Effective Date: 29th September 2025

1. Introduction

   Skylark Villa (“we,” “our,” or “us”) values the trust and privacy of all our guests. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal data in connection with your interactions with us, including when you inquire, book, or stay at our vacation rental located in Blanchisseuse, Trinidad.

   This Policy is governed by the Data Protection Act, 2011 of Trinidad and Tobago. By contacting us, submitting personal information, or confirming a booking, you agree to the practices described herein.

2. Scope of Policy

   This Privacy Policy applies to all personal data collected and processed by Skylark Villa through:

   • Direct bookings via https://theskylarkvilla.com
   • Telephone or email communications
   • Messaging platforms used for inquiry or reservation purposes
   • Guest check-in and identity verification processes
   • Communications for optional services you request (e.g., chefs, tour guides)

   This policy covers how we collect, store, use, and protect your information before, during, and after your stay.

3. Definitions

   • Personal Information: Any information that can be used to identify you, such as your full name, contact details, ID, and stay-related data.
   • Processing: Any operation performed on personal information, including collecting, storing, using, and deleting it.
   • Third-Party Processor: An external company or service provider who processes information on our behalf, such as payment processors.

   Note: We do not collect or require sensitive personal information (e.g., health status, religious beliefs, biometric data, or ethnicity) as part of our booking or hosting process.

4. Information We Collect

   Skylark Villa collects the following types of personal information as part of its hospitality and operational services:

   • Identity Information: Full legal name, copy of government-issued ID (ID Card, passport or driver’s license)
   • Contact Information: Email address and phone number
   • Booking Details: Dates of stay, number of guests, rental configuration (entire villa, upstairs, or downstairs), and purpose of visit
   • Payment Confirmation: Processed via Stripe or Wise (no card or account details are stored)
   • Service Requests: Information needed to fulfill requests for optional third-party services (e.g., chef, masseuse)
   • Security Data: Security camera footage of exterior, non-guest areas for safety and property protection

5. Purpose of Collection

   We collect your personal information strictly for the following legitimate and limited purposes:

   • To process booking inquiries and confirm reservations
   • To manage check-in, check-out, and secure access to the property
   • To verify identity for safety, legal compliance, and guest accountability
   • To administer and refund security deposits
   • To communicate before, during, or after your stay
   • To provide services or coordinate with third-party providers at your request
   • To ensure compliance with applicable legal obligations in Trinidad
   • To enhance the guest experience and address any disputes or claims

6. Legal Basis for Processing

   We rely on the following legal grounds to collect and process your personal data:

   • Consent: You voluntarily provide your information when making a booking or inquiry.
   • Contractual Obligation: Processing is required to enter into and fulfill a rental agreement with you.
   • Legal Compliance: We may be obligated by law to verify guest identity or provide data to authorities when legally required.
   • Legitimate Interests: To secure the property, communicate with guests, and ensure proper management of the rental.

7. Methods of Collection

   We collect your personal data directly and transparently through:

   • Our website
   • Direct communications via email, phone, or chat
   • Identity documentation submitted digitally or in person
   • Confirmations of payment via third-party processors
   • Inquiries for third-party service coordination

   No data is collected via surveillance beyond external security camera recordings of the property perimeter for security purposes only.

8. Third-Party Service Providers

   We engage reputable third-party processors and vendors to facilitate certain functions of our service.

   • Third Party Payment Providers: For secure financial transactions. Your payment details are processed by these providers and are never stored on our servers.
   • Optional Service Providers: Chefs, massage therapists, and tour guides who may receive minimal contact information strictly to fulfill services you explicitly request.

   Each third-party is bound by contractual and legal obligations to maintain the confidentiality and security of any personal data shared with them.

9. Data Retention

   We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including to:

   • Satisfy legal, accounting, or regulatory requirements
   • Resolve disputes or enforce our terms
   • Maintain business records for auditing or operational review

10. Data Security

    We implement appropriate technical, physical, and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, or destruction. These include:

    • Secure storage of digital records with password-restricted access
    • Restricted access to identification documents
    • Use of PCI-compliant third-party payment processors
    • Surveillance data limited to non-guest external areas

    While we take all reasonable precautions, no security method is 100% infallible.

11. International Data Transfers

    While Skylark Villa operates solely within Trinidad and Tobago, some of our third-party processors (e.g., Stripe, Wise) may transfer your data to countries that may not have the same level of data protection laws.

    We ensure that such transfers are made under legally binding agreements that uphold equivalent levels of data privacy and protection, consistent with international best practices.

12. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

    Our website at https://theskylarkvilla.com may use cookies and similar tracking tools for the purpose of:

    • Enhancing user navigation and experience
    • Analyzing site traffic and performance
    • Identifying returning visitors (for personalization)

    You can control cookie settings via your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may limit some site features but will not affect your ability to make a booking.

13. Children’s Privacy

    Skylark Villa does not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18. Guests under this age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who provides and consents to any required personal data.

    If we become aware that personal data from a minor was inadvertently collected without proper authorization, we will delete such information promptly.

14. Changes to this Privacy Policy

    We reserve the right to update or amend this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect operational, legal, or regulatory changes. When updates are made, the revised policy will be posted at here with a new effective date.

    We encourage guests to review this page periodically to remain informed about how we protect and use your data.

15. Contact Information

16. Effective Date