$3,499 Paid for Cancelled Retreat — Still No Refund
I paid $3,499 toward the Coming Out Wealth & Wellness Mastermind + Luxury Tour in Tanzania and Zanzibar scheduled for February 22 – March 1, 2026, organized by Ari Squires International. The total trip price was approximately $5,200, and participants were encouraged to pay their balances in full. At one point, we were told that another participant had backed out and we could take that person’s place by paying the remaining balance. There were also messages offering discounts for those who paid in full early. In October 2025, we received a heartfelt message explaining that the retreat had to be canceled due to unexpected challenges. We were told full refunds would be issued within 90 days. That timeline passed. When participants began following up, we were told that vendor refunds were still pending and that repayments would resume, possibly in installments. Another timeline was given indicating refunds would be completed by the end of February. It is now the end of February and no refund has been received. Multiple participants who paid for this same trip have confirmed that they are also still waiting for their refunds. In written communication, the business acknowledged that refunds are owed but stated they do not currently have the funds available to repay clients. What has been particularly concerning is the lack of communication once funds were owed. Communication was very responsive and proactive when payments were being collected, but since the cancellation and missed refund deadlines, updates have been minimal or nonexistent. At this point, several affected participants are pursuing other avenues to recover their funds. Consumers should exercise caution when sending large payments and ensure they have strong protections in place. I sincerely hope the company resolves this matter and returns the funds owed to all participants.
By AC