Signature Dining Experiences

MERAKI ESCAPE'S DINING EXPERIENCE POLICIES

1.      Experience Description:

Meraki Escape is not a restaurant, does not accept walk-ins, and offers this experience by advance reservation only. Availability is strictly limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to book early to secure your chef and preferred time.

Overnight guests: may enjoy dining experiences privately in their cabin or at one of our waterfalls.

Day guests: may enjoy dining experiences at one of our waterfalls.

2.      Pricing and Fees

Prices do not include tax or gratuity. Gratuity is not included and is left to the guest's discretion. Premium selections, specialty requests, wine pairings, seafood, steak, and other menu enhancements are not included in the base rate and may be available for an additional charge, subject to advance approval and pricing.

3.      Guest Limit, Age Requirement and Third Party Access

This experience is limited to a maximum of two guests. All guests must be 25 years of age or older to participate. Guests may be asked to present valid identification to verify age. No additional guests, visitors, photographers, observers, vendors, or third parties are permitted unless approved in advance by Meraki Escape in writing.

4.      Reservations and Payment 

Advance reservations are required and are not confirmed until the required deposit has been received by Meraki Escape. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. A non-refundable $250 Chef Reservation Fee is included in the deposit and applies once the reservation is confirmed.

Overnight Guests: The remaining balance is due, along with the cabin balance, seven (7) days prior to arrival.

Day Guests: The remaining balance is due seven (7) days prior to the scheduled experience. Once a deposit has been received, the quoted rate for that confirmed reservation will be honored, subject to any approved upgrades, premium selections, or additional charges requested by the guest.

5.      Cancellation and Rescheduling   

Because this experience requires Meraki Escape to reserve a private chef, coordinate staff, begin menu planning and preparation, and remove the date and time from availability for other guests, cancellation terms are strictly enforced. Payment terms are outlined in Section 4, Reservations & Payment. If a guest cancels 72 hours or more prior to the scheduled dining experience, any eligible refund will be issued minus the non-refundable $250 Chef Reservation Fee and a 3% credit-card processing fee from the original transaction. Cancellations made within 72 hours of the scheduled dining experience are non-refundable. No-shows will be charged in full.

Day Guests: This cancellation policy does not apply when Meraki Escape cancels the experience due to weather pursuant to Section 6, Weather Policy. Meraki Escape will make reasonable efforts to reschedule the experience if availability allows; however, rescheduling is not guaranteed and does not waive, modify, or extend the cancellation policy.

6.      Weather Policy

Outdoor Dining experiences will not take place in rain, unsafe weather, or any condition Meraki Escape determines is unsuitable for outdoor dining

Overnight Guests: Dining experiences held outdoors will be moved in-cabin in case of inclement weather, for a cozy, uninterrupted experience.

Day Guests: Day guest dining experiences have no indoor backup location. Meraki Escape will make the final weather determination by 10:00 AM on the day prior to the scheduled reservation. If Meraki Escape determines, in its sole discretion, that weather conditions do not allow the experience to proceed, guests may either reschedule to another available date or receive a full refund of amounts paid. If Meraki Escape confirms that the experience will proceed following the weather review, the reservation becomes non-refundable. Guest-initiated cancellations due to personal weather concerns are subject to the standard cancellation policy in Section 5. The experience will not take place in rain, unsafe weather, or any condition Meraki Escape determines is unsuitable for outdoor dining

7.      Health and Safety

After booking, the assigned chef or culinary provider will contact the guest to confirm allergies, dietary restrictions, preferences, and final menu selections. Guests must disclose all allergies, dietary restrictions, food sensitivities, and medical dietary needs directly to the assigned chef or culinary provider at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled reservation. Private dining experiences are prepared and served by an independent chef or culinary provider who is solely responsible for ingredient selection, food handling, preparation, menu execution, and food-service-related accommodations, and who carries their own professional liability insurance. Meraki Escape does not prepare or serve food, does not supervise or oversee the chef's or culinary provider's food handling or preparation, and assumes no responsibility for any allergic reaction, food sensitivity, foodborne illness, cross-contact, ingredient substitution, or other food-service-related issue, whether or not related to disclosed dietary information. Any claim arising from the food or service provided during the experience is the responsibility of the chef or culinary provider and their insurer, not Meraki Escape.

8.      Alcohol Policy

Outside alcohol is not permitted. All guests must be 25 years of age or older to participate. Any guest consuming alcohol must be at least 21 years of age and must present valid government-issued identification upon request. Any alcohol service, including a champagne toast, shall be provided only where lawfully available and in accordance with applicable North Carolina ABC laws, permit requirements, and Meraki Escape policies.  Meraki Escape reserves the right to refuse, limit, discontinue, substitute, or omit alcohol service at any time for legal, safety, identification, intoxication, operational, or compliance-related reasons. Guests are responsible for consuming alcohol responsibly and arranging safe transportation from the property following the experience.

9.      Private Property and Site Access

Overnight Guests: Overnight guests may access the property in accordance with their cabin reservation.

Day Guests: Day guest access to the Meraki Escape property is limited strictly to the reserved dining experience. Day guests may not access cabins, trails, guest areas, private areas, or any other portion of the property unless expressly authorized or accompanied by Meraki Escape staff. Arrival, parking, and property access instructions will be provided after booking. Meraki Escape reserves the right to deny entry or require a guest to leave the property if the guest fails to follow access instructions, property guidelines, or staff directions.

10.   Outdoor Setting and Guest Responsibility

Our waterfall dining areas are located in a natural outdoor mountain setting. The site may include uneven ground, stairs, rocks, water features, damp surfaces, insects, wildlife, limited lighting, and changing outdoor conditions. Guests may encounter mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, and other insects, as well as wildlife including, but not limited to, deer, turkey, birds, butterflies, squirrels, and other native animals. Guests are responsible for wearing appropriate footwear, dressing suitably for an outdoor dining experience, using reasonable care while on the property, and applying personal insect repellent if desired.

11.   Guest Conduct and Property Care

Guests are expected to treat the property, staff, service providers, furnishings, décor, equipment, and natural surroundings with care and respect. Meraki Escape reserves the right to end the experience without refund if a guest is disruptive, intoxicated, unsafe, disrespectful, or fails to follow property guidelines or staff instructions. Guests may be held financially responsible for damage caused by negligence, misuse, intentional conduct, or failure to follow instructions

12.   Photography and Media

Guests are welcome to take personal photos during the experience. Professional photography, commercial photography, drone use, styled shoots, content shoots, or photography involving third-party photographers or vendors is not permitted unless approved in advance by Meraki Escape in writing.

Our Chefs