Terms of Booking | Zenforest

TERMS OF BOOKING

I am thrilled you are joining the Zen Forest Portugal Family !!

Please read over our terms carefully before arriving at the property:

ALL GUESTS :

Event Policies and Procedures

1. **Catering and Kitchen Cleanliness:**
- Catering is provided in the community kitchen.
- Guests can bring their own food or staples if organized to facilitate the catering service.
- Guests must clear their dishes, placing them in the dishwasher after use or cleaning them manually. This is a community kitchen, despite catering being provided we excpect guests to clear their plate, cups, cuttlery, etc. If guests do not agree to this term, an additional charge of 100€ per day will be levied.

- Food left over shall be place in the fridge if you'd like to save it for later or left on the table and we will clear it out.
- Please keep the kitchen area tidy and clean to facilitate service and avoid flies and other bugs

2. **Fireplace Use:**
- Guests may ask for help to light the fire, but are responsible for refilling the firewood as needed.

- The fire pit in the forest must NOT be lit on windy days. Use the fire pit near the swimming pool when windy to avoid fire hazards

- Make sure the fire is COMPLETLY OFF when you go to bed. In case of doubt - pour sufficient water on it

3. **Reporting Damages:**
- Any damage to equipment or facilities must be reported to the organizers immediately.

4. **Sauna, Jacuzzi and Swimming Pool Guidelines:**
- Turn on the sauna at the start and ensure it is turned off after use. For optimal temperature, turn the sauna on 30min before use.
- Essential oils provided for the sauna must remain in the sauna area only.

- Use of Shoes/flipflops in the Sauna is not allowed
- Towels are provided for both the sauna and swimming pool. They will not be changed during stays under five days. Guests are required to use the same towel for the duration of their stay.

- Use of essential oils in the jacuzzi is prohibited

- To use the jacuzzi, guests must press ''unlock'' to activate the display. They can use the display to adjust the temperature and start the operation.

- Cover the jacuzzi when not in use to keep it clean and tempered.

5. **Parking:**
- Vehicles must be parked outside of the property, and should not obstruct the entrance or nearby areas.

6. **Light Management:**
- All lights should be turned off at bedtime, except for the garland lights in the kitchen, which may serve as a night light.

- Decorative solar lights in the property must remain outside. Do not bring them in the tents. All tents have a solar light to be used in the tent only.

7. **Water Heating System:**
- To ensure sufficient warm water activate the backup heating pump by pressing the "B" button 3 times (third button) - Check from time to time to ensure there is enough warm water for all your guests

8. **Nature and Flower Gathering:**
- Gather flowers and materials for ceremonies outside the property to preserve the natural environment of the venue

- It is PROHIBITED to dig holes with the property to bury ANYTHING. Use the bins. Make use of your common sense when stepping on someone else's land.

9. **Instrument Usage in the Shala/GreenHouse:**
- Instruments in the shala/greenhouse area are available for use but must remain within that area. Guests may take them to another place but have to return the instruments to their original place.

10. **Tent Usage:**
- Tents are strictly for sleeping and resting. No ceremonies, fires, candles, or any other open flames are allowed inside the tents due to safety concerns.

- Eating inside the tents is prohibited

- Keep your tent clean

- We advise you to close your tent when not in use to avoid bugs and eventual rain

11. **Yoga Mat Usage:**
- Yoga mats may be used outside of the yoga shala for practices in other suitable areas. Ensure the mats are returned to their original place after use.

- Clean your mat after usage with the provided cloth and detergent

12. **Accommodation Capacity and Restrictions:**

- The maximum accommodation capacity for Zen Forest is 17 people, including facilitators

- For sleeping arrangements:

-**Glamping:** Maximum 17 guests

- Personal tents are not allowed on the property as they alter the appearance and stucture of Zen Forest, which is central to its concept.

- Guests and Facilitators are NOT allowed inside the main house. Unless agreed otherwise.

13.** Showers and Toilet Use:**

- DO NOT throw higiene items in the toilets such as tampons and pads, they clothe the sewage! There are bins for that effect!

Media Consent and Usage:

By electing to stay at Zen Forest Portugal as a guest or renter, you aknowledge and consent to the fact that photography, video recording, and audio recording may occur during your stay. These images, videos, and audio clips may be used for marketing, promotion, and advertising purposes on Zen Forest's social media platforms, website, and other digital or print media.

If, for any reason, you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, or if you prefer that your images or any visual or audio recordings featuring you not be used for the aforementioned purposes, please inform us prior to your arrival. In such instances, it is critical to outline your preferences in the rental agreement to ensure they are respected throughout the duration of your stay at Zen Forest Portugal. Do not hesitate to reach out should you have any concerns or require further clarification on our media policy.

Liability Waiver:

Zen Forest is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items occurring anytime before, during, or after your stay.
Zen Forest Portugal is not responsible for any illnesses, allergic reactions, diseases, medical emergencies (including Covid), medical needs of any kind, or injuries on or off site occurring before, during, or after your stay

FOR RENTERS :

Payment & Cancellations:

All individual bookings for guests attending retreats require a 50% deposit to secure your spot, and the final balance is due 2 days before the start of the retreat ( applies to Zen Forest Retreats )
All venue hire bookings require a 50% non-refundable deposit. The remaining 50% will be paid 1 week prior to the retreat/event start date. Final 50% can be payed cash.

All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable for any reason including, but not limited to: Covid related occurrences, travel changes, flight cancellation, natural disasters, border closures, quarantine measures, flight delays, illness, death, etc.

Total balance must be paid on arrival before settling into your accomodation
All additional services (massages, excursions, crafts, merchandising, etc) must be paid for in cash.

Disclaimers:

We have dogs that live on site and they love people so keep that in mind if you have a fear of dogs
Zen Forest Portugal is only open to people 18+ years old
Surf ( when appliable) is subject to weather conditions that are out of our control. If surf is not available one day due to conditions, there will be no refunds or pricing adjustments.
If yoga class doesn’t happen because the teacher is hurt, injured, or unable to teach for any extenuating reasons and we are unable to find a substitute last minute there will be no refunds or price adjustment. But we will work in order to find a substitute
In the unlikely event that certain features or amenities of the venue are not fully operational on the day of the event, we want to assure our clients that we make every effort to maintain all venue facilities in excellent working condition. However, should there be any unforseen malfunctions or issues, we regret that we cannot offer discounts or refunds for such occurrences. And we appreciate in advance your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that your event proceeds smoothly, regardless of these potential minor disruptions.
All “Not Included in the Price” items, events, activities, and costs are not included in the booking fee and must be paid for in cash to the front desk.
If guest is asked to leave for any reason, they are required to evacuate Zen Forest Portugal immediately without partial or total refund.
Zen Forest Portugal reserves the right to refuse service to any guest displaying acts of violence (physically, verbally, energetically) to any person (staff, guest, or community), without partial or total refund.
Zen Forest Portugal reserves the right to refuse service to any guest at any time if guest is threatening the safety of any person (staff, gets, or otherwise), without partial or total refund.