Privacy Policy
Last Updated: August 2026
1. Who we are
The Classical Club is a brand operated by Leatherback Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 24 631 228 898), an Australian company governed by the Australian Privacy Act 1988. As we welcome guests from around the world, we also recognise and respect applicable US state privacy rights, including those under California's CCPA/CPRA.
When you visit our website, sign up to our newsletter, make an inquiry, or book a retreat with us, we may collect some information about you. This policy explains what we collect, why we collect it, and how we look after it.
We take your privacy seriously, and we've written this policy in simple, plain English.
2. What information we collect
Personal information
When you submit a form or make an inquiry with us, we collect your name, email address, telephone number, and address.
Sensitive information
To deliver our retreats safely and to the highest standard, we may collect information about dietary requirements, health or mobility needs, or passport details. We only collect this with your express consent, and we only use it to make sure your retreat experience is safe and enjoyable.
Chess level and playing information
To help our Grandmaster pair you thoughtfully for games and coaching, we may ask about your chess rating or playing experience. We only use this to help shape a rewarding mix of games and sessions, and it has no bearing on your ability to book.
Billing information
Payment details are collected via secure third party payment processors. We never store your full credit card details on our systems.
Usage and technical information
When you browse our website we may collect technical information such as your IP address, browser type, device identifiers, and approximate location based on your IP address.
Tracking data
We use cookies, pixels, and web beacons for analytics and advertising, including Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Google, and Pinterest.
Retreat messaging and communications
If you're joining us on a retreat, we'll add you to a WhatsApp group with your Chess Host and fellow players for the duration of your stay. This means we'll have your phone number, and any messages, photos, or videos you share in the group are visible to the rest of the group. We remove guests from the group once the retreat has ended. If you opt in to receive SMS updates from us, we'll use your phone number to send retreat-related messages such as document requests, booking confirmations, and itinerary reminders. Message and data rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time by replying STOP.
3. How we use your information
We only collect information we actually need. We use it to:
- Respond to your inquiries and manage your booking
- Send you our newsletter and promotional updates (only if you've signed up, and you can opt out any time using the unsubscribe link)
- Improve our website and understand what's working
- Show you relevant ads on Meta, Google, and Pinterest if you've visited our website
- Process your payments securely
- Assist with booking confirmations, availability, and pricing through automated systems; if this ever significantly affects you, you can request more information
- Meet our legal obligations and prevent fraud
4. Who we share your information with
We don't sell your data. Ever. We share it only with trusted third party service providers that help us run our business, including payment processors, hosting services, analytics providers, and marketing partners such as Google, Pinterest, and Meta/Facebook. Each provider has their own privacy policy and we encourage you to read them if you'd like to know more.
SMS opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.
Cross-border transfers
We're based in Australia, so your data may be stored or processed here or in the United States. We take reasonable steps to protect it wherever it's handled.
5. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies for website functionality, analytics, and interest-based advertising. You can adjust your cookie settings in your browser at any time.
Global Privacy Control (GPC)
If your browser sends us a Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal, we'll treat that as a request to opt out of sharing your personal information for advertising purposes.
6. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:
- Access & Correction: Request a copy of your data or correct inaccuracies
- Deletion: Ask us to delete your personal information
- Opt-Out / Do Not Sell or Share: Opt out of the sale or sharing of your information for targeted advertising
- Non-Discrimination (US): Not be treated unfairly for exercising your privacy rights
Just get in touch using the contact details below and we'll take care of it.
7. Complaints
If you have a concern about how we've handled your personal information, please reach out to our Privacy Officer first and we'll do our best to make it right. We'll get back to you within 7 days and aim to have it resolved within 30.
If you're not happy with our response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.
8. Children's Privacy
Our retreats are designed for adults. We don't knowingly collect information from anyone under 13.
9. How long we keep your information
We keep your information for as long as we need it to provide our services, typically up to seven years for financial and booking records, or as required by law. If you'd like us to delete your information sooner, just ask.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this policy, or would like to access, correct or delete your personal information, please get in touch: contact@leatherbacktravel.com, please mark your message "Attention: Privacy Officer" so we can route it correctly.
We'll respond to all privacy enquiries within 30 days.
11. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we'll update the date at the top of this page.