Terms of service

THE ALCHEMIST OF LOVE (PTY) LTD
Registration number: 2026/029564/07
Republic of South Africa

 

TERMS & CONDITIONS, PRIVACY POLICY & REFUND POLICY

The Alchemist of Love – Virtual Treasure Hunt
Last updated: 22 January 2026

1. INTRODUCTION & AGREEMENT

Welcome to The Alchemist of Love Virtual Treasure Hunt (the “Treasure Hunt”).

The Treasure Hunt is organised and hosted by The Alchemist of Love (Pty) Ltd (“we”, “us”, or the “Organiser”).

By purchasing access to, registering for, accessing, or participating in the Treasure Hunt, you (“Participant”) confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions, together with the Privacy Policy and Refund Policy set out below (collectively, the “Agreement”).

If you do not agree to this Agreement, please do not purchase access to or participate in the Treasure Hunt.

2. DEFINITIONS

  • “Couple” means two individuals participating together as a single entry.
  • “Platform” means the digital systems used to operate the Treasure Hunt, including our website, databases, and backend infrastructure (including Firebase).
  • “Completion Time” means the continuous elapsed time recorded by the Platform from the official start event to final completion.

3. ELIGIBILITY

3.1 Participation is limited to individuals who:

  • Are 18 years or older at the time of purchase; and
  • Are legally capable of entering into binding agreements.

3.2 Both individuals forming a Couple must independently meet these eligibility requirements.

3.3 Employees, directors, contractors, agents, and immediate family members of the Organiser are not eligible to participate.

3.4 Each Couple constitutes one entry only, regardless of the number of devices or email addresses used.

4. NATURE OF THE TREASURE HUNT

4.1 The Treasure Hunt is a paid, skill-based digital experience designed for reflection, play, and connection.

4.2 It is not therapy, counselling, psychological treatment, or professional advice of any kind.

4.3 Winners are determined based on:

  • Correct completion of all riddles; and
  • Speed of completion, as objectively recorded by the Platform.

No element of chance is involved.

5. PURCHASE, DIGITAL SERVICES & COMMENCEMENT

5.1 Participation requires payment of the applicable entry fee via YOCO.

5.2 Upon successful payment, digital services commence immediately, including:

  • Confirmation of participation;
  • Reservation of a participation slot;
  • Backend system provisioning;
  • Delivery of instructions and preparatory communications.

5.3 The interactive Treasure Hunt experience itself unlocks on Valentine’s Day, as communicated prior to purchase.

5.4 By completing your purchase, you expressly:

  • Consent to the immediate commencement of digital services; and
  • Acknowledge that statutory cooling-off or withdrawal rights under the Consumer Protection Act, where applicable, do not apply once these services have begun.

5.5 All entry fees are final and non-refundable, as detailed in the Refund Policy below.

6. ACCESS & PARTICIPATION

6.1 Access to the Treasure Hunt is provided via a link emailed to Participants.

6.2 The official start time is recorded when the Participant clicks the “Begin Quest” button that opens the first riddle.

6.3 Once started:

  • Time runs continuously;
  • The hunt cannot be paused, restarted, or reset;
  • Closing a browser or losing connection does not stop time.

6.4 All timing and progression data is recorded server-side and logged per riddle.

7. PRIZES & WINNER DETERMINATION

7.1 General Prize Eligibility

To be eligible for any prize, a Couple must:

  • Validly purchase access to the Treasure Hunt; and
  • Complete the applicable riddle(s) in accordance with these Terms.

Each prize category is assessed independently, based on the criteria set out below.

Only one (1) prize may be awarded per Couple.

7.2 First Prize – Grand Prize

The First Prize is awarded to the Couple who completes the entire Treasure Hunt in the shortest total Completion Time, as recorded by the Platform.

Prize:
A six (6) day (5) night travel experience to Mauritius, subject to availability and third-party supplier terms.

7.3 Second Prize – Milestone Prize

The Second Prize is awarded to the Couple who completes Riddle/Cipher Number 4 in the shortest elapsed time, measured from the moment they successfully complete Riddle/Cipher Number 3 to the moment they successfully complete Riddle/Cipher Number 4, as recorded by the Platform.

Prize:
R5,000 (five thousand South African Rand).

Completion of the full Treasure Hunt is required to win this prize.

7.4 Third Prize – Milestone Prize

The Third Prize is awarded to the Couple who completes Riddle/Cipher Number 1 in the shortest elapsed time, measured from the official start time to the successful completion of Riddle/Cipher Number 1, as recorded by the Platform.

Prize:
R2,000 (two thousand South African Rand).

Completion of the full Treasure Hunt is required to win this prize.

7.5 Additional Prize Conditions

  • Prizes are non-transferable and non-exchangeable.
  • The travel prize has no cash alternative.
  • Cash prizes will be paid via a method determined by the Organiser.
  • In the event of a tie, the Organiser’s decision shall be final and binding.
  • Winners will be contacted privately and prizes awarded within one (1) week, subject to verification.

8. TRAVEL PRIZE CONDITIONS

8.1 The Organiser is not a travel agent, airline, or tour operator.

8.2 The travel prize includes:

  • Economy-class flights;
  • Departure from South Africa;
  • A fixed itinerary, with limited flexibility at the supplier’s discretion.

8.3 Winners are responsible for passports, visas, travel insurance, medical requirements, and availability.

8.4 Failure to meet travel requirements may result in forfeiture of the prize.

8.5 The Organiser is not liable for cancellations, changes, supplier insolvency, or force majeure events beyond its control.

9. FAIR PLAY & CONDUCT

9.1 Participants may use external tools or resources, but sharing answers or solutions with other participants is strictly prohibited.

9.2 Where the Organiser reasonably believes that misconduct has occurred, the affected Participant may be disqualified from prize eligibility.

9.3 Disqualification does not revoke access to the experience itself.

9.4 Decisions relating to misconduct and prizes are final.

10. SYSTEM AUTHORITY

10.1 Platform records are the authoritative source for timing, progression, and completion, absent manifest system error.

10.2 The Organiser is not responsible for disadvantages caused by internet connectivity, devices, user error, or third-party service interruptions.

11. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All content, systems, and materials remain the exclusive intellectual property of the Organiser and may not be reproduced without permission.

12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Participation occurs at the Participant’s own risk. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Organiser shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, emotional, or consequential losses.

13. AMENDMENTS

These Terms may be updated from time to time. Any material changes will apply prospectively and will not affect purchases already made.

14. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, and South African courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

PRIVACY POLICY

We respect your privacy and process personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

Information collected

  • Names and email addresses
  • Participation and timing data
  • Payment confirmation data (excluding card details)

Purpose

  • Operating the Treasure Hunt
  • Communicating with Participants
  • Determining winners
  • Sending related newsletter and marketing communications

Storage & security

Data is stored securely using industry-standard infrastructure (including Firebase and Google Sheets). While safeguards are in place, absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

Marketing

Participants may opt out of marketing communications at any time via unsubscribe links.

Retention

Data is retained for at least 12 months, or longer where legally required.

Contact

Privacy enquiries: creators@thealchemyoflife.co

REFUND POLICY

All purchases of digital access are final and non-refundable.

Digital services commence immediately upon payment through confirmation, reservation, and system provisioning, even though the interactive hunt unlocks later.

Refunds will not be issued for:

  • Non-completion
  • Dissatisfaction
  • Technical issues on the user’s side
  • Disqualification
  • Failure to win a prize

In the event of a verified system failure preventing access, we may restore access or offer alternatives at our discretion. This does not entitle the Participant to a refund.

Unauthorised chargebacks may result in disqualification and will be contested using transaction and acceptance records.

We designed this experience to be meaningful, fair, and memorable.
Thank you for choosing to journey with us.