Spirit of Egypt Retreat – Terms & Conditions

This journey is both a spiritual undertaking and a complex international travel event. These policies honor the energetic and financial commitment of all involved, while protecting against the real-world variables of travel. By submitting payment, you are entering into a binding agreement to these Terms & Conditions.

1. Event Dates, Delays, Route Changes & Force Majeure

Organizing this retreat requires significant advance contracts with service providers in Egypt, including hotels, chartered boats, flights, coaches, and operators.

We shall not be liable for any delay, change, or cancellation of services caused by force majeure events beyond our control, including but not limited to: natural disasters, weather conditions, strikes, acts of war or terrorism, governmental actions, civil disturbances, pandemics, or any other events outside our reasonable control.

We reserve the right to alter the itinerary, services, or routes at any time without penalty. Any additional costs resulting from such changes (including transportation, accommodations, or meals) are the participant’s responsibility.

2. Cancellation by Participant

Refunds are based on the date written notice is received by us and are calculated as follows:

• Before 09/30/2025: Refund of all payments received to date minus a 5% processing fee (calculated on total amount paid).
• Before 11/30/2025: Refund minus deposit (1st installment) and 5% processing fee.
• Before 01/31/2026: Refund minus 1st and 2nd installments and 5% processing fee.
• On or after 02/01/2026: No refunds for any reason, including illness, personal emergencies, travel document issues, or changes in travel advisories.

Refunds will be processed within 30–60 days, although we will strive for faster turnaround. Delays beyond this timeframe will be communicated in writing.

3. Missed Payments

Your spot is not guaranteed unless all payments are made by the specified deadlines. If payment is missed, your space may be forfeited, and any funds paid will be refunded or retained according to the cancellation schedule in effect on the date of forfeiture.

4. No Refunds for Late Arrival, Early Departure, or Partial Attendance

No refunds, credits, or discounts will be provided for late arrival, early departure, missed activities, or any unused portion of the retreat.

5. Cancellations Due to Participant Travel Issues

It is the sole responsibility of the participant to obtain and carry all necessary travel documents, including a valid passport, visa, and required vaccinations.

Failure to obtain or carry these documents, denial of entry into Egypt, missed flights, or any travel delays do not qualify for refunds. We strongly recommend “Cancel for Any Reason” travel insurance to cover such scenarios.

6. Event Cancellation or Postponement by Organizers

We and our providers reserve the right to cancel or postpone the retreat prior to departure.

If canceled before departure:

Refunds will be issued according to the schedule in Section 2, unless cancellation is due to force majeure, in which case we will refund only the amounts recoverable from our vendors.

If postponed:

All payments will automatically be applied to the new dates.

If unable to attend new dates, the cancellation schedule in Section 2 applies.

If canceled during the retreat due to circumstances beyond our control, refunds for unused services cannot be guaranteed. We will attempt to recover and refund any vendor-reimbursable amounts.

7. Refund Contingencies

All refunds are contingent on funds recoverable from our service providers. If vendors do not issue refunds, we cannot guarantee reimbursement.

8. Travel Insurance Requirement

Comprehensive travel insurance — including trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical coverage, evacuation, and baggage protection — is strongly recommended. Some credit cards offer limited coverage, but you must verify benefits directly with your card issuer.

9. Photo & Media Release

By attending, you consent to being photographed or filmed and grant us the right to use your image for promotional or educational purposes without compensation. Opt-outs must be submitted in writing before the retreat.

10. Consumer Disclosure Notice

We, and our agents, act solely as intermediaries for accommodations, transportation, and services provided by independent contractors. You hold us harmless from liability for delays, injury, loss, or damage caused by third parties or circumstances beyond our control.

11. Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk

You acknowledge that travel in Egypt and participation in retreat activities involves certain risks, including but not limited to walking, hiking, boating, vehicle travel, environmental exposure, and other inherent risks.

You voluntarily assume all risks and release Oriental Phoenix Arts, its affiliates, leaders, and partners from liability for illness, injury, death, property loss, or disruption.

You certify you are physically able to participate, free of contagious illness, and have consulted a medical professional regarding your suitability for travel. You are responsible for all costs of medical care, evacuation, or additional travel if required.

12. Missed Events or Transportation

You are responsible for arriving on time for all scheduled activities and transportation. Missed departures, flights, or transfers are your sole responsibility. We will not reimburse for missed events or costs incurred to rejoin the group.

13. Group Harmony

You agree to conduct yourself respectfully toward all participants, staff, and locals. Disruptive, unsafe, or disrespectful behavior may result in removal from the retreat without refund.

14. Chargeback Policy

By submitting payment, you agree to abide by this agreement. Chargebacks initiated outside of the refund policy will be considered a breach of contract. You will be liable for dispute resolution costs, legal fees, and administrative expenses. Contact us at info@OrientalPhoenixArts.com before initiating any dispute.

15. Governing Law

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas, USA. Any disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration in Houston, Texas.

Final Acknowledgment

By paying your deposit, you affirm that you have read, understood, and agree to all terms above. These terms are not negotiable and cannot be challenged after deposit is submitted.

For those who weren’t able to join us at the Q & A Session, here are the key points we covered about preparing for the Spirit of Egypt Retreat (March 23–April 7, 2026):

Communication & Connectivity

• International Plan or SIM/eSIM: Choose one method to stay connected. An international phone plan is the simplest, but buying a local SIM (once you arrive) or eSIM (before you go) is often cheaper. Please do not bring multiple phones, as there is a new hefty tax on multiple phones to discourage crime. WiFi is available in hotels and some restaurants, but not everywhere.

• WhatsApp: This is the main way people in Egypt communicate. We’ll use it during the trip for group updates.

Money & Tipping

• Baksheesh (Tipping): Tipping is part of daily culture in Egypt. Expect to tip 10–20% for most services — including restroom attendants, porters, guides, and assistants. Bring small bills for this.

• Cash: Plan to bring at least $500 USD in fresh, clean bills. ATMs are widely available, but traveler’s checks are not accepted. You’ll use both Egyptian pounds and US dollars.

• Bills: When receiving change back in Egypt, only accept untorn bills, because many places won’t accept torn bills and you’ll have a hard time getting rid of it.

• Visa: A $25 USD visa fee (exact change in cash) is required on arrival at the airport.

Health & Safety

• Water & Food: Drink bottled water only, even to brush your teeth. To avoid the common tummy issues while travelling, stick to cooked foods and avoid eating uncooked foods. Note: Expect some minor tummy disruption as the natural flora in foods are different than what we are use to, but once you get them in your system, it’s actually very good for your gut health.  

• Medications: Bring along some Imodium for stomach issues just in case. Many meds are easy to obtain in Egypt, even more so than in the US. Pack prescription medications in their original containers and bring copies of your essential prescriptions. Some drugs that are legal in the US are illegal/more regulated in Egypt — do your research to ensure your prescriptions are allowable into Egypt, as sometimes its the quantity that’s limited and/or they expect a note from your doctor.

• Restrooms: Use them whenever you see them. Facilities may not always be available when you need them.

• Toiletries: Carry toilet paper, tissues, wet wipes, and disinfecting spray. These are not always provided in public restrooms.

Packing & Comfort

• Sleeping: Cairo and Luxor can be noisy at night — bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

• Weather: March–April is about 75-85′ but expect sun, sand, and light wind. Bring hats, scarves, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

• Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are a must for pyramids, temples, and uneven ground.

• Clothing & Customs: Dress modestly and respectfully. Save tank tops and shorts for private or swimming areas.  No public displays of affection. Always give with your right hand. Pack scarves and lightweight layers.

• Luggage: We suggest personal item, one carry-on, and one checked bag only, as space can be limited.

• Electronics: Bring heat-monitored battery packs, and dual-voltage curling irons or hair dryers if you need them. You may need an adapter or converter for your needed devices.

Culture & Expectations

• Filming: You are welcome to use your phone or a simple camera just about anywhere, but follow any posted instructions a sites. Avoid taking pictures/recording groups of people, without asking permission. Tripods, large cameras, or fuzzy microphones are allowed usually allowed at sites for an extra fee – these items might slow you down at the airport too. No drones in Egypt, at all, they are not allowed. 

• Flexibility: Egypt works on its own rhythm. Be flexible and open to changes in timing or itinerary.

• Vendors & Bargaining: Expect persistent salespeople. Bargaining is normal, and saying “la, shokran” (no thank you) is polite and effective.

• Personal Time: You’ll have opportunities to explore on your own in addition to the group itinerary.

• Itinerary Commitment: The group will stay on schedule. Please honor the itinerary – especially when we are taking flights or longer excursions, so everything runs smoothly and you aren’t left behind and have to catch up on your own. 

Health & Safety (cont.)

• No Vaccination Requirements: None are required for entry into Egypt.

• Safety Concerns: Egypt is generally safe, but like anywhere, stay alert for pickpockets and minor scams. Avoid political discussions or demonstrations.

• Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for health, trip delays, and cancellations.

• Drugs: Absolutely no illicit drugs, including CBD/hemp products, Egypt has ZERO tolerance. 

Extras

• Laundry: You can bring or purchase supplies to do your own, but reliable local options, even same-day, exist at or near the hotels.

• Food: All breakfasts are included, some dinners, and some lunches. Bring extra cash for those times it’s not included and for other meals, drinks, and snacks. Consumables are very inexpensive in Egypt. 

• Personal Expenses: Plan for laundry, drinks, shopping, and optional activities.

Preparation

• Passport & Flight Info: Send along a copy of your passport pic/info to us at info@orientalphoenixarts.com when you pay your deposit. When you book your flight, send us your flight itinerary info, as well. This info will be used to book your in-Egypt flights and arrange your airport transfer to the hotel. 

Got more questions? Reach out by phone/text/email.