When you book a spot on a Catherine Deveny Gunnas International Writing Retreat — whether by phone, post, or online — you agree to the following terms and conditions.
Everyone who joins us is expected to be across these terms, accept the risks that come with adventure and creativity, and be responsible for having the right travel, health, and personal accident insurance.
It’s your trip — make sure you’re covered.
1. Bookings
- A retreat booking is confirmed once we’ve received your non-refundable deposit of $1000 and sent you written confirmation (usually via email).
- Unpaid or late balances may be treated as a cancellation. If we do not receive your balance when it’s due, we reserve the right to offer the place to someone else.
- Booking terms can only be changed by written agreement with Catherine.
- We reserve the right to decline a booking at our discretion.
2. Cancellations
- If you cancel (unless an exception is approved in writing):
- Less than 4 weeks before: no refund.
- 4–8 weeks before: 75% refund (minus deposit).
- 8+ weeks before: full refund, less the deposit.
- Transfers: Write to us if you want to transfer your booking to another retreat. We’ll try but can’t guarantee it.
- If we cancel: You’ll get a full refund or can move your booking to a future date (subject to availability).
- Pandemics, lockdowns, disasters: If government rules or public health issues affect our plans, we will cancel or postpone. You’ll receive a refund or credit.
3. Payment Plans
- We offer payment plans — just discuss with Catherine and confirm in writing.
- Your balance must be paid in full 8 weeks before the retreat.
- The $1000 deposit remains non-refundable.
4. Prices
- All prices are per person and depend on availability.
- Optional extras may incur additional costs.
5. Dietary Requirements
- Please inform us at the time of booking about dietary needs, allergies, or medical instructions.
- You are responsible for ensuring that all relevant dietary and medical information is provided.
- We accept no liability for any undisclosed dietary requirement or any reaction caused by third parties or suppliers.
6. Flights & Travel
- Flights are not included. We are not responsible for flight costs, delays, or missed connections.
- No refunds for missed days due to late arrivals.
7. Travel Insurance
- We highly recommend travel insurance that covers cancellations, flights, luggage, and unexpected events.
- We do not reimburse travel costs if you or we have to cancel.
8. Liability
- We are not liable for any act, omission, or default of airlines, car rentals, hoteliers, Airbnb, caterers, or other third-party suppliers.
- We reserve the right to cancel or modify itineraries as needed.
- Our liability, where it cannot be excluded, is limited to the value of the retreat minus transport costs.
- Activities (day or night) are undertaken at your own risk. We accept no responsibility for injury, illness, or death caused to you or another participant.
9. Force Majeure
- We are not responsible for events beyond our control, including:
- Acts of God
- War, riot, or civil unrest
- Government regulations
- Natural disasters (fire, flood, storm)
- Transport disruptions
- Any unforeseeable or unavoidable event outside our control.
10. Luggage & Valuables
- Look after your belongings. We are not responsible for lost or damaged items.
- Insure valuable items or leave them at home.
11. Health & Wellbeing
Our retreats typically include:
- Accommodation
- Writing activities
- Transport to tours and activities
- Guided tours
- Creative therapy
- Two meals a day
- Surprises and extras
Your wellbeing is your responsibility.
- Ensure your insurance covers medical needs.
- Let us know about relevant medical or mental health issues so we can support you.
12. Emergency Contact
- Provide an emergency contact before the retreat begins.
13. Conduct
- Kindness and respect are non-negotiable.
- Abusive, disruptive, or discriminatory behavior will result in removal without refund.
- We may contact authorities if necessary — safety comes first.
14. Damage & Cleaning
- Treat retreat venues with respect.
- You will be charged for any damage or excessive cleaning required.
15. Pets
- No pets allowed.
16. Guests
- Your booking is for you only.
- No unapproved visitors or guests.
- For gift vouchers, attendee details must be provided at least 8 weeks before the retreat.
17. Alcohol
- Drink responsibly.
- We are not liable for incidents arising from alcohol use.
18. Fee & Payment Terms
- Your place is confirmed once full payment is made.
- Full payment is due 8 weeks before the retreat (unless otherwise arranged).
- Non-payment may result in cancellation and loss of fees.
19. Program Changes
- We reserve the right to replace facilitators or suppliers if necessary while maintaining the retreat’s core experience.
20. Late Arrival / Early Departure
- No refunds for arriving late or leaving early.
21. Special Requirements
- If you need special arrangements (e.g., ground-floor room, dietary requirements), inform us at the time of booking.
- We’ll do our best but cannot guarantee all requests.
22. Photos, Social Media & IP
- We may take photos or videos during the retreat.
- If you don’t want to be included, inform us in writing.
- Your creative work remains yours. Retreat materials remain ours.
- Do not reproduce them without permission.
23. Privacy & Data
- We keep your personal details secure and private.
- We may email you about future events unless you opt out.
- We never share or sell your data.
24. Feedback & Complaints
- Feedback is welcome — it helps us improve.
- Formal complaints must be submitted in writing within 10 working days.
- If something feels wrong during the retreat, speak up immediately.
Questions?
If anything is unclear, reach out before booking. We’re happy to chat.
Can’t wait to have you join us!