RENTAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

These Terms and Conditions (“Rental Terms”) form an agreement between Hidden Leaf Baja (“Hidden Leaf,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) and the individual listed on the booking reservation (“Guest” or “you”). Each of us is a “Party,” and together we are the “Parties.”

 

How to Use These Terms & Conditions

Hidden Leaf Baja offers a few different ways to experience our space — from simple vacation stays to fully supported retreats. To keep things clear and honest, each type of booking has its own set of terms.

Use this as your quick guide to what applies to you:

• Standard Vacation Stays
  If you’ve booked Hidden Leaf Baja as a vacation rental (through us directly or a platform like Airbnb/VRBO), these Rental Terms and Conditions and Rental Rules apply to your stay. These cover things like deposits, cancellation timelines, house rules, and use of the property.
• Retreat Leaders Renting the Property
  If you are hosting a retreat and renting the full property, you’ll be governed by:
  • Retreat Terms & Conditions
  • Retreat Participant Terms & Conditions (for your guests), and
  • Either the Retreat Financing Agreement & Promissory Note (if you’re using a payment plan) or the Retreat Terms & Conditions.
    >Where there is any conflict, your Retreat Terms & Conditions and financing terms will override these Rental Terms for payment, refund, and schedule details.
• Signature Solo Retreats
  If you’ve booked a Signature Solo Retreat, the Signature Solo Retreat Terms & Waiver apply in addition to the Retreat Participant Terms. For Signature Solo bookings, those specific payment and refund terms supersede these Rental Terms where they differ.
• Retreat Concierge Services
  If you’ve engaged us for Retreat Concierge Services, the Retreat Concierge Services Agreement with Financing Terms governs those services and their payment/refund structure, even if you are also renting the property.
• Events & Photoshoots
  If you’re hosting an event, celebration, or production, the Event Rental Terms apply in addition to the Rental Terms. Event fees, vendor rules, and noise/curfew policies are all covered there.

 

In exchange for good and valuable consideration, which both Parties acknowledge as sufficient, the Parties agree as follows:

Rental Period

We will make the Property available for your occupancy at 3:00 PM on your Check-In date, and you must vacate the Property by 10:00 AM on your Check-Out date unless we agree otherwise. If Guest or any member of the Rental Party remains on the Property beyond the Check-Out time, you will be responsible to pay an additional full night rate. Vacation reservations require a minimum stay of 3 nights.

For long-term stays (rental periods exceeding 8 nights), guests are responsible for refilling water and propane as needed. You can conveniently purchase replenishments through our Host Co store here. We also reserve the right to charge for electricity usage during your stay.

 

Reservation Deposit and Final Payment

A “Reservation Deposit” is required to book the Property. You agree to pay the rental rate, taxes, and fees, collectively referred to as the “Total Amount Due.” When booking directly with Hidden Leaf Baja, the Reservation Deposit will be applied toward the Total Amount Due.

For direct bookings, the Cancellation section below governs whether your Reservation Deposit or any other payments are refundable. For bookings made through a third-party platform (such as Airbnb or VRBO), the applicable platform-specific payment and cancellation policies may apply in place of, or in addition to, these Rental Terms.

Full payment of the Total Amount Due, less the Reservation Deposit, is due 60 days before Check-In. Reservations made within 60 days of Check-In must be paid in full at the time of booking.

For clarity, this Reservation Deposit and Final Payment section applies to standard vacation rentals only. If your booking is made under a separate written agreement—such as the Signature Solo Retreat Terms & Waiver, Retreat Participant Terms & Conditions, Retreat Financing Agreement & Promissory Note, or Retreat Concierge Services Agreement—then the payment schedules, financing terms, and refund policies in that specific agreement will govern in the event of any conflict with this section.

Damage Protection

We charge a “Damage Protection” fee, shown in your reservation, to cover property damage, excessive mess, or other unexpected costs.

 

Property

Hidden Leaf owns the “Property.” We furnish it fully and provide supplies for light housekeeping along with a starter set of toiletries and basic amenities (such as toilet paper, dishwasher detergent, and dish-washing liquid). We do not replenish these items during your stay. Additional supplies are Guest’s responsibility.

 

Hot Tub Disclaimer + Pool Disclaimer

Use of the hot tub and pool is at your own risk. All hot tub and pool use is governed by the Hidden Leaf Baja Master Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk, which is incorporated into these Rental Terms. Hidden Leaf Baja is not responsible for any injury, illness, accident, or property loss resulting from use of these amenities.

 

Noise & Quiet Hours

We enforce quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM to protect the peaceful environment and maintain good relationships with our neighbors. During these hours, you must keep noise below 40 decibels and avoid all amplified music.

 

Excessive Use

The Property Rental provides you with enough water and gas for the duration of the rental period. If you use gas or water beyond the included amount and we need to replenish it, we will charge the applicable replenishment fee.

 

Events, Production & Photoshoots

You may not host an Event at the Property unless you receive express written permission from Hidden Leaf. Rental of the Property does not include the use of the Property for an Event. “Event” is the hiring of musical entertainment, professional catering, photographers, production crew, models, rentals of music or entertainment or lighting equipment, among other event services, and the entertaining of more than 5 Visitors at the Property. Do not install or bring any music or entertainment equipment to the Property during your stay. You must use the speakers we provide. If you host an Event without our express written permission, we will charge a non-refundable $3,000 USD penalty and you will forfeit your Security Deposit.

If we give express written permission for you to host an Event, you must follow the Event Rental Terms and pay the applicable Event Fee. Booked guests can conveniently purchase the Event Fee through our Host Co store here.

 

Rental Party  

The minimum age for Guest is 25. Family members, guests, and visitors collectively, with “Rental Party” under the minimum age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. As the renter, you agree to be an occupant of the Property for the entire duration of the rental. You agree to be solely responsible for the actions of the “Rental Party” present at the Property at any time during the rental period, and to ensure that all occupants understand and comply with these Rental Terms. All persons in the Rental Party will be bound by these Rental Terms.

 

Maximum Overnight Occupancy

The Property accommodates a maximum of sixteen (16) overnight guests, regardless of booking type (vacation rental, retreat, event). Hidden Leaf Baja may authorize exceptions only in writing.

 

Visitors

A ‘Visitor’ is any person who is not staying overnight on the Property. The maximum number of Visitors permitted at the Property at any one time is five (5), unless otherwise approved in writing by Hidden Leaf Baja.

For clarity, we do not count approved chefs, practitioners, wellness providers, or service personnel toward the 5-visitor limit when they enter the Property to deliver pre-scheduled services such as massage, private chef meals, bodywork, photography, or videography.

 

Keys & Access Codes

We will provide you with access codes to the Property prior to Check-In.

We may provide you with keys or gate remote for entry to the Property. You may not make duplicate keys. If you fail to return any key or remote, we will charge a $150 USD replacement fee. Any attempt to access a locked area gives us the right to terminate your stay immediately, forfeit all rent paid, and hold you responsible for any missing items or damage.

If you lock yourself out, we will charge a $20 USD cash fee during business hours or a $50 USD cash fee after-hours, payable directly to the onsite agent before they release a new key or provide access.

 

Rental Rules

Guest agrees to abide by the Rental Rules more fully described below and any other restrictions imposed by Hidden Leaf. At all times while on the Property, you will and will cause all persons in the Rental Party and any Visitors that you permit on the Property to abide by the Rental Rules while on the Property.

If anyone in your Rental Party violates the Rental Party Rules, we may require your group to leave the Property immediately, and you will forfeit the full rental amount.

Cancellation

We encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance to help protect against financial loss if Guest must cancel their reservation for a covered reason. We are a small business and have very strict cancellation policies. Guest may cancel the rental reservation at least 60 days before Check-In and receive a refund of the Reservation Deposit.  If canceled before the cancellation period, the Reservation Deposit is refundable. If you cancel after the cancellation period, we will credit your deposit toward a future stay within 12 months.

 

Cleaning

We charge a cleaning fee for every stay. Daily cleaning is included in the rental rate, but you must keep the Property clean and in good condition. Report any unsafe or dangerous conditions to us immediately and include photos.

Upon Check-In, you acknowledge that the Property is in good condition, except for any defects you report to us by the end of the first day following Check-In, via text or email, with accompanying photos. The Property should be left in the same condition in which it was found upon Check-In. You agree to leave the Property in good repair.

For rental periods exceeding 7 nights, cleaning services will be scheduled as follows:

• For stays of 8 to 21 nights, cleaning will be provided every other day.
• For stays of 22 nights or more, cleaning will occur weekly, except on Sundays and major Mexican holidays.

Please note: Additional cleaning fees may apply for stays over 7 nights.

Cleaning services will not take place on Sundays or major Mexican holidays.

 

Culinary Provider Policy (All Retreats, Events & Stays at Hidden Leaf Baja)

Approved Chef Requirement (Applies to All Bookings)

To protect the property, maintain safety standards, and ensure a consistent guest experience, only chefs and culinary providers approved by Hidden Leaf Baja may cook, cater, or prepare food on the property.

The approved list is available at:
https://hiddenleafbaja.com/chef-recommendations/

We do not allow outside chefs, cooks, culinary teams, or catering companies under any circumstance.
This includes:

• Personal chefs brought by guests

• Retreat hosts’ preferred chefs

• Catering companies

• Visiting culinary staff

• Friends/family cooking “professionally” on site

If you bring an unapproved chef onto the Property, Hidden Leaf Baja may do any of the following:

• Cancel the culinary service immediately

• Remove the chef from the property

• Charge a $300 USD penalty fee

• Forfeit the Security Deposit

• Charge for any resulting damages or excessive cleaning

Culinary Rules & Standards (For Approved Chefs Only)

These rules apply to all HLB-approved chefs and any culinary service performed on the property for guests, retreats, or events.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

• The kitchen and all cooking areas must be left in the same condition as they were found. Chefs are responsible for cleaning all surfaces, utensils, and equipment used during meal preparation.
• No food waste or grease should be disposed of in the garbage disposal. Use designated waste bins for disposal of food scraps and oils to prevent clogging and damage to the plumbing.
• Cutting boards should not be soaked in water or placed in the dishwasher. They must be washed by hand with mild soap and water, then properly dried and stored.

Use of Equipment and Appliances:

• Hidden Leaf Baja’s appliances, cookware, and utensils are strictly prohibited from use by chefs or their staff. Chefs must bring their own equipment and tools for cooking and serving.
• Personal cooking or frying equipment (e.g., deep fryers, grills, or any electrical devices not provided by Hidden Leaf Baja) is not allowed in the kitchen. This is to ensure safety and prevent overloading electrical circuits or causing damage to kitchen facilities.
• Any damage to the kitchen, appliances, or equipment will be the responsibility of the chef or catering team, and costs for repair or replacement may be deducted from the security deposit or billed directly.

Storage and Organization:

• Use only the designated prep areas for cooking and storing ingredients. Do not access or tamper with the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer spaces reserved for the Property’s use.
• Label, store, or discard all leftover food or ingredients at the conclusion of the event. Hidden Leaf Baja staff may dispose of any items left in the kitchen afterward.

Hygiene and Safety:

• Chefs must ensure proper ventilation when using the stove, oven, or any cooking equipment that produces smoke or strong odors. Use the kitchen’s exhaust fans as needed to prevent buildup.
• Fire safety is paramount. Chefs must never leave open flames unattended and must know where fire extinguishers and emergency safety tools are located.

Furnishings and Damage to Property

All contents of the Property are the property of Hidden Leaf. Do not remove any furniture, bedding, kitchen equipment, utensils, or other items supplied with the Property. Do not alter the wiring of any television, computer, gaming equipment, electrical device, or lighting. If you lose any items or cause damage beyond normal wear and tear, we will charge you for the repair or replacement.

We will inspect the Property after your departure. If anything breaks, you must notify us immediately by text or email with photos. We may charge you for any damage or excessive cleaning caused by you or your Rental Party.

Excessive Cleaning

We apply an Excessive Cleaning Fee of $350 USD when conditions go beyond normal use. Excessive cleaning includes, but is not limited to:

• stains from blood, alcohol, food, candy, liquids, makeup, or any permanent substance

• broken, burnt, or torn furniture

• missing furniture

• broken, burnt, or damaged tiles, glass, art, décor, wall paint, or wood

• damage caused by installations (including wax from candles, floral stains, or damage from equipment movement or use)

• theft or damage resulting from failing to lock the front gate or rooms

• removal of protective furniture covers

• disposing of ashes, rubbish, garbage, or waste outside designated trash receptacles

• leaving trash on porches, decks, or any exterior areas

• leaving glass containers outdoors

• destroying, defacing, damaging, or removing any part of the Property

• rendering any smoke detector inoperable

• allowing unsafe or unsanitary conditions in or around the Property

• failing to keep the Property safe and clean

If such damage occurs, we will charge the $350 USD Excessive Cleaning Fee, the $75 USD Property Damage Fee, and the full cost of any required repairs or replacement.

 

If you lose or damage an item during your stay, you may purchase replacement items—such as wine glasses or additional bedding—through our Host Co store here.

 

Personal Property

To prevent theft or damage, please lock all doors and windows when you leave the Property and at check-out.
We are not responsible for items left behind or for any lost, missing, or stolen belongings during your stay.

 

 

Indemnification + Limitation on Liability

By booking and entering the Property, you agree that the Hidden Leaf Baja Master Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk applies to your stay and is fully incorporated into these Rental Terms. You further agree that the indemnification obligations contained in the Master Liability Waiver also apply to your rental, including indemnifying and holding Hidden Leaf Baja harmless for any claims, damages, losses, or liabilities arising from your use of the Property or the actions of your guests or visitors, except in cases of Hidden Leaf Baja’s gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

The Hidden Leaf Baja Master Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk is hereby incorporated into these Rental Terms. The Limitation on Liability section contained in the Master Liability Waiver applies in full to your stay and governs all claims arising from your use of the Property, activities on-site, and the actions of your guests or visitors. By booking, you acknowledge and agree that the Master Liability Waiver controls in the event of any conflict with the limitation of liability language in these Rental Terms.

 

Data Protection/Privacy

Data Protection and Privacy: In compliance with applicable privacy laws, including but not limited to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Hidden Leaf Baja respects the privacy of all guests and protects their personal data. We store any data collected during bookings or rentals—such as contact information and payment details—securely and use it only to manage your rental or event. We will not share or sell personal information to third parties without explicit consent. Guests have the right to request access to or deletion of their personal data at any time.

 

Acts of God

If a storm or severe weather leads state or local authorities to issue a mandatory evacuation order, you receive a prorated rental credit for each night you cannot occupy the Property. Hidden Leaf is not liable for any delay or failure to perform our obligations when events outside our control occur, including acts of God.

 

Violation of Terms

If you or any member of the Rental Party violates any of these Rental Terms, including but not limited to maximum occupancy, visitors and rental rules and restrictions, Hidden Leaf may terminate any Event underway at the moment of violation, evict Guest and the Rental Party from the Property and Guest will forfeit all rent and security deposit paid. Each person renting or occupying the Property is jointly and severally liable under these Rental Terms, and we may proceed against any one or all of the Rental Party without first proceeding against any other.

 

Interpretation

Interpret these Rental Terms neutrally. Do not give either Party an advantage or disadvantage based on who drafted any provision.

 

No Waiver

Neither Hidden Leaf nor the Guest waives any provision or right under these Rental Terms unless we both clearly state the waiver in writing.

 

Severability

If any part of these Rental Terms becomes invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain fully valid and enforceable as if the invalid portion never existed.

 

Notices

Any notice or communication under these Rental Terms must be in writing and sent via electronic email transmission.

 

Successors and Assigns

These Rental Terms will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon us, our successors, and assigns, and upon Guest and its permitted successors and assigns.

Modifications, Interruptions, Corrections

We may change, update, or remove any part of our Site or discontinue it entirely at any time without notice. There is no obligation for us to update Site information, and we are not liable for any modification, suspension, or discontinuance. Additionally, these Rental Terms may be revised at our discretion. When we update the “Last Updated” date, you agree that your continued use of the Site constitutes acceptance of the revised Rental Terms. You are responsible for reviewing these Rental Terms periodically.

There may be information on our Site that contains typographical errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, including descriptions, pricing, availability, and various other information. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions and to change or update the information on our Site at any time, without prior notice.

 

Electronic Communications, Transactions, and Signatures

Visiting our Site, sending us emails, and completing online forms constitute electronic communications. You consent to receive electronic communications, and agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications we send electronically—whether by email or through our Site—satisfy any legal requirement for written notice. In addition, you accept and authorize the use of electronic signatures, contracts, orders, and records, as well as the electronic delivery of notices, policies, and transaction documentation initiated or completed by us through our Site. Finally, you waive any rights or requirements under applicable laws that would otherwise demand original signatures, non-electronic records, or payments made by methods other than electronic means.

 

Miscellaneous

These Rental Terms, together with any policies posted on our Site, form the entire agreement between you and Hidden Leaf Baja. Our decision not to enforce any provision does not waive our rights. We may assign our rights or obligations at any time. We are not responsible for delays or failures caused by circumstances beyond our control. If any part of these Rental Terms is found invalid, the remaining provisions remain enforceable. These Rental Terms do not create a partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship. You agree not to challenge these Rental Terms based on their electronic format or lack of a physical signature.

Governing Law

The laws of Baja California Sur, Mexico govern this Master Liability Waiver, without using conflict-of-law rules. You agree to resolve any disputes exclusively in the courts of Baja California Sur.

 

Entire Terms

These Rental Terms and the Rental Rules represents the entire understanding and terms between the Parties with respect to the subject matter of these Rental Terms and supersedes all other negotiations, understandings, and representations (if any) made by and between the Parties.

 

Click to Review our Rental Rules

 

 

EVENT RENTAL TERMS

 

These supplemental Event Rental Terms incorporate the Rental Terms by reference. They form an integral part of our agreement and apply with the same terms, rights, and obligations. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of these Event Rental Terms and the Rental Terms, the Rental Terms shall prevail unless explicitly stated otherwise herein.

 

Event Rental

Rental of the Property includes the use of the Property for an Event, as expressly permitted by Hidden Leaf and Guests payment of an Event fee. For purposes of these Event Rental Terms, an ‘Event’ has the same meaning as defined in the Rental Terms.

 

Event Fee Payment

You must pay an Event fee to host an Event at the Property. You agree to pay the Event fee prior to Check-In at the Property. If you book for vacation rental on another platform (such as AirBnB or VRBO), and plan to have an Event at Hidden Leaf, we reserve the right to charge the Event Fee and it will be in addition to your reservation fees. You must pay the Event fee in full 60 days before Check-In.

 

Production and/or Photoshoot Crew

The minimum age for all working production crew is 20. Crew under the minimum age must be accompanies by a parent or legal guardian and agreed to in advance in writing by Hidden Leaf. As the renter, you agree to be present on the Property for the entire duration of the Event rental period. You agree to be solely responsible for your actions and the actions of all production, photoshoot crew and any other staff present on the Property “Rental Party”, and to ensure everyone understands and complies with these Event Rental Terms. All persons in the Rental Party will be bound by these Event Rental Terms herein.

 

Maximum Event Occupancy

You may host up to 50 event visitors unless Hidden Leaf gives prior written consent for a higher number. Should the maximum visitor count exceed 50 people, Guest will be responsible to pay and additional event fee of $1,000 USD to cover the additional services needed to accommodate the total number Event Visitors. A Visitor is an invitee who is not staying overnight of the Property.

For approved Events, the Event Visitor limit in these Event Rental Terms overrides the 5-visitor limit stated in the Rental Terms.

 

Property Use for the Event

Events with more than 50 visitors or any production/photoshoot crew require you to hire an independent planner or day-of coordinator to ensure compliance with all Event Rental Terms. Hidden Leaf can recommend planners for you to contact directly.

You must complete all event set-up and tear-down within your rental period. Only you, your vendors, and your guests may access the Property during this time. You are responsible for all set-up and tear-down—Hidden Leaf and Property staff will not assist.

All vendors must bring ramboard or other protective floor covering when bringing equipment into any interior space. The Property Manager remains available only for questions and maintenance matters.

We will charge a $450 extra cleaning fee after the event. You must leave the Property in good repair.

Guest must remove all Event items from the Property after Check-Out; this includes items brought by Guest’s vendors and visitors. If you fail to remove all items or complete tear-down by check-out, we will charge a $75 daily cleaning fee. We may also charge an additional nightly rate depending on how many items remain.

 

Noise Levels and Event Curfew

All Events must comply with the noise rules stated in the Rental Terms.

 

Event Rules for Guest’s + Vendors (Guest is responsible for communication of rules)

• All Event vendors must provide proof of insurance and adhere to the Event Rental Terms.
• You must provide a list of all vendors and the types of vehicles they will bring to the Property. Only small vehicles may enter the Property.
• All vendors must bring RAM board or other protective floor covering for any interior load-ins.
• Do not use floral arrangements, vases, mason jars, or similar décor anywhere on the Property—these items are strictly prohibited.
• Use painter’s tape only to attach décor to walls or fixtures. You must remove all tape and décor during tear-down. Thumb tacks, nails, screws, or anything that punctures or damages surfaces are not allowed.
• Do not bring bird seed, rice, confetti, confetti cannons, party string, sky lanterns, balloons, sparklers, strobe lights, or fireworks. These items endanger the Property, neighbors, wildlife, and other guests. If you use any of these items, we will charge a fee for each violation.
• You may use bubbles, lavender, real flower petals, or similar organic items outdoors only. If you use any of these items indoors, we will charge a $150 USD cleaning fee.
• Do not use candles anywhere on the Property (including the pool area) without our express written permission. If we approve candle use, you must place each candle inside a glass or similar container to prevent wax damage. We encourage LED candles.
• You must install and remove all music and entertainment equipment during your rental period.
• Hidden Leaf reserves the right to end music/entertainment for not following these rules.

 

Culinary Provider Policy

Approved Chef Requirement (Applies to All Bookings)

See the Culinary Provider Policy in the Rental Terms. To protect the property, maintain safety standards, and ensure a consistent guest experience, only chefs and culinary providers approved by Hidden Leaf Baja may cook, cater, or prepare food on the property.