming practices occurring in the vicinity of Old Rectory House so please be understanding of this.

POOL AREA

Pool opening hours are 10am - 5pm unless otherwise agreed.

Please shower before using the pool using the outdoor shower adjacent to the pool or the shower in the pool house bathroom. The pool cover will normally be off during opening hours but especially in colder months may be left on to prevent the heat from escaping. If the cover is on, just wind it back with the cover wheel. Let us know if you need assistance.

• Please act sensibly around the pool.

• No running and diving.

• Solo swimming is strictly prohibited.

• Do not use the pool or hot tubs while under the influence of alcohol.

• No smoking at the pool area.

• You swim at your own risk, the pool does not have a lifeguard.

• No glass or chinaware whatsoever is allowed in the pool area. Please use the non breakables provided in the pool house.

• The floor in the pool house may become slippery. Please dry you feet before entering and take care.

• Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using the pool side hot tub, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, circulatory issues, or are pregnant.

We cannot take responsibility for any accidents in and around the pool. Our insurance does not cover anyone swimming alone.

The pool hot tub will have a thin cover to retain the heat, so just move it to the side when using the hot tub and replace after use. The poolside hot tub is designed to hold up to 6 people at any one time.

There is a sign next to the poolside hot tub with instructions on how to use the controls for the hot tub jets, bubbles and lights. Please follow these instructions and don’t change any other settings. If there is any sign of lightning, please exit the pool immediately and do not re-enter until at least 20 minutes after the lighteninghas passed.

The pool chemical levels are checked twice daily both morning and evening. We make every effort to do all cleaning and maintenance outside of opening hours but in unforeseen circumstance we may need to close to pool for essential work.

SHEPHERDS HUTS

Check-in time is 3pm and check-out is 3pm unless otherwise agreed. Please watch our shepherd hut self-check in video for full instructions on how to use the facilities at you hut, especially the hot tub.

• Do not attempt to use the hot tub without watching that video and if in any doubt please contact us before lighting.

• Do not light the hot tub until it is filled with water.

• Do not empty the hot tub until the fire is out and the stove is completely cold.

• Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using the hot tub, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions,circulatory issues, or are pregnant.

All logs, kindling and BBQ charcoal are stored underneath you hut. Extra matches and firelighters are in the shed between Dotty’s and Charlotte’s Hut and also in the shed next to Minnie’s Hut. These sheds also contain your recycling boxes and bins and we would greatly appreciate it if you could put you rubbish/recycling in there.

Please make sure all BBQs, fire pits and hot tub fires are extinguished after use.

Each hut has a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the wardrobe.

Please take care when lifting and lowering the dining table in the huts. They are heavy. Do not use the table as a step to get into bed.

WOODLAND SANCTUARY

• Please only enter at the Woodland Sanctuary at arranged times.

• Do not visit the sanctuary on your own, it is only for groups of 2 or more for safety reasons.

• With hot and cold therapy it is extremely important to stay hydrated.

• The ground and paths in the woods are uneven so please take care.

SAUNA

The sauna is wood-fired and requires some time to heat up, which is why we open it in prearranged slots.

• Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using the sauna, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, circulatory issues, or are pregnant.

• We will preheat the sauna for you, but please add logs to keep the fire going. If there is any problem please let us know immediately.

• The sauna will be heated to around 75-80 degrees Celsius. If you would like it cooler than this, let us know.

• Please sit on a towel while using the sauna.

• Please use the water ladle in the sauna sparingly. The water should evaporate immediately when hitting the stones. If any excess water is dripping through the bottom you are pouring too much on.

• Do not touch the stones as they are extremely hot. If a stone drops out of the basket inform us immediately.

• It is recommended to spend between 5-15 minutes in the sauna at any one time. There is a sand timer in the sauna to time yourself. Cool off and shower before re-entering the sauna.

• If at any time you start to feel dizzy, please exit the sauna immediately.

HOT TUB

The hot tub in the sanctuary is a large Skarsgard wood-fired tub which can fit up to 10 people. Being a wood fired and large tub it requires quite a bit or preparation and time to fill and heat so we do require a few days notice.

• Do not adjust the fire unless we have given you instructions.

• The cover is heavy so don’t attempt to remove or replace. We will do this for you.

• Any issues or questions just contact us immediately.

• Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using the hot tub, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, circulatory issues, or are pregnant.

COLD BATH

Our cold bath is continually chilled to 5-7 degrees Celsius but it maybe be lower in winter months due to the colder ambient temperature. The cold bath contains no chemicals. It has a filter system and we change the water periodically.

Cold exposure has many proven health benefits, both physical and mental but it can be dangerous in the wrong circumstance. Please adhere to all our rules and guidelines for the safest experience possible.

• Do not use the cold bath on your own.

• Cold exposure may have varying effects on different individuals, and your health status should be assessed to determine suitability. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using the cold bath, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, circulatory issues, or are pregnant.

• Cold exposure can be intense, and it is recommended to start with shorter durations and gradually increase the time spent in the cold bath as your body adapts.

• Prolonged exposure may lead to hypothermia or other adverse reactions.