Terms & Conditions of Stay

Your agreement with Seahorse Lodge, Mele Bay

These Terms & Conditions help ensure a safe, enjoyable and respectfully managed stay for all guests, the onsite team, and the surrounding community. By confirming your booking or staying at Seahorse Lodge, you agree to the following conditions.

 

Guest Responsibilities

Guests agree to:

• Treat the property, furnishings, gardens, equipment and staff with respect.

• Follow all reasonable instructions provided by staff for safety, cultural appropriateness and care of the property.

• Supervise children at all times, particularly around water, stairs, balconies, vehicles, and the beach.

• Keep all outdoor areas free from rubbish and food waste to avoid attracting wildlife.

• Ensure all external doors and gates are secured when leaving the property.
   

Guests are responsible for ensuring that all members of their group understand and follow these conditions.

 

Damage to Property

We understand that accidents happen. However:

• Any damage, breakage or loss caused by guests must be reported to staff as soon as possible.

• Management reserves the right to claim costs associated with any repair or replacement to the property caused by guests from the primary booking guest.

• Significant damage that requires professional repair or replacement will incur additional fees including labour, materials and the time required to return the item or area to service.

• If guests lose the keys to the Lodge the replacement cost is $100.
   

Normal wear and tear is expected and not charged.

 

Maximum Occupancy

The Lodge accommodates up to 10 guests unless otherwise agreed in writing.
For safety and insurance reasons:

• Additional visitors must be approved by management

• Unapproved overnight guests are not permitted

• Staff have the right to deny access to anyone not listed on the booking
   

Behaviour Expectations

To maintain a peaceful stay for your group and respect for the local community:

• Excessive noise, disruptive behaviour or disrespect toward staff will not be tolerated.

• Guests must not engage in unlawful activities on the property.

• The lodge and its staff reserve the right to ask guests to leave immediately (without refund) if behaviour becomes unsafe, aggressive or damaging.
   

Use of Facilities

Pool & Outdoor Areas

• The pool is unsupervised. Swimming is at your own risk.

• Children must be supervised at all times.

• No glassware is permitted near the pool area.

• Please dry off before entering indoor areas to protect timber floors and furnishings.
   

Beach Access

• The lodge sits directly on the beachfront; access is permitted for guests only.

• The beach may have natural debris or changing tides—exercise normal beach safety.

• Do not remove marine life, coral or shells.
   

Kitchen & BBQ

• Guests may use the kitchen and BBQ areas unless exclusive staff catering is arranged.

• Please leave shared spaces tidy and follow staff guidance on appliance use.
   

Vehicles & Driveways

• Only registered guests may use the driveway and parking areas.

• Gate security must be respected for the safety of pets, staff children and local wildlife.
   

Safety Obligations

To ensure everyone’s wellbeing:

• Follow all safety instructions provided during check-in.

• Report hazards or maintenance concerns promptly.

• Do not tamper with electrical systems, gas bottles, locks or security features.

• Dangerous items (weapons, fireworks, illegal drugs) are strictly prohibited.

• Environmental conditions in Vanuatu can change rapidly—exercise sensible caution when swimming, exploring the garden, or using watercraft.

A first-aid kit is available onsite.

 

Liability Limitations

Seahorse Lodge, its owners and staff are not liable for:

• Loss or damage to personal belongings

• Injury, accidents or medical conditions arising from use of the Lodge, pool, beach, stairs, equipment or outdoor areas

• Disruptions related to weather, local power/water outages or island infrastructure issues

• Experiences, tours or transport arranged with third-party operators

Guests are encouraged to obtain travel insurance that covers medical needs, cancellations and personal items.

 

Events & Parties

To maintain comfort and safety for all, please note the following guidelines regarding events and parties:

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Advance request required:

Guests must seek approval in writing before hosting any event or party at the property that is larger than the 11-person occupancy limit.

 

Additional attendees:

Events involving guests who are not staying at Seahorse Lodge require prior written consent to come onto the private property.

 

Approval & charges:

Written approval must be granted by Seahorse Lodge management, and additional charges will apply for events or parties as well as a security deposit to cover any damages which may arise from the event.

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Respect for the lodge:

All events must be conducted in a manner that respects the property,  staff, and surrounding community. Excessive noise or disruptive behaviour is not permitted and attendees may be asked to leave the property by onsite staff.

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Responsibility:

The booking guest is responsible for ensuring all attendees comply with lodge policies and guidelines.

 

Pets

We welcome well-behaved pets at Seahorse Lodge.

Pet Policy

• Pets are permitted for AUD $20 per night, per pet.

• All pets must be declared at the time of booking or prior to arrival.

• Pets must be supervised and under control at all times, particularly around wildlife, staff areas, and other guests.

• Please clean up after your pet in all outdoor areas.

• Pets are not permitted on indoor furniture or beds.

• Any damage caused by pets (including chewing, scratching, or soiling) will be charged to the guest’s account.

 

Local Considerations

• The property is beachfront and partially open to the natural environment, so please take extra care with pets near wildlife, the shoreline, and tropical plants.

• For safety, please ensure pets do not interfere with staff movement around the gardens and driveways.

 

Smoking & Fire Safety

• Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property

• Candles, incense and open flames are not permitted anywhere on the property.
   

Check-in, Check-out & Housekeeping

• Standard check-in is from 2pm; check-out is by 10am unless otherwise arranged.

• Housekeeping attends daily (unless requested otherwise).

• Linen is changed as needed by Rosie.

• If you would like your clothes washed, please leave them in the bathroom baskets and Rosie will take care of the laundry throughout the day.
   

Staff Boundaries, Neighbours & Cultural Respect

Your onsite team lives on the property and supports your stay with care and professionalism. Guests agree to:

• Respect staff schedules, living areas and privacy.

• Make requests through the usual channels rather than entering staff living spaces.

• Acknowledge and respect Ni-Vanuatu cultural customs and working conditions.

• Please be mindful that sound carries easily across the bay.

• Be respectful of neighbouring homes, local families and community members at all times.

• Cultural sites and villages nearby should be approached with courtesy and care.
   

Quiet Hours

• Quiet enjoyment of the property is expected after 10:00pm.

• Music, gatherings and outdoor noise should be kept low late in the evening to maintain the tranquility of the area.
   

Use of Shared Spaces & On-Site Staff

• You may see gardeners, maintenance staff or housekeeping staff working around the property during the day or night.

• Please allow staff to carry out their work safely and without obstruction.

• Shared spaces such as the pool area, verandas and beachfront should be used considerately to ensure all members of your group can enjoy them.
   

Alcohol Policy

• Guests are welcome to enjoy alcohol responsibly on the property.

• Excessive drinking, disruptive behaviour or unsafe activity around the pool, beach or communal areas is not permitted.

• Underage drinking is strictly prohibited.
   

Prohibited Activities

For safety and community wellbeing, the following activities are not allowed at any time:

• Parties or large events without prior written approval

• Fireworks, bonfires or open flames

• Drones, unless you have explicit permission and comply with local aviation rules

• Hazardous behaviour around the pool or oceanfront

• Unlawful or disrespectful conduct towards staff, neighbours or community space

• Zero‑Tolerance Policy on Violence: For the safety and comfort of all guests and staff, any act of physical violence will result in immediate removal from the property by Management. Your booking will be cancelled, and no refunds will be issued.

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Your Agreement

By staying at Seahorse Lodge, you agree to follow these house rules. Failure to do so may result in additional charges or the early termination of your stay, in line with our Terms & Conditions of Stay.