Terms & Conditions

These Terms and Conditions apply to all visitors of www.essence.nl (‘website’) and participants at the retreats (‘programs’) of the Essence Institute B.V. (‘we’, ‘our’, ‘us’, ‘company party’). By using our website or joining our program you agree to these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully as you will be bound by them.

There is no verbal or written representation, warranty, prior agreement, or description of services, other than as expressed herein. These Terms and Conditions affect your rights and designate the governing law and forum for the resolution of any and all disputes.

Use of the website

• The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without
• Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by
• Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any services or information available through this website meet your specific
• This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and
• All trademarks reproduced on this website, which is not the property of, or licensed to the operator, are acknowledged on the
• Unauthorized use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal
• This website also includes links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s).
• You may not create a link to this website from another website or document without prior written consent from Essence
• These terms and conditions are in the English language. If these terms and conditions are translated into any language other than English, the English language text shall prevail in the event of a conflict or difference between the English version and the translated

Application Process

• The first step to being part of our programs is to complete an application process. Any information about yourself that you provide to us will be correct, accurate, and up to date. It is for your safety and wellbeing to inform us when your medication or dosage changes before or during participation in the Essence Retreat.
• If we have any questions about your application influencing our approval of your participation, we will schedule an intake call (via Skype).
• Once your application is approved you will receive our confirmation by email. In case there is an error in this email confirmation, it is your responsibility to inform us as soon as possible by emailing retreat@essence.nl.
• Once your application is approved you have a membership status and are able to book for an open retreat(date). After booking you receive the Invoice with information for payment (50% or 100%). Our prices are clearly stated per Retreat date and type of ticket (shared or single). Your place is secured as soon as your payment is confirmed by our bank and you receive our confirmation. Your preference in the application form or booking on our website without payment is not a guarantee for a place on that specific retreat date.

Refusal

• During or after the Application process and at the start of a program we reserve the right to refuse your participation, without the obligation to provide any explanation. In this case, you will get a full refund of  the purchase price but no compensation for any other costs you have
• Any aspect of the website or a (part of a) program can be changed or stopped at any time if we have the necessity to do so.

Cancellations

In the event that the client decides to cancel their application for any reason, it is necessary to notify Essence Institute promptly through a confirmed email. The cancellation of the contract will entail certain cancellation charges, which are scaled based on the number of days remaining before the beginning of the retreat. To clarify, the cancellation charges are determined as follows:

1. Cancellation less than 2 weeks before the retreat: Essence Institute will retain 100% of the retreat cost.
2. Cancellation less than 4 weeks before the retreat: Essence Institute will retain 75% of the retreat cost.
3. Cancellation less than 8 weeks before the retreat: Essence Institute will retain 50% of the retreat cost.
4. Cancellation more than 8 weeks before the retreat: Essence Institute will retain 25% of the retreat cost.

Please note that refunds will be issued minus any applicable bank charges or credit card payment fees. Additionally, an administration fee of €90 per client will be applied. All bank transfer refunds will be processed in Euros.

Acceptance by email

We will confirm acceptance via email. Please ensure www.essence.nl is on your contact list so our emails don’t go to your Spam folder.

New Terms of Conditions

Changes to these Terms and Conditions take effect when the new Terms and Conditions are posted on our website. The use of this website or our program means that you accept the new Terms and Conditions.

We will place the latest version on this page of the website with the effective date.

Photography

In the course of participation in a program, photos or videos will not be taken by participants or facilitators. Only one group photo maybe used for this specific group only, after the retreat to be able to look back on your fellow participants and facilitators. It is optional to be part of this group photo.

Acceptance of Risk

As a participant, you acknowledge that the nature of our programs may involve a certain amount of personal risk. You hereby assume all such risks and do hereby release Essence Institute B.V. from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages or injuries or any other impact on your state of mind or physical well-being resulting from these inherent risks. Around the time of payment, you are required to sign the Participant Agreement Psilocybin Retreat Document. This includes a statement to exclude the list of contra-indication. Please read this document carefully.

Injury

In the event that you are injured while participating in the program, you agree to assume all financial obligations for any and all costs you incur. You acknowledge and agree that in no event Essence Institute B.V. is liable or responsible for any losses or liabilities arising out of your participation in this program.

Waiver of liability and release

In consideration for participating in this program, you voluntarily assume full responsibility for and hereby release, waive, discharge, hold harmless, and covenant not to sue Essence Institute B.V. its founders, facilitators, volunteers, and other representatives (company party) for any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, and/or losses (including but not limited to any exemplary, direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, punitive, or other damages, medical expenses, lost wages/income, loss of services, lost profits, property damage, pain, illness, and death) (collectively “liabilities”) whatsoever arising out of or in any way related to your travel to and/or participation in this program and/or any activities conducted in connection therewith, regardless of whether such liabilities are caused by the negligence of any company party or otherwise, and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, even if any company party has been advised of the possibility of such liabilities, to the fullest extent allowed by applicable law.

Indemnity

You further hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the company parties from any and all liabilities (including without limitation court costs and attorney’s fees) that one or more of the company parties may incur as a result of your participation in this program, whether caused by the negligence of any company party or otherwise (but excluding any gross negligence or willful misconduct of a company party), to the fullest extent allowed by applicable law.

Waiver of Terms of Conditions

These Terms and Conditions are an agreement between you and Essence Institute B.V. unless performed in writing by Essence Institute B.V. there is no binding waiver of these Terms and Conditions.

Governing Law

Essence Institute is based in the Netherlands. These Terms and Conditions are interpreted in accordance with and governed by Dutch law, as applied to contracts in the Netherlands. The city of Utrecht in the Netherlands is the location for any proceedings based on or arising from these Terms and Conditions.

Communication

All communications under these Terms and Conditions shall be in writing and addressed to:

Essence Institute B.V. (KVK 74101048)
Kwikstaartlaan 42
Unit C7279
3704GS Zeist
The Netherlands

Severability

Should a competent court determine that a part, condition or provision of these Terms and Conditions must be considered invalid or unenforceable, then all other parts, conditions and provisions still remain in full force and are in no way affected, impaired or invalidated.

Exclusions and Limitations

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties or the limitation or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages. Accordingly, our liability in such jurisdiction shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Disclaimer

By using the content of this website or by participating in our programs you acknowledge that we have no influence on your results because your experiences are based on subjective factors that are not under our control. Following information or recommendations from this website or our recommendations while participating in our program, is at your own risk. If you need professional medical advice, counseling or therapy, it is your responsibility to hire a recognized professional.

Privacy

Please review our Privacy Policy, which also governs your using this website and our programs, to understand our practices.

 

Updated: May 2023