Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: October 5, 2025
Introduction:
Welcome to DestineMaldives.com. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the Destine Maldives website and our travel booking services. By using our website or making a booking through Destine Maldives, you agree to be bound by these Terms. Please read them carefully, as they contain important information about your legal rights, remedies, and obligations. If you do not agree to any part of these Terms, you should refrain from using our site or services.
Destine Maldives (“Destine”, “we”, “our” or “us”) operates as a travel agent and intermediary, connecting travelers (“you” or “the customer”) with third-party travel service providers including resorts, guesthouses, hotels, liveaboard operators, tour operators and other travel-related services in the Maldives. We do not own or operate these third-party services ourselves. Our role is to facilitate your bookings by acting as a liaison; the ultimate contract of service is between you and the respective Service Provider. Our liability to you is limited to arranging and confirming your booking as described below.
By making a reservation through Destine Maldives, you acknowledge and accept that any services you book (such as accommodations or excursions) are provided by independent Service Providers, who are solely responsible for delivering those services. Destine Maldives will assist you in resolving any issues, but we cannot be held liable for the acts or omissions of these providers, or for events outside our control, as detailed in these Terms.
For clarity, these Terms are divided into sections:
1. Booking Process & Confirmation
Booking Requests: You may request bookings for Maldives resorts, guesthouses, liveaboards, or other travel services through our website or by contacting us via email. All booking requests are subject to availability with the respective Service Provider. We will confirm availability and pricing before asking you for payment.
Confirmation: A booking is considered confirmed only when Destine Maldives has sent you a written confirmation (for example, an email confirmation or invoice) and payment has been received as required. Until both conditions are met, your booking is not guaranteed and the requested services may be released to other customers. We reserve the right to decline any booking request at our discretion prior to issuing a confirmation (for instance, in cases of obvious pricing errors or if we suspect fraudulent activity).
Booking Details: Upon confirmation, please review all details in your confirmation invoice/voucher (dates, names, package details, prices, etc.) and notify us immediately of any discrepancies. It is your responsibility to ensure that all details are correct and match your travel requirements/documents. Destine Maldives will not be responsible for issues arising from incorrect information provided by the customer at the time of booking.
Special Requests: If you have any special requests (e.g., specific room location, bed type, dietary needs, special occasions), please inform us at the time of booking. We will pass these requests to the Service Provider and do our best to accommodate them. However, special requests are not guaranteed and are subject to availability and the Service Provider’s discretion. They will be confirmed only if explicitly stated in your booking confirmation.
2. Prices and Payment Terms
Pricing: Prices for travel services are typically quoted in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated. We strive to ensure that all prices listed on our site or quoted to you are accurate and up-to-date. However, since Destine Maldives relies on information from hotels, resorts, and other partners, we cannot guarantee that pricing or other information is free from errors or omissions. If we discover a material error in a price or description that affected your booking, we will inform you as soon as possible and give you the option to reconfirm at the correct price or cancel for a full refund.
Payment Methods: We accept payments via bank transfer and PayPal (which can process major credit/debit cards). Detailed payment instructions will be provided on your invoice or in our confirmation communication. When paying by bank transfer, please ensure that you cover all bank charges or transfer fees so that the full invoiced amount is received by us. For PayPal or card payments, a processing fee might apply and will be communicated if relevant.
Deposit and Final Payment: Depending on the advance timing of your booking and the policies of the Service Provider, we may require a deposit to secure your reservation, or full payment upfront. You will be informed of the payment schedule when you book. For example, a typical policy might require a percentage deposit at confirmation and the balance to be paid a certain number of days before arrival. Your confirmation will detail the payment amounts and due dates applicable. Some bookings (especially special promotions or bookings made close to the arrival date) may require 100% payment upfront to confirm.
Payment Deadlines: It is essential to pay on or before the indicated due dates. If timely payment is not received, Destine Maldives reserves the right to cancel your booking for non-payment. In such cases, any deposit paid may be forfeited or cancellation fees may apply as per Section 3 below. We will attempt to notify you (via email) prior to any cancellation due to non-payment, but ultimately it is your responsibility to meet payment deadlines.
Payment Confirmation: We will confirm receipt of your payments by email. If you have sent a transfer and haven’t received acknowledgment by the expected time, please contact us to ensure we have received it. Travel documents (e.g., hotel vouchers, itineraries, transfer details) will only be issued after full payment has been received by us and the Service Provider has confirmed the booking.
3. Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellation by the Customer: If you need to cancel a confirmed booking, please notify Destine Maldives in writing (e.g., via email) as soon as possible. Cancellations will be effective from the date we receive your written notification. The cancellation policy of the respective Service Provider will apply to your booking. This means any fees or refund amount depends on the resort’s/boat’s specific cancellation terms (which often vary by season or room rate). We will inform you of the relevant cancellation terms at the time of booking, or you may request them beforehand. Generally:
If you cancel well in advance (e.g., outside the “free cancellation” window or penalty period of the provider), you may receive a refund of amounts paid minus any applicable administrative fees.
If you cancel closer to the arrival date (e.g., within a penalty period), cancellation charges may apply up to 100% of the booking value, depending on how close to arrival the cancellation occurs.
No-shows or early departures: These are typically treated as non-refundable by Service Providers (100% cancellation fee) – meaning if you do not arrive for your scheduled stay or leave early, you likely will not receive any refund for unused nights or services.
We will outline the specific cancellation schedule (dates and penalties) for your booking in your confirmation or invoice. If you are unsure, please ask us. Please note: Certain special offers or promotional rates may be labeled as “Non-Refundable,” in which case no refund is given regardless of when you cancel. This will be clearly communicated at booking time for such cases.
Provider’s Refund Process: If you are entitled to a refund after a cancellation, Destine Maldives will process this on your behalf. We will refund you the applicable amount after we receive the funds back from the Service Provider, in accordance with their policy. Any bank charges or payment processing fees that are non-recoverable will be deducted from the refund (we will provide a breakdown if so). Typically, refunds (if due) are processed by us within about 14 to 30 working days of confirmation of the final amount. The refund will be made via the original payment method unless otherwise agreed.
Changes by Service Provider: In rare cases, a hotel or service provider might cancel your booking (for example, due to overbooking or unforeseen operational issues). If that happens, we will inform you promptly and assist in arranging an alternative of similar standard or a full refund of monies paid, according to your preference. We will liaise with the provider on your behalf; however, Destine Maldives is not responsible for additional compensation beyond the refund or equivalent alternative arranged, as such changes are out of our control.
Cancellation by Destine Maldives: We reserve the right to cancel a booking in the very unlikely event that we identify a serious error in pricing or availability after confirmation, or if there are reasons to believe the booking request was fraudulent or made in bad faith. In such cases, we will inform you and provide a full refund of any amount you have paid as our sole responsibility. We will not have further liability for the cancellation, but will assist you with alternative options if possible.
4. Booking Amendments (Changes)
Customer-Initiated Changes: If you wish to amend a confirmed booking (such as changing travel dates, accommodation type, or adding/removing travelers), please contact us as early as possible. We will work with the Service Provider to accommodate your request. All amendments are subject to availability and the Service Provider’s approval. Changes are not guaranteed and could be treated as a cancellation and new booking by some providers (especially if within a penalty period). We will advise you of any change in cost or fees before proceeding. For instance, moving your dates may result in a higher rate if the new dates fall in a peak season, or a name change might incur a fee. Any difference in price due to an amendment (including increase in taxes or fees) will be your responsibility.
Provider-Initiated Changes: Occasionally, a Service Provider might make changes to your booked arrangements (e.g., a resort may temporarily close a facility for maintenance, or a liveaboard might alter its itinerary due to weather). If we are informed of a significant change before your travel, we will notify you as soon as possible and assist in finding a suitable solution, which could be a change of accommodation, a different date, or another equivalent service. If no agreeable alternative is available, you may have the option to cancel for a refund, depending on the provider’s policy. Minor changes (such as a different but equivalent room on arrival, or schedule adjustments in an excursion) can occur and do not entitle a refund, but we and our partners will strive to minimize any inconvenience.
5. Travel Requirements & Participant Responsibilities
Travel Documents: You are responsible for ensuring that you (and everyone in your party) have valid travel documents for entry into the Maldives. This includes a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry) and any required visa or travel authorization. The Maldives currently offers a tourist visa on arrival for many nationalities, but requirements can change, and it’s your duty to verify entry rules before departure. Destine Maldives is not liable if you are refused entry or boarding on a flight due to lack of proper documentation or visas.
Health and Vaccinations: It is your responsibility to meet any health or vaccination requirements for travel to the Maldives. Check if any immunizations or health certificates (such as COVID-19 related documents) are needed. We recommend all travelers carry adequate health insurance that covers overseas medical expenses.
Travel Insurance: Destine Maldives strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers your entire trip. A good travel insurance policy should cover potential losses such as trip cancellation fees, flight delays, lost luggage, medical emergencies, personal injury, and other unforeseen events. Please read your insurance policy details carefully to ensure it is adequate for your needs (particularly for activities like diving, if applicable). Remember that neither Destine Maldives nor the service providers will bear costs for circumstances such as medical evacuation, quarantine, or other emergencies – having insurance is the best way to mitigate these risks.
Conduct and Safety: While on any trip or staying at any property arranged through Destine Maldives, you are expected to adhere to the rules and policies of the Service Provider. This includes respect for staff, other guests, and property. If you engage in any illegal activities or serious misconduct, the Service Provider has the right to take appropriate action (which could include terminating your stay or involving local authorities). In such cases, Destine Maldives will not refund any portion of your trip and will not be liable for any consequences of your behavior.
Excursions and Activities: Some resorts or liveaboards offer optional activities (diving, water sports, tours). Participation is at your own risk. Ensure you meet any prerequisites (e.g., diving certifications, health conditions) before participating. We recommend following all safety instructions and using provided safety gear. Destine Maldives is not liable for injuries or incidents that occur during activities operated by third parties.
6. Destine Maldives’ Role and Limitations of Liability
Intermediary Role: Destine Maldives acts solely as an agent/intermediary between you and the travel Service Providers. We facilitate your bookings and ensure the providers receive your details and payments. We do not provide the travel services ourselves (for example, we are not the ones operating the hotel or the dive boat). The contract for the actual travel service is between you and the Service Provider at destination. We will relay any booking terms from the provider to you and vice versa, but the delivery of the service is the provider’s responsibility.
Service Quality and Claims: We carefully select our partner resorts, guesthouses, and tour operators and aim to work with reputable companies. However, Destine Maldives cannot guarantee the standard or quality of services provided by these independent suppliers. Any descriptions of accommodations or services on our website are based on information provided by the suppliers. We do not warrant that these descriptions (e.g., amenities, star ratings, etc.) are perfectly accurate or that every service will meet your expectations, though we certainly hope they do. If you encounter a problem or something falls short during your trip, please see the Complaints section below for how we can assist.
Liability for Providers: As your travel agent, we will coordinate with suppliers to the best of our ability. However, Destine Maldives is not liable for any personal injury, illness, property damage, or other loss that occurs at the hotel, on a transfer, during an activity, or otherwise as part of your trip, because those services are not under our direct control. Any such liability lies with the individual Service Provider under their terms and local laws. Additionally, Destine Maldives is not responsible for any errors, omissions, breaches of contract, or negligence by any Service Provider. For example, if a resort fails to provide a service or an airline changes your flight schedule, any recourse you have is with that provider, though we will help facilitate communication.
Force Majeure (Events Beyond Our Control): Destine Maldives shall not be held responsible for any failure to perform, or any delay in performing, our obligations (or those of service providers) if such failure/delay is caused by events beyond our reasonable control. This includes, but is not limited to, acts of God (natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes), epidemics/pandemics, war or terrorism, civil unrest, strikes, government actions (e.g., border closures), or technical problems (e.g., airline computer failures). No refunds or compensation will be provided for changes or cancellations due to such force majeure events, except as offered by the service providers or as required by law. We will, of course, try to assist you in making alternate arrangements or obtaining refunds from suppliers in such situations, but we cannot guarantee outcomes.
Limitation of Liability: In all cases, if Destine Maldives is found liable to you on any legal basis, our liability is limited to the amount you paid us for the service in question (e.g., the booking fee or commission we earned), or the direct cost of the travel arrangements, and not any greater or indirect loss. We will not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or punitive damages of any kind (such as lost vacation time, lost opportunities, or stress/inconvenience). This limitation does not limit or exclude any liability that cannot be limited by law (for example, certain statutory consumer protections that apply).
Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Destine Maldives and its employees/agents from any claims, lawsuits, or demands (including legal fees) made by any third party due to or arising out of your breach of these Terms, your violation of any law or the rights of a third party, or your use of our website or services.
7. Complaints and Issue Resolution
We genuinely hope your trip goes smoothly. However, if you have a complaint or problem during your travel, please inform the relevant Service Provider (hotel front desk, tour operator, etc.) and also notify us (Destine Maldives) immediately, if possible. Prompt reporting is crucial so that we have the opportunity to assist in real-time. For example, if you encounter an issue with your room upon check-in, inform the hotel and contact us; we will work with them to address it. Most issues can be resolved on the spot given the chance.
If a problem cannot be resolved on the ground, please document the details and any supporting evidence. You may follow up with Destine Maldives in writing after your trip (ideally within 14 days of completion of travel) to formally register your complaint. We will then liaise with the provider in question to investigate and seek a fair resolution. Note that any compensation or remedy will ultimately be at the discretion of the Service Provider (subject to their policies and local law), but we will advocate on your behalf. Delays in reporting issues can limit our ability to help, so please keep us informed.
8. Use of DestineMaldives.com Website
Website Content: All content on the DestineMaldives.com website – including text, images, graphics, logos, and design – is the intellectual property of Destine Maldives or our content suppliers and is protected by copyright and other laws. You may not copy, reproduce, republish, upload, post, or distribute any site content without our prior written consent, except for personal, non-commercial use in connection with your travel planning. Using our site does not grant you any ownership rights to the content. The Destine Maldives name and logo are our trademarks and may not be used commercially without permission.
Permissible Use: You agree to use our website only for legitimate travel reservation requests or to learn about our services. No false or fraudulent bookings may be made. You also agree not to use any device or software that interferes with the proper operation of our site or to attempt any intrusion or hacking. We reserve the right to deny access to our site to anyone we believe is using it for unlawful or prohibited purposes.
External Links: Our site may contain links to third-party websites (for example, partner resorts or travel resources). These links are provided for your convenience. We do not control those sites and are not responsible for their content or any issues arising from your use of third-party sites. Accessing any linked third-party site is at your own risk, and we recommend you review their terms and privacy policies.
9. Changes to Terms & Conditions
Destine Maldives may modify these Terms & Conditions from time to time, for example to reflect changes in laws, our business operations, or scope of services. The latest version will always be available on our website and the Effective Date at the top will indicate when it was last revised. If we make material changes, we will endeavor to notify confirmed customers or site users (for instance, through a notice on our website or via email communication). Continued use of our services after an update constitutes acceptance of the new Terms. If you do not agree to the revised Terms, you should cease using our website and services, and if you have a future booking, let us know your concerns so we can determine an appropriate solution.
10. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
These Terms & Conditions and any services provided by Destine Maldives shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Maldives. By using our services, you submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Maldives to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms or your booking.
If you are a consumer booking from outside the Maldives, you may also have certain rights or remedies under the consumer protection laws in your country of residence; these Terms are not intended to limit any such non-waivable rights. However, the choice of Maldivian law will not deprive you of the protections of the laws of your home country that are mandatory (i.e., which cannot be contractually waived).
In case of any dispute, we encourage you to first contact us directly to attempt resolution amicably. We value our customers and will strive to resolve any issues in good faith. Formal legal action should be considered as a last resort.
11. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance regarding these Terms & Conditions or any booking you have made, please contact Destine Maldives:
Email: destinemaldives@gmail.com
Phone: (We will provide a contact number in your booking confirmation; please use email as the primary contact method for official communications.)
Destine Maldives is an online travel agency based in the Maldives (Registered business in the Republic of Maldives). For privacy-related inquiries, please refer to our Privacy Policy contact information. For all other matters, the above email is the best way to reach us. We will respond as soon as possible to assist you.