Terms & Conditions
These Terms & Conditions apply to all retreat and group accommodation bookings at Amara Estate ("Amara", "Amara Estate", "we", "our" or "us").
The person or entity making the booking is referred to throughout these Terms & Conditions as the “Booking Party.”
By paying a booking deposit, confirming a booking or entering the Property, the Booking Party acknowledges that they have read, understood and agree to these Terms & Conditions and accepts responsibility for ensuring all participants, guests, facilitators, practitioners, contractors and visitors associated with their booking comply with them.
1. Nature of Amara Estate, Participant Screening & Retreat Facilitator Responsibility
• Amara Estate operates as short-term accommodation specifically curated to support retreat stays and group accommodation experiences.
• Amara provides accommodation and access to the facilities and natural areas associated with the Property.
• Amara Estate is not a hotel, resort, staffed retreat centre, medical facility, therapeutic facility or concierge service. There are no permanent guest-service staff stationed at the Property during retreats.
1.1 Responsibility for Screening Retreat Participants
• Amara Estate does not select, interview, screen, assess or vet individual retreat participants. Amara has no involvement in determining who the Booking Party accepts to attend their retreat.
• The Booking Party acknowledges that responsibility for screening and determining the suitability of every retreat participant rests with the Booking Party and retreat facilitator.
• Before accepting a participant, the Booking Party is responsible for making reasonable enquiries and satisfying themselves that the participant:
- is suitable to participate in the particular retreat being offered;
- is capable of participating safely in the retreat environment and proposed activities;
- understands the nature, location and rural environment of Amara Estate;
- has disclosed to the Booking Party any relevant individual support requirements that the Booking Party reasonably needs to know in order to safely facilitate their participation;
- does not require a level of supervision, personal assistance, clinical care or individual support that the Booking Party is unable or unwilling to provide; and
- can be appropriately supported by the Booking Party and its facilitators, practitioners and retreat assistants throughout their stay.
• The Booking Party accepts responsibility for determining whether each participant is suitable for their retreat and whether the Booking Party has the appropriate personnel, experience and resources to safely and appropriately support that participant.
1.2 Responsibility for Participant Care During the Retreat
• The Booking Party acknowledges that it is conducting and facilitating the retreat independently of Amara Estate.
• Accordingly, the Booking Party and retreat facilitator accept responsibility for the reasonable care, supervision and retreat-related support of the participants they have accepted into their retreat.
• This includes responsibility for:
- appropriately supervising participants;
- responding to participant distress, concerns or changing support needs;
- determining whether a participant should continue participating in an activity or retreat;
- ensuring appropriately qualified practitioners are engaged where required;
- arranging additional retreat assistants or support personnel where the nature of the retreat or needs of participants require them;
- responding appropriately where a participant's needs change during the retreat; and
- making appropriate arrangements where a participant can no longer safely or reasonably participate in the retreat.
• Amara Estate does not assume responsibility for assessing, monitoring or managing the physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing of individual retreat participants.
• If a participant requires medical, psychological, therapeutic, personal or other specialised support, responsibility for identifying and arranging the appropriate response rests with the Booking Party, participant and/or appropriately qualified professional, as applicable.
• The Booking Party must not rely upon Amara Estate, its owners, maintenance staff, gardeners, cleaners or contractors to provide participant supervision, personal assistance, emotional support or retreat-related care.
1.3 Suitability of Amara Estate
• The Booking Party is responsible for ensuring participants understand, before attending, the nature of the Amara Estate environment.
• This includes communicating that:
- Amara is a large rural short-term accommodation property;
- some accommodation is separated from the main Retreat House;
- areas of the Property are very dark at night;
- guests may need to walk across natural, sloping or uneven terrain;
- wildlife and unfamiliar natural sounds are a normal part of the environment;
- Amara does not provide permanent onsite guest-service staff;
- Amara does not provide individual participant supervision;
- Amara does not provide concierge services, luggage services or transport around the Property; and
- the retreat facilitator is responsible for providing the level of participant support appropriate to their retreat.
• The Booking Party must satisfy itself before confirming its retreat participants that Amara Estate is appropriate for its group and that the Booking party can provide the level of support reasonably required by the participants it accepts.
• Amara Estate cannot know or assess the individual circumstances, vulnerabilities, support requirements or likely responses of every person invited to attend a retreat.
• Accordingly, the Booking Party must not rely upon Amara Estate to identify whether an individual participant is suitable for their retreat or requires additional support.
1.4 Retreat Staffing
• The lead facilitator or another appropriately authorised representative of the Booking Party must remain onsite throughout the retreat, including overnight, unless otherwise agreed in writing by Amara Estate.
• The Booking Party is responsible for determining how many facilitators, retreat assistants, practitioners and other support personnel are reasonably required, having regard to:
- the number of participants;
- the nature and intensity of the retreat;
- the activities being conducted;
- the reasonable support requirements of participants; and
- the experience and qualifications of the persons facilitating the retreat.
• Where requested, Amara Estate may recommend independent retreat assistants, practitioners, caterers or other service providers.
• Any recommendation is provided as a convenience only. Unless expressly stated otherwise, these providers operate independently of Amara Estate.
• The availability of recommendations from Amara does not transfer responsibility for participant care or retreat staffing to Amara Estate. The Booking Party remains responsible for ensuring its retreat is appropriately staffed and supported at all times.
• Maintenance staff, gardeners, cleaners, contractors and other service providers may attend the Property where reasonably required for maintenance, repairs, servicing, emergencies or the proper operation and care of the Property.
• These persons are not retreat assistants and must not be relied upon for participant supervision, personal support or retreat operations.
• Where practicable, Amara will seek to minimise disruption to guests when maintenance or servicing is required.
2. The Rural Nature of Amara Estate
• Amara Estate is a large rural property surrounded by natural bushland.
• By booking the Property, the Booking Party acknowledges and agrees to communicate to their participants that:
- areas of the Property can be extremely dark at night;
- lighting is intentionally limited in some outdoor and accommodation areas;
- accommodation areas may require walking across natural, sloping or uneven terrain;
- some accommodation is located away from the main Retreat House;
- wildlife is present throughout the Property;
- guests may hear animals, birds, insects, branches, weather and other natural sounds, particularly at night;
- wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, snakes, insects, birds and bats may be encountered; and
- Amara is a rural property and its natural environment forms an integral part of the experience.
• Guests must take reasonable care when moving around the Property and follow all safety and Property instructions provided by Amara.
• Torches should be carried when moving around the property after dark.
• Doors, windows, screens and other openings should be appropriately closed when required. Wildlife, birds, bats and insects may enter accommodation where openings are left unsecured.
• The Booking Party may be responsible for additional cleaning or damage resulting from failure by their group to follow these instructions.
3. Booking & Payment Schedule
• A booking is not secured until the initial booking deposit has been received.
• The accommodation payment schedule is:
- On booking: an amount equivalent to one night's accommodation;
- 60 days prior to arrival: an additional amount equivalent to one night's accommodation; and
- 30 days prior to arrival: the full remaining balance.
• If payment is not received by the applicable due date, Amara Estate reserves the right to cancel the reservation and release the dates for another booking.
• The initial booking deposit is non-refundable.
• Amara Estate relies upon confirmed bookings and the reservation of dates in order to operate its accommodation business. Once dates have been reserved, Amara may have declined or been unable to accept other bookings for those dates. For this reason, Amara does not provide refunds for cancellations or changes of mind, subject always to any rights which cannot lawfully be excluded under Australian Consumer Law.
• Where a Booking Party requests to move their booking to alternative dates, Amara Estate may, entirely at its discretion, agree to transfer some or all of the booking deposit to alternative dates where the original dates are subsequently rebooked by another party.
• Any transfer is:
- at Amara Estate's discretion;
- subject to availability;
- not guaranteed;
- limited to one transfer unless otherwise agreed; and
- not equivalent to a right to a cash refund.
• Until Amara Estate confirms a transfer in writing, all monies remain attached to the original booking dates.
4. Cancellation
• If the Booking Party cancels:
- More than 60 days prior to arrival: The initial booking deposit is forfeited.
- Between 30 and 60 days prior to arrival: All accommodation payments already made are forfeited.
- Within 30 days of arrival: The full accommodation amount remains payable and is non-refundable.
• If the original dates are successfully rebooked, Amara Estate may, at its discretion, permit amounts paid to be transferred toward alternative available dates.
• Amara Estate does not ordinarily provide cash refunds for cancelled bookings because confirmed dates are removed from availability and form part of Amara's ability to operate its accommodation business successfully.
• Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits any rights or remedies which cannot lawfully be excluded under Australian Consumer Law.
5. $1,000 Security Deposit
• In addition to accommodation payments, a once-off $1,000 security deposit must be transferred to Amara Estate before check-in.
• The $1,000 security deposit is separate from the accommodation booking deposit and is held as security against damage, loss, missing items, excessive cleaning or failure to leave the Property as required under these Terms.
• Following check-out, Amara's cleaning team will attend the Property.
• Provided the Property has been left in the required condition and there is no identified damage, loss, missing equipment or excessive cleaning required, the $1,000 security deposit will be refunded promptly following the cleaning team's inspection.
• Where a deduction is required, Amara Estate may deduct the reasonable cost of:
- damaged or missing Property;
- damage to wellness facilities;
- excessive cleaning;
- missing yoga equipment;
- missing towels or linen;
- rubbish or belongings left requiring additional removal;
- damage to buildings, gardens, landscaping, furniture or equipment; or
- reasonable rectification required as a result of the actions or omissions of the Booking Party or their guests.
• Where reasonable, Amara will provide information supporting any deduction made.
• If the reasonable cost of repair, replacement or rectification exceeds the $1,000 security deposit, the Booking Party remains responsible for the additional amount.
6. Insurance
• The Booking Party must hold appropriate insurance for the retreat and activities they conduct, including current public liability insurance.
• Evidence of insurance must be provided prior to check-in.
• The Booking Party must ensure practitioners, therapists, instructors, facilitators and other professionals engaged by them hold appropriate qualifications, licences and insurance for the services they provide.
• The Booking Party is responsible for their own personal property and that belonging to their guests, assistants, practitioners and associated personnel.
7. Responsibility for Retreat Participants & Guests
• The Booking Party remains Amara Estate's primary point of contact throughout the booking.
• The Booking Party is responsible for the conduct, appropriate supervision and retreat-related support of their participants during the stay.
• Participants should raise retreat-related accommodation, support or group concerns with their retreat facilitator in the first instance. The Booking Party is responsible for liaising with Amara Estate where assistance relating specifically to the Property or accommodation is required.
• Amara Estate does not provide individual retreat participants with personal support, supervision, luggage assistance, transport around the Property or concierge services.
• If a participant chooses to leave the retreat or relocate during their stay, the Booking Party and/or participant is responsible for arranging their own transport and assistance unless Amara expressly agrees otherwise.
8. Guests Under 18
• All persons under 18 remain under the care, consideration, supervision and responsibility of the Booking Party and their parent or legal guardian.
• Children must be directly supervised around swimming pools, plunge pools, the lake, dams, sauna, steam room, ice bath, fire pit and other natural or wellness areas.
9. Wellness Facilities & Responsibility
• Amara Estate includes a range of wellness facilities and natural areas including:
- swimming pool;
- plunge/magnesium pool;
- sauna;
- steam room;
- ice bath;
- fire pit;
- lake and dams;
- yoga studio; and
- walking tracks and natural bushland.
• Use of these facilities carries inherent risks.
• The Booking Party is responsible for overseeing the use of these facilities by their retreat participants and ensuring guests use them appropriately.
• Guests must consider their individual health and physical circumstances before using wellness facilities and seek appropriate professional advice where required.
10. Pool & Plunge Pool
• There is no lifeguard on duty.
• The Booking Party is responsible for appropriate supervision of guests and particularly children.
• Running, unsafe diving, glassware and unsafe behaviour around pool areas are prohibited.
• Pool towels are supplied according to the booked number of guests and must remain at Amara Estate.
• Missing pool towels will be charged at $40 per towel and may be deducted from the security deposit.
11. Sauna, Steam Room & Ice Bath
• The sauna, steam room and ice bath must be used responsibly and in accordance with all instructions provided.
• Appropriate clothing or swimwear must be worn when using these facilities.
• Guests using the sauna must place a towel underneath themselves before sitting or lying on sauna surfaces.
• The Booking Party is responsible for overseeing their group's use of the sauna, steam room and ice bath.
• We strongly recommend that the Booking Party, facilitator or nominated retreat assistant regularly oversees these facilities to ensure they are being treated appropriately and operated correctly.
• Any damage caused to the sauna, steam room, ice bath or associated wellness facilities through misuse, negligence or failure to follow instructions is the responsibility of the Booking Party.
• Reasonable repair or replacement costs may be deducted from the security deposit. Where costs exceed the deposit, the Booking Party remains responsible for the balance.
12. Lake, Dams & Natural Water Areas
• The lake and dams are natural, unsupervised bodies of water.
• There is no lifeguard.
• Children must be directly supervised by a responsible adult.
• No diving into natural water areas is permitted.
13. Fire Pit
• The fire pit must only be operated responsibly and under appropriate adult supervision.
• The Booking Party is responsible for ensuring:
- fires are supervised while burning;
- applicable fire bans and restrictions are observed;
- surrounding areas are kept safe; and
- fires are appropriately extinguished after use.
• The fire pit is provided for guest use. Amara Estate does not provide staff to light, maintain or supervise fires. If you are not comfortable with fire please do not use these facilities.
14. Yoga Studio & Equipment
• The yoga equipment supplied by Amara Estate is provided exclusively for the enjoyment of retreat participants inside the yoga studio.
• Amara yoga equipment must not be taken outside the yoga studio or used for outdoor yoga sessions.
• Where the Booking Party intends to conduct yoga, meditation, breathwork or other activities outdoors, all equipment required for those sessions must be supplied separately by the Booking Party.
• Amara Estate maintains 20 of each of the following items within the yoga studio:
- 20 yoga mats;
- 20 yoga bolsters;
- 20 yoga blocks; and
- 20 blankets.
• The Booking Party is responsible for ensuring all equipment is accounted for at the end of their stay.
• Following use:
- equipment must be wiped down where appropriate;
- all equipment must be returned to the positions in which it was found;
- equipment must be left in a condition suitable for the next guests;
- blankets requiring laundering should be left separately for the cleaning team; and
- all supplied equipment should be counted before departure.
• Missing or damaged equipment will be deducted from the Booking Party's security deposit at the following replacement rates:
Equipment Replacement Charge
Yoga Mat $100
Yoga Bolster $70
Yoga Block $50
Blanket $50
• Amara's yoga equipment is custom ordered in significant quantities to enable consistent branding and replacement stock.
• These items are not available for sale and must not be removed from the Property. They are provided for guests to enjoy during their stay at Amara only.
15. Yoga Studio & Equipment
• The glamping accommodation is located in a more secluded part of the Property and requires travel by foot or appropriate vehicle from the main Retreat House.
• Guests staying in the glamping accommodation should be comfortable with its rural location, natural surroundings, limited surrounding lighting and distance from the main house.
• Each private tent bathroom has its own key.
• Upon departure, each bathroom key must either:
- be returned to the main house; or
- be left on the bed inside the relevant tent.
• The Booking Party must send a photograph confirming the location of the key to [email protected] prior to departure.
16. Maintenance & Contractor Attendance
• Amara Estate is a large rural property and maintenance, gardening, cleaning, repairs and servicing may occasionally be required during a stay.
• Authorised Amara staff and contractors may attend common areas and grounds where reasonably necessary.
• Where access to private accommodation is required for non-urgent maintenance, reasonable efforts will be made to ensure this does not happen during your stay.
• Emergency or safety-related maintenance may require immediate attendance.
• Guests must provide reasonable access where repairs or safety matters require attention.
• The attendance of authorised maintenance personnel or contractors does not constitute permanent onsite staffing.
• We are a short term accommodation venue and besides our grounds maintenance crews will not be able to provide luggage services or retreat assistant based servicing. We can however recommend wonderful candidates who can.
17. Security & Privacy
• Amara Estate has security cameras covering selected external and operational areas of the Property.
• Cameras are intentionally not installed throughout private accommodation or private retreat spaces.
• Amara Estate seeks to maintain an appropriate balance between the security of the Property and the privacy, peace and seclusion expected by guests attending Amara.
• Guests remain responsible for taking reasonable care of themselves, their belongings and their accommodation during their stay.
18. Rainwater, Water Pressure & Septic Systems
• Amara Estate is a rural property operating predominantly on harvested rainwater and rural water infrastructure.
• Guests must be mindful of water consumption throughout their stay.
• Water pressure may reduce when a large number of guests use showers, taps, appliances or other water services simultaneously. This is a characteristic of the Property's rural water system.
• To assist the system and provide the best experience for all guests, Amara recommends:
- guests alter shower times rather than everyone showering simultaneously;
- unnecessary water usage is avoided; and
- the dishwasher is run once showering and significant washing-up/water usage has been completed.
• The Property also uses environmentally sensitive biocycle septic systems which rely upon healthy bacterial activity.
• No chemicals, wipes, oils, sanitary products or unsuitable substances may be placed down toilets or drains.
• Amara provides appropriate hair, body and hand wash products for guest use.
19. Vehicles, Driving & Parking
• For the safety of guests, wildlife and the Property:
- Maximum speed within Amara Estate is 20 km/h.
- Guests approaching or departing Amara along Litfin Road are requested to travel at no more than 25 km/h, where lawful and safe to do so.
• Guests must drive slowly and remain alert for wildlife, pedestrians and other vehicles.
• Vehicles must not be driven or parked on grassed areas. These areas form part of the natural habitat used by Amara's wildlife and must be protected.
• A maximum of six vehicles may be parked directly in front of the Amara Guest House.The thoroughfare between the upper driveway and yoga studio must remain completely clear at all times.
