Bookings and Payments

A deposit of 50% of the total booking fee is required to secure your booking. This deposit is non-refundable as it reflects the costs and losses we incur in reserving SOMA exclusively for you, including administration, scheduling, and the loss of opportunity to accept other bookings. The balance of your booking fee is payable no later than ninety days before your retreat unless otherwise stated in your agreement. Payments may be made by EFT, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. A surcharge of 2% applies for Australian cards and 2.9% for international cards. All fees must be paid in Australian dollars. A valid credit card is required for a security bond. SOMA reserves the right to release reserved rooms or spaces if payment terms are not met.

Cancellations and Refunds

All bookings require a 25% non-refundable deposit. A second payment equal to 25% is due within 30 days of the initial deposit. At this point you will have paid a 50% non-refundable deposit of the total booking cost. The 25% or the 50% deposit will not be refunded under any circumstances.

If you cancel within ninety (90) to one hundred and twenty (120) days before your arrival date, you will forfeit the deposit but any additional amounts paid will be refunded.

If you cancel within and under ninety (90) days of arrival, you will not receive a refund and remain liable for the balance.

If you cancel with more than one hundred and twenty (120) days’ notice, you may request to reschedule your booking to another available date within twelve (12) months. Rescheduling is subject to SOMA’s approval, can only be exercised once, and must be for a retreat of equal or greater value (with any difference payable). Your deposit will be transferred to the new booking with a 5% administration fee being added.

No-shows, late arrivals, or early departures are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.

If cancellation is required due to illness, emergencies, government restrictions, or other force majeure events, SOMA will act reasonably in deciding whether to issue a credit or partial refund.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all guests and is a condition of booking for overseas travellers. SOMA does not accept responsibility for changes in travel plans, missed flights, changes of mind, transport delays, illness, or other personal circumstances that affect your ability to attend.

Security Bond and Additional Charges

A security bond may be required and will generally be pre-authorised on a valid credit card in the Hirer’s name. SOMA may deduct from the bond, or charge the credit card provided, to cover damages, breakages, or loss of property, including furniture, fittings, and fixtures, as well as missing items such as towels, linen, or other property. A fee of forty dollars applies for each lost key. SOMA may also deduct costs for excessive cleaning required beyond normal housekeeping standards, for noise complaints or disturbances resulting in intervention by management, security, or police, for unpaid charges, or for unauthorised late check-outs and unapproved use of restricted facilities or areas.

Any deduction will be supported by evidence such as invoices, photographs, or incident reports. If the total losses or costs exceed the value of the bond, you agree to pay the balance within seven days of receiving notice from SOMA.

In addition, extra charges apply for the use of certain facilities and services, including access to the infrared sauna unless otherwise agreed with management, for any approved professional photography or videography conducted on the property (including photography of artwork), and for other services requested during your stay that fall outside the scope of the standard booking. SOMA reserves the right to deduct these charges in a reasonable and transparent manner and will make at least one attempt to contact the cardholder before finalising any deductions.