Privacy & Data Protection Policy

Effective Date: March 21, 2025

At The Literary Escape, we respect your privacy like a plot twist respects suspense. This Privacy & Data Protection Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data—especially in alignment with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for our guests in the European Economic Area (EEA), even though we're proudly based in the United States.

By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of your data as described below.

1. What Data We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

General Personal Data:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Postal address

  • Payment details

  • Booking and travel-related information

Sensitive Personal Data (only with your explicit consent):

  • Dietary preferences or restrictions

  • Health conditions (shared for accessibility, comfort, or safety)

  • Emergency contact information

2. How We Collect Your Data

We collect personal data directly from you through:

  • Online booking forms

  • Email or phone communication

  • Questionnaires or surveys

  • Event participation

  • Website interactions (e.g., cookies)

3. Why We Collect & Use Your Data

We collect and use your personal data for the following purposes:

  • To process and manage your retreat booking and payments

  • To communicate important details about your upcoming experience

  • To personalize your retreat (e.g., dietary, health, or accessibility needs)

  • To meet legal and financial obligations (e.g., taxes, health and safety)

  • To send newsletters, updates, and promotions (only if you’ve opted in)

4. Legal Basis for Processing (Under GDPR)

For EEA residents, we process your data on the following legal grounds:

  • Contractual Necessity: To fulfill your booking and provide services

  • Legitimate Interest: To improve guest experience and manage logistics

  • Consent: For sensitive data and all marketing communications

You can withdraw consent at any time by emailing us at hello@literaryescape.com.

5. How We Protect Your Data

We take data protection seriously. Your data is safeguarded with:

  • Encryption for data transmission

  • Secure, password-protected third-party platforms

  • Restricted access by authorized personnel only

While data is stored in the U.S., we only work with third-party providers who meet strict data protection standards and, where applicable, adhere to GDPR requirements.

6. Who We Share Your Data With

We do not sell, rent, or trade your data—ever. We only share it when necessary to deliver our services, including:

  • Payment Processors (e.g., Stripe or PayPal)

  • Accommodation & Catering Partners (to meet dietary or accessibility needs)

  • Marketing & Email Platforms (only if you’ve opted in)

All partners are thoroughly vetted and required to protect your data appropriately.

7. Data Retention

We only keep your data for as long as necessary:

  • General personal data: Up to 5 years for tax, legal, or customer service purposes

  • Sensitive data: Deleted promptly after the retreat concludes unless you request otherwise

You may request earlier deletion of your data at any time.

8. Your Rights Under GDPR (For EEA Residents)

If you're in the EEA, you have the right to:

  • Access – Request a copy of your data

  • Rectify – Correct inaccurate or incomplete data

  • Erase – Request deletion of your data

  • Restrict – Limit how we process your data

  • Object – Object to processing for certain uses

  • Portability – Request your data in a transferable format

To exercise your rights, email us at hello@literaryescape.com.

9. Consent for Sensitive Data

By sharing dietary or health-related information, you give us explicit consent to use that data to ensure your safety and comfort. You may withdraw consent at any time, but this may limit certain accommodations during your retreat.

10. Questions or Complaints?

We’re always here to chat (preferably over a good book). If you have concerns, questions, or wish to exercise your rights, contact us at:
📧 hello@literaryescape.com

If you're located in the EEA and believe your data hasn’t been handled properly, you have the right to file a complaint with your local data protection authority.