Terms and Conditions — The Sunset Villa Dhiffushi

📌 1. General Information & Strategic Alliance

These Terms and Conditions apply strictly to all bundled "Dive and Stay" packages, digital bookings, and transactions processed through this Website or any of the authorized digital web domains owned and operated by SIGNATURE SCUBA SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. (the "Company") in strategic alliance with The Sunset Villa Dhiffushi Hotel (www.thesunsetvilladhiffushi.com) (the "Hotel").

Under a centralized strategic business alliance, these high-value packages are executed across the following partner networks and properties:

• The Sunset Villa Dhiffushi Hotel: Explicitly provides all on-site resort accommodations, guest lodging infrastructure, hospitality management, daily resort-side meals, and also manages and executes all professional scuba diving activities, equipment rentals, certified PADI/SSI training courses, and marine excursions across its regional centers in the Maldives (Dhiffushi, North Malé Atoll, and partner island locations). Coordinates centralized island logistics, reservations, and back-office ground management. Please note that The Sunset Villa Dhiffushi Hotel maintains its own independent resort terms, conditions, and house rules governing guest stays, which apply fully to all occupants, including non-diving guests, accompanying family members, and general travelers.

By utilizing these web domains or executing a booking with SIGNATURE SCUBA SINGAPORE PTE. LTD., you explicitly confirm that you have read, understood, and unreservedly accepted these Terms and Conditions.

📅 2. Booking & On-Site Operational Regulations

• Local Legal Compliance: While booking transactions and online merchant processing are managed in Singapore, all guests acknowledge that the physical resort lodging at The Sunset Villa Dhiffushi Hotel and all water-based activities take place in the Maldives and are subject to the local ordinances of Kaafu Atoll and the federal laws of the Republic of Maldives.
• Age Limits: You must be at least 18 years of age to legally execute a booking. Minors require written parental or legal guardian consent and must be supervised on-site in accordance with Maldivian maritime safety rules. Minors under 12 are generally not permitted on open-water excursions unless accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
• Accurate Information: You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete personal information, including legal names, contact data, medical declarations, and valid billing profiles.
• Check-In / Check-Out: Standard check-in is from 2:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM local Maldives time. Early arrivals or late departures are subject to availability and local resort surcharges.
• Property Damage: The Guest assumes full financial liability for any physical damage caused to the resort rooms, dive equipment, boats, kayaks, snorkeling gear, or communal property during their stay. The Hotel reserves the right to charge the Guest's card on file via the Merchant of Record for documented damages.

🧭 3. Applicability to All Guests, Walk-Ins & Third-Party Bookings

These Terms and Conditions apply to all guests, visitors, and participants, regardless of how the booking was made. This includes:

• Direct online bookings made through the authorized digital domains of Signature Scuba Singapore Pte. Ltd. or The Sunset Villa Dhiffushi Hotel (www.thesunsetvilladhiffushi.com).
• Third-party platform bookings made via Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Trip.com, or any other travel platform. For these bookings, the cancellation, deposit, and refund terms are governed by the platform's listing for the rate selected. However, all safety, medical, liability, environmental, and conduct clauses in these Terms apply in full.
• Walk-in guests and on-site bookings made at The Sunset Villa Dhiffushi Hotel or any affiliated reception desk. By registering, paying a deposit, or participating in any activity, walk-in guests accept these Terms in full.
• Room-only guests who booked accommodation independently and did not purchase a dive or excursion package. These guests are bound by the hotel's house rules and by the safety, behavior, property damage, and environmental clauses of these Terms. Their cancellation and refund terms are governed by their booking channel.
• Day visitors and excursion-only guests who join a snorkeling trip, sandbank visit, island-hopping tour, kayaking session, or any water activity without an overnight stay. By boarding the vessel or joining the activity, they accept the safety, alcohol, environmental, and liability clauses of these Terms.

Signature Scuba Singapore Pte. Ltd. and The Sunset Villa Dhiffushi Hotel reserve the right to require any guest — online, third-party, walk-in, or day visitor — to sign a physical or digital acknowledgment of these Terms before participating in any activity. Refusal to sign may result in denial of service without refund.

💰 4. Payment, Pricing & Multi-Currency Gateway Protocols

• Authorized Merchant of Record: All online transactions, credit/debit card capturing, and multi-currency processing are managed via Stripe Singapore, with SIGNATURE SCUBA SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. (UEN: 202640636N) acting as the sole, authorized Merchant of Record across all authorized Signature Scuba and partner websites, including The Sunset Villa Dhiffushi Hotel (www.thesunsetvilladhiffushi.com).
• Currency Architecture: Base prices may be displayed on our websites in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), United States Dollars (USD), or Singapore Dollars (SGD) for convenience. Clearings and cross-border disbursements are settled via our Wise Business multi-currency accounts.
• Cardholder Fee Disclaimer: The Company and its regional alliance partners are not liable for, and will not reimburse, any foreign exchange variance, conversion margins, or cross-border transaction fees levied by your local card-issuing bank.
• Deposits: Full payment or a 30% deposit is required at booking depending on service type. A 30% non-refundable deposit applies to all group bookings (6+ guests) and peak season reservations.

🔄 5. Cancellations, Refunds & Operational Standards

PART A: Standard Individual Bookings

Applies to standard diving courses, fun dives, DSD experiences, snorkeling trips, kayaking, sandbank trips, island-hopping excursions, and day trips across Dhiffushi, North Malé Atoll, and partner island locations.

• 🟢 Free Cancellation (Full Payment): Up to 14 days before arrival → 100% full refund. No cancellation charges apply.
• 🟡 Free Cancellation (Deposit Only): Request at any time before event begins → 90% refund of deposit. 10% retained to cover Stripe gateway fees and administrative account setups.
• 🟠 Partial Refund Window: Between 14 days and 7 days before arrival → 75% refund (25% charge applied).
• 🔴 Non-Refundable Period & No-Shows: Within 7 days of arrival or No-Show → 0% refund (100% charged). Digital credit voucher may be offered at our discretion.

PART C: Weather, Environment & Local Disruptions

• Weather / Safety Cancellation by Operator: 100% full refund or reschedule without extra charge if cancelled due to unsafe conditions.
• Force Majeure & Natural Disasters: No cash refunds for cancellations caused by natural disasters or force majeure events.
• Port Closures & Sea Conditions: If the Maldivian coast guard or local harbour authority closes the port due to rough seas or high swells, this constitutes a Force Majeure event. The Hotel is not liable for missed nights, delayed arrivals, or any resulting travel disruption.
• Excursion Cancellations: Snorkeling trips, kayaking, sandbank visits, and island-hopping excursions may be cancelled or rerouted by the operator at short notice due to sea conditions, tide levels, or safety concerns. Guests will be offered a reschedule or a comparable alternative where possible.

PART D: How the Cancellation Process Works

• STEP 1: Guest requests cancellation via WhatsApp, email, or in person at The Sunset Villa Dhiffushi Hotel.
• STEP 2: Timing is audited to define the correct refund percentage tier.
• STEP 3: Deductions are calculated and final refund amount is confirmed.
• STEP 4: Refunds are processed through Stripe/Wise within seven (7) business days.
• STEP 5: A formal confirmation email is dispatched with an itemized receipt layout.

The Guest Cancellation Confirmation Email Includes: Cancellation Date, Original Booking Details, Refund Amount, Charges Applied, Payment Method, Estimated Refund Timeline (5–10 business days), Policy Reference, and Support Contact.

✏️ 6. Date Changes & Room Availability Protections

Standard Room Accommodation Date Changes

• Date-change requests must be submitted at least 14 days prior to arrival and are subject entirely to room availability.
• Activity Booking Validity: 100% of your diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and excursion bookings remain completely valid.
• Unavailability Protection: If rooms are not available, we offer a 90% refund of your room payment portion. You may book another hotel independently and continue your diving and water activities seamlessly with our crews.

Premium "Dive & Stay" Package Date Changes

• Date-change requests are permitted up to seven (7) days prior to arrival, subject to room availability at The Sunset Villa Dhiffushi Hotel. If rooms are available on your preferred dates, no change fees apply.
• Special Package Exception: If your date change request cannot be accommodated due to room unavailability, we will assist by recommending alternative properties in our immediate vicinity.
• Accommodation Component Refund: If the change cannot be accommodated due to room unavailability, we will refund 50% of your accommodation fee component. This 50% refund applies regardless of when the change request is made (even if submitted well in advance). All discounts applied to your diving and water activities remain 100% valid and unaffected.

🚢 7. Marine Transfers & Island Logistics

The Maldives and Dhiffushi rely heavily on speedboat or public ferry transfers from Malé or Velana International Airport. Guests acknowledge that transit disruptions are outside the Hotel's control.

• Third-Party Transports: Marine transfers are often operated by third-party boat companies. The Hotel is not responsible for their delays, safety failures, or sudden cancellations.
• Sea Conditions: If the Maldivian coast guard or local harbour authority closes the port due to rough seas or high swells, it constitutes a Force Majeure event, and the Hotel is not liable for missed nights or delayed arrivals.
• Guest Responsibility: Guests are responsible for arranging their own transfers and ensuring their arrival times align with check-in windows. Missed transfer connections do not entitle the guest to refunds or complimentary nights.

🏝️ 8. Other Water Activities & Excursions

In addition to scuba diving, the Hotel and its partners offer a range of non-diving water activities and excursions. These include, but are not limited to: snorkeling trips, kayaking, paddleboarding, sandbank visits, island-hopping excursions, sunset boat cruises, beach picnics, and guided nature tours. The following terms apply to all such activities.

• Snorkeling Safety: All snorkelers must be able to swim and be comfortable in open water. Snorkeling is conducted at the guest's own risk. The Hotel strongly recommends that snorkelers wear a flotation device and remain within the designated snorkel zone at all times. Snorkelers must not touch, stand on, or damage coral reefs or marine life.
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Guests using kayaks or paddleboards must wear the provided personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the water. Kayaks and paddleboards must remain within the designated safe zone marked by the Hotel. Guests are financially liable for any loss or damage to kayaks, paddles, PFDs, or paddleboards caused by negligence or misuse.
• Sandbank & Island-Hopping Trips: Sandbank visits and island-hopping excursions are tide- and weather-dependent. The operator reserves the right to alter routes, timings, or destinations due to sea conditions, tides, or safety concerns. Guests must follow all instructions from the boat crew and guide at all times. Guests are responsible for their own personal belongings during excursions.
• Age & Supervision: Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times during any water activity or excursion. The Hotel reserves the right to refuse participation to any guest, including minors, if safety standards cannot be met.
• Alcohol & Substance Policy: Alcohol consumption before or during any water activity (snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, sandbank trips, island-hopping, or boat excursions) is strictly prohibited. The Hotel retains the absolute right to remove any guest from an activity or vessel immediately if they are suspected of being under the influence, without any monetary compensation or refund.
• Personal Belongings: The Hotel is not responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of personal belongings during any water activity, excursion, or boat trip. Guests are advised to leave valuables in their rooms or use the provided dry bags.
• Equipment Inspection: Guests renting snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, or other activity equipment must inspect it before use. Once the guest begins the activity, they assume full liability for the proper use and any loss or structural damage to that equipment.
• Weather Cancellations: All water activities and excursions are subject to cancellation or rescheduling by the operator due to weather, sea conditions, or safety concerns. Guests will be offered a reschedule or a comparable alternative where possible.
• Environmental Responsibility: Guests must strictly adhere to local environmental laws during all water activities, including zero tolerance for touching, stepping on, or damaging coral reefs, or harassing marine wildlife (such as sea turtles). Any fines levied by local marine park authorities are the sole responsibility of the guest.

🩺 9. Diving Medical & Safety Requirements

• All participants must complete a medical declaration form prior to diving at our facilities. Certain medical conditions require a licensed physician's written approval.
• Participants must be able to swim and be comfortable in deep water.
• Certified divers must present a valid physical or digital certification card (PADI, SSI, or equivalent).
• The Company, Hotel, and affiliate on-site management teams reserve the absolute right to refuse participation if safety standards cannot be met, with applicable refunds calculated according to our cancellation matrix.
• Alcohol & Substance Policy: Alcohol consumption before or during active diving activities is strictly prohibited by local maritime regulations. The Hotel retains the absolute right to ban any guest from a dive boat immediately if they are suspected of being under the influence, without any monetary compensation or refund.
• 24-Hour No-Fly Rule: Guests must manage their own dive profiles to ensure a minimum 24-hour surface interval between their last dive and flying home. The Hotel will not modify dive schedules or issue refunds if a guest books a flight too close to a dive day.
• Equipment Rental Liability: If a guest rents dive gear (BCD, regulators, computers), they must inspect it before entering the water. Once they dive, they assume full liability for the proper use and any loss or structural damage to that gear.
• Dive Insurance: All divers are required to hold valid dive accident insurance (e.g., DAN — Divers Alert Network or equivalent) before commencing any diving activity.

⚠️ 10. Customer Responsibilities

By using our services, you agree that:

• All information provided (including medical history) is completely accurate and complete.
• You will strictly comply with all safety instructions provided by our dive instructors, boat crews, and maritime guides during all water activities and excursions.
• You will arrive on time for your scheduled dive briefing, snorkeling trip, kayaking session, island-hopping departure, or boat excursion at our designated beach hubs. Late arrivals may result in missed activities without option for refund.
• Mandatory Insurance: You are entirely responsible for securing your own active personal travel insurance. Specialized scuba diving insurance (e.g., DAN - Divers Alert Network) that explicitly covers hyperbaric chamber treatments and regional maritime medical evacuations is highly recommended to protect your booking. For snorkeling, kayaking, and other water activities, we strongly recommend that your travel insurance explicitly covers water-based recreational activities.

🌊 11. Guest Behavior & Environmental Protection

The Maldives enforces strict local and environmental regulations, especially surrounding marine protected areas. Guests must strictly adhere to all applicable laws and hotel rules.

• Marine Conservation Rules: Guests must strictly adhere to local environmental laws, including zero tolerance for touching, stepping on, or damaging the coral reefs, or harassing marine wildlife (such as sea turtles). Any fines levied by local marine park authorities are the sole responsibility of the guest. This applies to all water activities, including diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and island-hopping.
• Zero Tolerance Narcotics Policy: The Maldives carries exceptionally severe penalties (including the death penalty) for drug offenses. Any illegal substance found on the property will result in immediate eviction, police notification, and a 100% forfeiture of the booking value.
• Respect for Local Customs: Guests are expected to respect local cultural norms, dress codes, and community guidelines in the Dhiffushi area. The Maldives is a Muslim nation — alcohol is not available on local islands, and modest dress is expected outside designated bikini beaches.
• Property Damage: The Guest assumes full financial liability for any physical damage caused to the resort rooms, dive equipment, boats, kayaks, snorkeling gear, or communal property during their stay. The Hotel reserves the right to charge the Guest's card on file via the Merchant of Record for documented damages.

⚖️ 12. Liability & Local Environmental Regulations

• Participation in scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, sandbank trips, island-hopping, and related water activities involves inherent risks including but not limited to decompression sickness, drowning, marine life encounters, capsizing, and environmental hazards.
• SIGNATURE SCUBA SINGAPORE PTE. LTD., The Sunset Villa Dhiffushi Hotel, their directors, and their affiliate properties shall not be held liable for: personal injury, loss, or damage resulting from failure to follow safety instructions; loss or damage to personal belongings; or service disruptions due to weather, port closures, or other unforeseen circumstances.
• Guests are solely responsible for paying local marine park conservation taxes and zoning entry fees required under Maldivian Environmental Law.

🔐 13. Privacy and Data Protection

We are committed to protecting your privacy. By using our Website and making a booking, you consent to the collection and secure processing of your personal and billing data as outlined in our Privacy Policy and in accordance with the Singapore Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).

Your information will only be used for booking transactions via Stripe, medical safety, dive certification validation, and operational logistics. Medical information is kept strictly confidential.

🏛️ 14. Governing Law and Dispute Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions, all digital transactions, and any credit card chargeback disputes arising in connection with them shall be governed by, interpreted, and construed exclusively in accordance with the substantive laws of the Republic of Singapore.

Any legal claims, actions, or disputes arising directly out of your booking services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts of Singapore.

Corporate & Legal Contact

Signature Scuba Singapore Pte. Ltd. (UEN: 202640636N)

Merchant of Record — Governing Law: Republic of Singapore

✉️ signaturescubasingapore@gmail.com

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