We know that people don't really like reading Terms and Conditions, so we’ve kept them short and easy to understand:
Firstly, let's address covid19. You are coming to a social surf camp. We do NOT social distance or wear masks at Swell and neither do our staff. We do not ask our guests to test for covid19 prior to arrival and we do not test our staff for covid, ask them to isolate from their family or friends, or have a vaccine mandate. Swell, and any sort of travel in general is not for you if you are worried about catching an extremely contagious virus that is everywhere in the world. We at Swell have taken the decision to live with covid19 (after one year of forced closure). Do not book to come to our place if you are worried about covid19 as you will be constantly mixing with others, sharing transport, meals, etc. That's the point of our place, meeting and enjoying the company of others. We prefer our guests not to wear masks or come to us with feelings of paranoia regarding covid19. We won't be running around after you sterilising everything you have touched. Covid and the world's response to it are divisive and we are well aware that some of you reading this will strongly disagree with our stance, but if that describes you, don't choose our place because we promise you, it won't suit you.
Our cancellation policy is very strict for the following reason: We are a small, popular hotel that promises you once we sell one of our rooms for your vacation, we won't sell it to anyone else and unlike airlines, we never overbook. If you have to cancel your trip, regardless of the reason, we will not be able to offer you a postponement or refund. Instead, the travel insurance you agree to take out to cover your trip to Swell will do so. It's Ok if you don't want to take any risk; don't proceed now but instead, contact us just before you travel to see if we still have space for you. If you would like us to guarantee you a room by proceeding now, you will also be guaranteeing us your payment.
Arrival balances won't change in case of late arrivals or changes of arrival dates, and if for any reason you need to extend your stay at Swell additional charges will apply. We will, of course, provide you with an invoice so that you can make a claim on your travel insurance policy.
Our surf coaches will give you instructions at the beach to keep you safe. If you do not follow their guidance, they may refuse to take you to teach you or allow you to use our equipment. Charges will be applied for reckless use or loss of Swell equipment whilst on loan to you.
Swell can cater to people up to 100kg in weight for surf lessons and/or surfboard rentals. If you weigh more than that, our equipment is just not suitable for you, even though we have in our fleet the biggest beginner surfboards available. If you arrive at Swell and we have to rent a specialist board for you (which usually has to be a S.U.P. if you are more than 100kg), those extra charges of $175 USD for a week-long rental, or $25 USD per day, will be passed on to you.
Our kitchen is strictly out of bounds for guests: We know it looks inviting as a lovely open space, but it is for our staff only to use. We located Swell right next to a whole bunch of good, (often cheap) places to get lunch and dinners on the nights we don’t cook.If you ask to cook/warm something up, or try to keep a half-eaten takeaway in the fridge, you will be refused by Swell staff. There is plenty of alternative accommodation available in Cabarete if you want to self-cater.
We will look after you very well; our staff have the best training available in their fields of expertise, but if you hurt yourself doing an activity (surfing/kiting are EXTREME sports), or your stuff gets stolen, we won’t take responsibility for it; your travel insurance policy needs to cover you.
Your 5-day surf course (including an extra day's surfboard rental, if you are staying 7-nights) is discounted and won't be refunded in part or in full if you are not surfing for any reason. Before booking, you can ask us to pay a higher day rate for lessons if you are worried that you won't get along with surfing. That rate is $65 USD per morning, rather than $252 USD (already included in our learn to surf package). Please be aware that Saturdays are always a day off from surfing. If you stop surfing, for any missed lessons, we can give you an invoice to claim on your travel insurance policy.
In proceeding to pay, you agree to take out adequate insurance that must protect any belongings you bring with you to Swell. We will not take any responsibility for any loss or damage to your belongings whilst at the camp; we can vouch for our own staff but in shared rooms particularly, we are unable to vouch for fellow guests.
The same applies to any activities undertaken outside of Swell (canyoning for example); these all carry an element of danger and you undertake these excursions at your own risk.
Covid19 (again): At some stage, we expect that someone will test positive for their return trip and our policy here is set: Should you test positive for COVID19 when you have your covid test 24 hours before your return flight, you will be required to self-isolate for the benefit of other guests. If the airline pre-flight testing policy prevents you from traveling, we are very unlikely to have space for you to continue to stay at Swell, so you will be expected to find alternative accommodation for your isolation period. In any event, if you are needing to isolate you will be much more comfortable in a space with your own kitchen/TV and wifi, etc. (wifi is deliberately unavailable in our rooms). Our staff will try to advise you on alternative places to quarantine. Swell takes no responsibility if you are exposed to the virus by another guest. Covid19 is often asymptomatic and covid tests are not 100% reliable. Your travel insurance needs to cover you for any covid-19 related issues.
If our terms and conditions don't suit you, please don't proceed to pay
Thank you for reading.
Team Swell
