Privacy Policy

Effective as of 01 June 2025

Gaea Discoveries (“we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website or use our services.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

a. Information You Provide Voluntarily

  • Name and contact details (e.g., via contact forms or emails)

  • Travel preferences or requests

  • Feedback or survey responses

b. Automatically Collected Information

When you use our website, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Operating system

  • Referral source

  • Browsing activity and usage patterns (via cookies and analytics tools)

c. Third-Party Booking Data

If you book accommodation through third-party platforms (e.g. Hoperfy), data is collected and processed by that third party. We do not access your payment or booking details.

2. How We Use Your Information

We process your personal data for the following purposes:

  • To respond to your enquiries or requests

  • To provide personalised travel recommendations

  • To manage and improve our website and services

  • To comply with legal obligations

  • To communicate updates, promotions, or new services (with your consent)

3. Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we rely on the following lawful bases:

  • Consent – e.g. for email marketing or non-essential cookies

  • Legitimate interests – e.g. to improve our services or respond to enquiries

  • Legal obligation – if required by law or a regulatory authority

4. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies to improve your experience and understand website usage.

a. Necessary Cookies

These are required for the site to function properly and cannot be turned off.

b. Analytics and Marketing Cookies

Used to measure traffic and help us improve our services. These are optional and require your consent.

5. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell your personal data.

We may share your information with:

  • Email and CRM service providers (e.g., for newsletters)

  • Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics)

  • Booking affiliates (e.g., Hoperfy) if you click through and use their services

  • Legal or regulatory bodies if required by law

Please note: once you click on a third-party booking link, your data is subject to that provider’s privacy policy.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to fulfil its purpose or to comply with legal or regulatory requirements.

  • Contact enquiries: typically 12–24 months

  • Marketing communications: until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent

  • Analytics data: stored in anonymised or aggregated form

7. Your Rights (UK GDPR)

As a UK or EU data subject, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you

  • Correct inaccurate or outdated information

  • Delete your data (the “right to be forgotten”)

  • Object to certain types of processing

  • Withdraw consent at any time (e.g., for email marketing or non-essential cookies)

  • Lodge a complaint with the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

To exercise these rights, contact us at: Julia@gaea-discoveries.com

8. Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data, including:

  • Secure transmission via HTTPS

  • Access controls and passwords

  • Regular backups and monitoring

However, no method of internet transmission is 100% secure. You use our website at your own risk.

9. Third-Party Links

Our site may include links to external websites, such as booking platforms. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Please read their privacy policies before submitting any data.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on this page, with the "Effective Date" clearly stated at the top.

11. Contact

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact:

Julia@gaea-discoveries.com

Gaea Discoveries, London, UK