How to claim money back for a service paid by bank transfer

Ch37

I paid in 3 instalments to do a yoga training and retreat in Sri Lanka with an English born yoga teacher currently residing in Puerto Rico. She is well known in the yoga industry.
A month before the training/retreat, the Uk/US government said there were heightened terrorist threats in Sri Lanka (but did not advise against st travelling as there was no travel ban) and she cancelled/ postponed the retreat/training. We could not claim on insurance as there was no ban on travelling to Sri Lanka so lost flight, visa, money for those two weeks. She claimed sales were final and refused to refund the money offering a credit to future events which have not happened. My bank’s attempt at claiming back via bank transfer has been unsuccessful and a small court claim is difficult as we cannot locate a UK address (but she has a UK bank account where the money was transferred to) but currently resides in Puerto Rico  What other options are available apart from raising awareness about her to the yoga community on social media. Thank you. It has been 5 months. 

lisyloo

Does your travel insurance cover 3rd party failure?

Do you have legal cover on your home insurance?

Is she part of any accredited trade scheme?

I've worked with Americans and in general they are much more risk averse than the Brits wrt travel.

Hoenir

I fear your money is lost. Worth publicising the experience. To warn others. 

TELLIT01

Bank Transfer is basically the equivalent of paying in cash.  There is little or no protection. 

twopenny

5 months is ridiculous when she could have 'bank transfered' back to you immediately.

But what does she have in the terms and conditions of the holiday? Does it say 'non refundable'?

I'd look at those carefully first.

Then is the business registered in the UK or in Sri Lanka?

You can check the UK by using the business name + companies house which would give you any information about the business and accounts.

If it's registered in Sri Lanka then it comes under their laws.

retiredbanker1

Sue the person in their legal territory is your only hope. (Basically no hope because you will pay out much more to a foreign legal person to help you)