Terms of Service

1. Introduction

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the SeakingHoliday platform (“Platform”, “we”, “our”, or “us”).

By accessing or using SeakingHoliday, creating an account, or making a booking, you agree to be legally bound by these Terms.

Clicking “Book Now,” “Submit,” or any similar button on the Platform constitutes your electronic signature and your intent to be legally bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform.

2. About SeakingHoliday

• Legal Name: SeakingHoliday
• Registered Location: Malé, Maldives
• Contact Email: contact@seakingholiday.com

SeakingHoliday is an online accommodation booking platform connecting users with guesthouses and accommodation providers (“Suppliers”).

3. Platform Role

SeakingHoliday acts strictly as an intermediary platform.

We:

• Facilitate bookings between users and Suppliers
• Process payments on behalf of Suppliers
• Provide booking and communication tools

We do not:

• Own, operate, or manage properties
• Guarantee accommodation quality or availability
• Act as the provider of accommodation services

The contract for accommodation is between you and the Supplier.

4. User Accounts

• Users must be 18 years or older
• Account registration is required to make bookings
• Users are responsible for maintaining account security and all activity under their account

Users are solely responsible for ensuring they possess valid travel documents, including:

• Passports
• Required visas

to enter the Republic of Maldives.

Failure to produce valid identification to a Supplier may result in:

• Refusal of check-in
• Cancellation of the booking without refund

We reserve the right to:

• Suspend or terminate accounts
• Restrict access in cases of misuse or fraud

5. Booking Process

5.1 Booking Flow

Bookings follow this process:

1. User submits booking request

2. Supplier confirms availability

3. User completes payment

4. SeakingHoliday verifies payment

5. Booking becomes confirmed

5.2 Confirmation

A booking is considered confirmed only when:

• Payment has been successfully verified
• A booking confirmation, invoice, or voucher is issued

6. Payments

6.1 Payment Method

• Payments are made to SeakingHoliday
• Current methods include bank transfer
• Additional payment methods may be introduced in the future

6.2 Payment Verification

Bookings are confirmed only after payment verification

Invalid, incomplete, or fraudulent payments may result in:

• Booking cancellation
• Account suspension

If:

• Incorrect amount is paid
• Payment is not received within the required timeframe
• Invalid proof is submitted

The booking will remain unconfirmed and may be cancelled

6.3 Payment Processing & Availability Risk

Due to the nature of bank transfers, there may be a delay between a User initiating payment and SeakingHoliday verifying receipt.

During this period:

• Availability is not guaranteed until payment is verified
• Suppliers may modify or release availability

SeakingHoliday is not responsible for bookings that become unavailable during the payment processing period.

If a property becomes unavailable before payment is verified, SeakingHoliday may, at its discretion:

• Offer alternative accommodation, or
• Provide a refund of any verified payment received

7. Pricing, Currency & Taxes

Prices may be displayed in USD and/or MVR

Applicable charges may include:

• TGST
• Green Tax
• Service charges

7.1 Currency & Exchange

Users are responsible for:

• Exchange rate differences
• Bank transfer and processing fees

Refund amounts may vary due to:

• Exchange rate fluctuations
• Third-party banking charges

7.2 Pricing Errors

SeakingHoliday reserves the right to:

• Correct pricing errors
• Cancel affected bookings
• Require rebooking at the correct price

8. Availability & Expiry

Availability confirmations are time-limited

If payment is not completed within 48 hours:

• The booking may be marked unavailable
• The reservation may be released

9. Cancellation & Refunds

All cancellations and refunds are governed by the

General Cancellation Policy here

Key principles include:

• Unpaid bookings → free cancellation
• Paid bookings → subject to applicable policies
• Property-specific policies take precedence

9.1 Refund Deductions

In the event of a refund, SeakingHoliday reserves the right to deduct:

• Non-refundable bank transfer or payment processing fees
• Reasonable administrative processing fees incurred in handling the booking and refund

Such deductions will be applied in accordance with applicable laws and the terms of the booking.

10. Supplier Responsibility

Suppliers are solely responsible for:

• Accommodation quality
• Listing accuracy
• Availability
• Service delivery

SeakingHoliday does not guarantee:

• Accuracy of property descriptions or images
• Condition or quality of accommodation

Property images and descriptions are provided by Suppliers and are intended to be representative only.

Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, and views may vary.

10.1 Guest Count Accuracy

Users are responsible for ensuring that the number of guests specified in the booking is accurate.

Any additional guests (including children) not declared at the time of booking may:

• Be refused by the Supplier, or
• Be subject to additional charges

Such charges are determined by the Supplier and must be paid directly at the property.

11. Transfers & Third-Party Services

11.1 Guest Responsibility

All transportation to and from the accommodation (including but not limited to seaplanes, speedboats, domestic flights, or ferries) is the sole responsibility of the User.

11.2 No Agency

SeakingHoliday does not arrange, manage, or guarantee any transportation services.

Any transport-related information provided on the Platform is for informational purposes only and may be subject to change.

11.3 Non-Refundable Transport Events

Transport disruptions, cancellations, or delays—regardless of cause, including:

• Weather conditions
• Mechanical failure
• Carrier scheduling

do not entitle the User to:

• Refund
• Booking modification
• Compensation

11.4 Missed Connections & No-Show

If a User is unable to reach the property due to transport-related issues, the booking will be treated as a No-Show under the Supplier’s policy.

While such disruptions are acknowledged, they are considered third-party events and do not alter cancellation terms unless explicitly stated by the Supplier.

11.5 Travel Advisory

Users are strongly advised to coordinate arrival times with the Supplier or a professional transport provider prior to payment.

Travel within the Maldives is subject to:

• Weather conditions
• Operational limitations
• Daylight restrictions

Failure to arrange transport properly may result in missed check-in and will be treated under applicable cancellation policies.

12. No-Show & Arrival Responsibility

Failure to arrive on the check-in date is considered a No-Show.

No-Shows are subject to a 100% cancellation fee of the total booking value, unless otherwise specified by the Supplier’s specific cancellation policy.

Users are responsible for:

• Arrival timing
• Travel arrangements

13. Fraud & Misuse

SeakingHoliday reserves the right to:

• Cancel bookings without notice
• Suspend or block accounts
• Withhold refunds where legally permitted

This applies in cases of:

• Fraudulent payment receipts
• Unauthorized transactions
• Abuse of the platform

14. Platform Rights

We may:

• Cancel bookings due to: fraud, pricing errors or supplier inability to fulfill
• Modify or discontinue platform features
• Update these Terms at any time

15. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, SeakingHoliday is not liable for:

• Supplier failures or service issues
• Inaccurate listings or property conditions
• Travel disruptions or missed connections
• Transfer-related issues
• Platform downtime or technical errors
• Indirect or consequential losses

Specific Exclusion:

SeakingHoliday is not liable for any costs, damages, or “loss of enjoyment” claims resulting from third-party transport failures.

16. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless SeakingHoliday, its directors, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Platform
• Your breach of these Terms
• Violation of any law
• Infringement of third-party rights

17. Force Majeure

SeakingHoliday is not liable for events beyond its control, including:

• Natural disasters
• Government restrictions
• Flight disruptions
• Emergencies

Such situations are handled in accordance with the Cancellation Policy.

18. Communications

By using the Platform, you agree to receive:

• Booking-related emails
• Transactional notifications

19. Intellectual Property

• Platform design, branding, and systems belong to SeakingHoliday
• Suppliers retain ownership of their content

20. Privacy & Cookies

Use of the Platform is also governed by:

Privacy Policy here

Cookie Policy here

21. Dispute Resolution

SeakingHoliday acts as a facilitator in disputes.

All decisions consider:

• Booking terms
• Supplier policies
• Maldivian law

If unresolved:

• Disputes fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Maldives
• Arbitration may be used where applicable

22. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Maldives.

23. Final Provisions

• If any provision is invalid, the remaining Terms remain enforceable
• These Terms constitute the full agreement
• Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of updates