← Return to Portal

Terms & Conditions of Service

Effective Date: March 28, 2026

Please read this document carefully. By remitting payment, submitting an inquiry, utilizing the Elite Gold Escapes portal, or accessing the services provided by Elite Gold Escapes, you (the "Client," "Lead Guest," or "Traveler") explicitly agree to be legally bound by the terms, conditions, waivers, and exhaustive limitations of liability set forth herein. If you do not agree to these terms in their entirety, you must cease use of our services immediately.

1. Definitions and Interpretation

  • "The Agency" or "Broker" refers to Elite Gold Escapes, Robert Brenner Jones, and its agents, employees, officers, directors, representatives, and affiliates.
  • "The Resort" or "Supplier" refers to Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club (LHVC), its parent companies, subsidiaries, operational staff, ground handlers, and associated properties located in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, or elsewhere.
  • "Client," "Guest," or "You" refers to the individual initiating the booking (the Lead Guest) and all individuals, minors, invitees, or companions included in the travel party. The Lead Guest assumes joint and several financial and legal responsibility for all members of their party.
  • "Services" refers exclusively to the facilitation, reservation, and brokering of access to Resort accommodations and VIP amenities.

2. Scope of Agency & Independent Contractor Status

Elite Gold Escapes acts solely as an independent broker and intermediary facilitator between the Client and the Resort. The Agency does not own, manage, direct, operate, maintain, or control the Resort, its physical infrastructure, its staff, culinary operations, transportation vehicles, airlines, or any third-party excursions.

The Client expressly acknowledges that the Resort and all associated travel providers are independent contractors and not agents, employees, or joint venturers of The Agency. Therefore, The Agency shall not be liable for any breach of contract, failure to comply with laws, willful misconduct, gross negligence, or omissions on the part of the Resort or any third-party supplier.

3. Accommodations, Inventory, and Unit Allocation

The Agency facilitates access to luxury inventory; however, physical fulfillment is executed entirely by the Resort's operational divisions.

3.1. Non-Specific Guarantee

The Agency guarantees the total cumulative bedroom count confirmed on your final itinerary. The Agency DOES NOT and CANNOT guarantee specific villa names, lot numbers, architectural styles, geographical locations within the resort, interior decor, bed configurations (e.g., King vs. Double beds), or proximity to specific amenities. All promotional imagery on the Agency’s website is illustrative and represents a sampling of varying property aesthetics.

3.2. Unit Splitting and Substitution (The "Split Clause")

To fulfill high-occupancy requests, The Agency and the Resort reserve the absolute right to satisfy bedroom requirements through a combination of multiple adjacent or non-adjacent units. For example: A confirmed reservation for a seven (7) bedroom accommodation may be fulfilled by the Resort providing one three (3) bedroom villa and one four (4) bedroom villa. The Client accepts this possibility without recourse, penalty, or right to refund. Furthermore, the Resort reserves the right to substitute accommodations for "like-kind" or upgraded suites in the event of unexpected maintenance, VIP reallocation, or operational necessity.

3.3. Check-In & Check-Out Times

Standard check-in time is typically 3:00 PM local time, and check-out is 11:00 AM local time. Early check-in or late check-out cannot be guaranteed by The Agency and is entirely subject to the Resort's daily occupancy and discretion.

4. Mandatory On-Site Resort Fees & Taxes

The total price paid to The Agency covers the cost of securing the accommodation and VIP credential authorization. It does not cover mandatory fees assessed directly by the Resort upon arrival.

4.1. All-Inclusive Fees

The Resort mandates an All-Inclusive (AI) fee per person, per night, which covers food and beverage. This fee is paid directly to the Resort at check-in. The Agency does not collect this fee and is not responsible for variations, increases, or miscalculations made by the Resort.

4.2. Mandatory Resort Fees & Taxes

The Resort may assess mandatory daily resort fees, government room taxes, or eco-taxes. These are outside the control of The Agency and must be settled by the Client at check-in/check-out.

5. Financial Terms, Payments & Anti-Chargeback Policy

5.1. Finality of Sale & Non-Refundability

All payments, deposits, and reservation fees remitted to The Agency are 100% NON-REFUNDABLE upon receipt, regardless of the timeline of cancellation or the underlying cause, including but not limited to medical emergencies, death in the family, travel disruptions, geopolitical events, or changes in personal circumstances.

5.2. Chargeback Waiver & Penalties

By utilizing our Services, the Client agrees not to file a credit card chargeback, dispute, or claim with their issuing bank regarding the validity of the charge for any reason related to Resort-level dissatisfaction, weather events, delayed flights, or inventory splitting as defined in Section 3.2. In the event of an unwarranted chargeback, the Client agrees to reimburse The Agency for the full disputed amount, plus a $500.00 USD administrative penalty, and all associated legal, collection, and recovery fees. The Agency reserves the right to pursue civil litigation to recover funds lost to fraudulent chargebacks.

5.3. Modifications and Name Changes

Any modifications to a confirmed itinerary, including date changes, unit size adjustments, or Lead Guest name changes, are subject to a minimum $150.00 USD administrative fee by The Agency, in addition to any penalties or fare differences imposed by the Resort. Name changes within 30 days of arrival are strictly prohibited.

6. Resort Operations, VIP Limitations, & Etiquette

The provision of VIP credentials grants the Client authorization to access specific tiers of the Resort's ecosystem, subject to the following limitations:

6.1. Wristband and Credential Policies

VIP access is strictly monitored via Resort-issued wristbands. The Resort charges exorbitant fees (often exceeding $100+ USD) for the replacement of lost, stolen, or cut wristbands. The Client is solely responsible for these replacement fees. Sharing wristbands with non-VIP guests is grounds for immediate eviction.

6.2. Dress Codes

VIP dining venues (e.g., Azul, Jazz, Simply Gourmet) enforce strict dress codes (e.g., closed-toe shoes, long trousers, collared shirts for men). The Resort reserves the right to deny entry to any guest failing to meet these standards. The Agency is not liable for missed dining experiences due to dress code violations.

6.3. Staffing & Service Levels

The provision of personal chefs, maids, and beach butlers is subject to Resort employment variables. The Agency is not liable for perceived lapses in customer service, language barriers, or delayed response times from Resort personnel.

6.4. Construction Noise

The Resort may undergo ongoing renovations, construction, or maintenance without prior notice. The Agency is not liable for disturbances, noise, or aesthetic inconveniences caused by construction activities.

7. Dominican Republic Specific Risks & Disclaimers

Travel to the Dominican Republic carries inherent environmental and infrastructural risks. By traveling, the Client assumes full responsibility for the following:

7.1. Water Potability

Tap water in the Dominican Republic is generally not potable. The Client assumes all risks associated with consuming unbottled water, including ice cubes, brushing teeth with tap water, or ingesting water during showering. The Agency is not liable for gastrointestinal illnesses resulting from water consumption.

7.2. Tropical Environment, Pests, and Wildlife

The Resort is located in a tropical environment. The Client accepts that the presence of local wildlife, insects, mosquitoes, spiders, sand fleas, stray animals, and occasional pests is unavoidable, even in luxury accommodations. No refunds or relocations will be brokered by The Agency due to the presence of indigenous flora or fauna. The Agency is not liable for illnesses transmitted by insects, including but not limited to Dengue Fever, Zika Virus, Chikungunya, or Malaria.

7.3. Sargassum (Seaweed) and Natural Phenomena

Coastal areas in the Caribbean are routinely subject to natural environmental phenomena, including the seasonal influx of Sargassum seaweed. The presence of seaweed, turbulent waters, marine life, or un-swimmable beach conditions is completely outside the control of The Agency and the Resort. No refunds or compensations will be offered for natural beach conditions.

7.4. Utility Instability

The municipal power grid in the Dominican Republic can be unstable. The Agency is not responsible for Resort-level or municipal infrastructure failures, including but not limited to power outages, rolling blackouts, air conditioning malfunctions, erratic Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, satellite TV outages, or variations in water temperature and pressure.

8. Medical Emergencies, Health, & ADA Non-Compliance

The Agency assumes no liability regarding the provision, standard, or cost of medical care received in the Dominican Republic.

8.1. Medical Facilities and Upfront Payment

Local hospitals and clinics frequently require upfront cash or credit card payment prior to administering treatment, regardless of the Client's domestic health insurance coverage. The Agency is not responsible for advancing funds or negotiating with medical providers.

8.2. ADA Non-Compliance Disclaimer

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not apply in the Dominican Republic. The Resort, including its villas, shuttles, and restaurants, may lack wheelchair ramps, grab bars, elevators, and paved pathways. Clients with mobility issues travel at their own risk. The Agency cannot guarantee fully accessible accommodations.

8.3. Pre-Existing Conditions and Pregnancy

Clients with pre-existing medical conditions or those who are pregnant should consult a physician before travel. The Agency is not liable for complications arising from travel, tropical heat, or limited medical infrastructure.

9. Travel Documents, Entry Requirements, & Minors

The Client is solely responsible for ensuring that all members of their travel party possess required travel documentation.

9.1. Passports, Visas, and e-Tickets

The Dominican Republic requires a valid passport with at least six (6) months of validity remaining beyond the date of departure, and completion of the mandatory electronic entry/exit form (e-Ticket). The Agency shall not issue refunds if a Client is denied boarding or refused entry by immigration authorities.

9.2. Minors Traveling Without Both Parents

The Dominican Republic enforces strict anti-trafficking laws. If a minor (under 18) is traveling with only one parent, or with individuals who are not their legal guardians, Dominican immigration may require a notarized, apostilled letter of authorization from the absent parent(s). It is the Client's sole responsibility to research and comply with these laws.

10. Aviation, Transit, and Baggage Liability

The Agency accepts zero liability for any issues related to commercial or private aviation, ground transportation, or transit logistics.

The Agency is not responsible for missed flights, delayed departures, cancelled flight routes, airline schedule changes, missed connecting flights, or lost/damaged luggage. If a Client arrives late to the Resort due to aviation delays, no refunds or prorated discounts will be issued.

11. Force Majeure & Severe Weather

The Agency assumes no liability, nor shall it provide any refunds, credits, or compensation, for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations or the Resort's obligations arising out of incidents of Force Majeure. Force Majeure includes: Acts of God, hurricanes, tropical storms, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, global or localized pandemics, government mandates, border closures, acts of war, terrorism, civil unrest, labor strikes, aviation failures, or catastrophic utility outages.

12. Mandatory Travel Insurance

Given the strict non-refundable nature of these bookings and the inherent risks of international travel, The Agency strongly mandates that the Client procure comprehensive "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) travel insurance. It is the Client's sole responsibility to ensure their policy covers flight cancellations, medical evacuations, trip interruptions, and catastrophic weather.

13. Third-Party Excursions and Independent Vendors

Any off-resort excursions, tours, aquatic activities, motor vehicle rentals, or ATV/Zipline activities booked during your stay are operated by independent third-party vendors. The Client acknowledges that the Dominican Republic often lacks rigorous safety regulations. The Agency exercises no control over these vendors and accepts absolute zero liability for personal injury, death, property damage, or breach of contract resulting from these activities.

14. Client Conduct, Damages, & Eviction

The Resort maintains strict codes of conduct. The Resort reserves the immediate right to evict any Guest without refund for behaviors including, but not limited to: destruction of property, physical or verbal abuse of staff or other guests, illegal drug use, gross intoxication, or violation of local laws.

Indemnification: The Client agrees to completely indemnify, defend, and hold harmless The Agency and Robert Brenner Jones from and against any and all claims, demands, lawsuits, judgments, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) brought by third parties, the Resort, or members of the Client's travel party arising out of the Client’s actions, negligence, damages caused, or breach of these Terms of Service.

15. Dispute Resolution, Arbitration & Governing Law

In the unlikely event of a dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms of Service or the brokered travel arrangements, the Parties agree to the following resolution mechanism:

  • Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
  • Mandatory Arbitration: Any controversy or claim shall be settled by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in Austin, Texas. The arbitrator’s decision shall be final and legally binding, and judgment may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The Client assumes the cost of their own legal representation and travel.
  • Class Action Waiver: The Client explicitly waives any right to participate in a class action, representative action, or consolidated proceeding against The Agency. All claims must be brought strictly in the Client’s individual capacity.
  • Time Limitation: Any claim or cause of action arising out of or related to these Services must be filed within one (1) year after such claim or cause of action arose, or it shall be forever barred.

16. Severability and Entire Agreement

If any provision, clause, or sub-clause of these Terms of Service is deemed invalid, void, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions. This document, alongside the Privacy Policy, constitutes the entire agreement between the Client and The Agency, superseding all prior oral or written communications, marketing materials, or representations. The Agency reserves the right to update these terms at any time.



END OF TERMS