Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 15, 2025

At SILK Homes, we are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect information about you when you use our website, book accommodations, or interact with our services.

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Booking Information: Stay dates, location preferences, special requirements
• Professional Information: Job title, company, relevant experience (for crew applications)
• Communication: Messages, inquiries, and feedback you send to us
• Payment Information: Billing details (processed securely by third-party payment processors)

Information Automatically Collected

• Website Usage: Pages visited, time spent, referring websites
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system
• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device to improve website functionality

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Process and manage your bookings and reservations
• Communicate with you about your stay or application
• Provide customer service and support
• Process employment applications and crew inquiries
• Send you updates about our community (with your consent)
• Improve our website and services
• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect against fraud and ensure security

3. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information only in these limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: Third-party companies that help us operate our business (payment processors, email services, etc.)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request
• Safety and Security: To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our guests and crew
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, sale, or transfer of our business
• Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share information

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information:

• Secure data transmission using encryption technology
• Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Secure payment processing through trusted third-party providers
• Employee training on data protection and privacy

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request information about what personal data we have about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured format

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected].

6. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Analyze website usage and performance
• Provide personalized content

You can control cookies through your browser settings, though some website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

7. Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

Third-party services we use include:

• Payment processors for secure transactions
• Email service providers for communications
• Analytics tools to understand website usage
• Form processing services for contact forms

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Maintain business records as required

When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

10. International Users

If you are accessing our services from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.