Iara - Crewed Catamaran Charter

It’s impossible to overstate how indulgent, luxurious, comfortable, and invigorating our time was aboard Iara (our hosts’ catamaran). It was truly the most satisfying week I’ve every enjoyed traveling. Not merely because we soaked up sunny, 78 degree weather in the Virgin Islands. But because our hosts - Paul and Lexi - made it so. They were so easy to be with, so natural, so pleasant, so affable, so capable, and so helpful at all the right times. They created the vibe and path for us to completely unwind, 100% relax with each other, both exploring and escaping.

Food: Lexi is a fantastic chef - she made every single meal feel gourmet, special, home-cooked…because it all was. From steak, to scallops, to fish tacos, to creme brûlée, to eggs Benedict, to fresh salads, to paella - it was all so satisfying. Paul made killer cocktails every night while we took in the sunset from the top of the boat. Then he’d bring delicious appetizers (that of course Lexi made!) Maybe mimosas with breakfast, definitely wine with dinner, fresh fruit and snacks before or after a swim - always right there, always easy. We were served by Paul and Lexi - always attentive, never lingering, always available and willing to chat when we’d strike something up.

Boat: a super-cool, Scandinavian/modern/sleek feel with so many great spaces. A sunny spot up top with a big, L-shaped couch. A front with cushions for laying out. A shady, comfy L-shaped couch/booth around a big table (that we incidentally played cards, jenga on at least as often as we ate there. (I also napped there several times. Another long couch in the shade for looking out the back. Another shady, cushioned reading nook. The bedroom(s) in the hull with more storage space than we could use. We took hot showers and woke up looking out the window of our bed watching the sunrise on mornings we faced East. My favorite spot by far: the webbing (Paul called it a trampoline) on the front of the boat where I laid out and caught sun and the splashing of waves when we were hopping from island to island. Literally one of my favorite things to do on the planet. It felt like being a little kid.

Activities: we snorkeled around more reefs than I can remember, virtually every day. We snorkeled around caves, the Indians (rocks/reef sticking up out of the ocean). We’d paddle board, float in the water, explore beaches, found iconic oceanside bars, hiked in some sort of rainforest, explored caves, and swam in a magical protected cove that was like a jacuzzi fueled by waves channeling through oceanside rocks. I’m sure there were more things that others would have explored but the range, ease, accessibility, and diversity of hitting a couple of these things each day was plenty for us. And Paul and Lexi listened to what we wanted to do and mirrored the pace and activities we sought. And always offered a cold beverage, meal, or bottle of bubbly when we would return.

In the end I think what I appreciated the most was how easy it was just to be. The only decision we needed to make: which part of the boat to sit on while we read, had a drink, or caught sun. Paul and Lexi owned ALL the responsibilities. Such a delight that they took on literally everything that the week required. If Paul and Lexi lived here instead of on a boat in the Caribbean, I know I’d be friends with them. We shared so many great conversations and laughs - I think that made it all that much more special. I’ll be talking about this trip for the rest of my life!

Randy

Iara was the perfect way to see everything in the BVIs. Paul and Lexy were amazing crew and made the experience! The food was excellent and I would definitely go on the Iara again.

Colby

Our stay in the Caribbean would not have been the same without the help and guidance of such an amazing crew. Paul and Lexy were extremely knowledgeable, flexible, and fun to be around. The food and drinks were never short of spectacular, and the boat was always spotless. I am so grateful we were able to spend time on Iara and would not trade the experience for anything.

Stirling

They were very sociable and fun. They were perfect at their job and made me feel very welcome on the boat.

Henry

Paul and Lexy are a dynamic duo. What an incredible week our family of 6 had on IARA. Paul
and Lexy provided an expertly curated itinerary and menu. IARA is a spacious boat with comfortable bedrooms and all the amenities you need. We sailed swam and ate our way through the BVIs. Definitely a trip of a lifetime and we owe it to Paul and Lexy!

Lela and LT

Paul & Lexi,
We can not thank you enough for all your hospitality and service.
Our Holiday on Wonderland was magical.
We hope your future voyages bring you much happiness!!
Matt & Diane

Paul and Alexa,
We had such a relaxing week aboard Felicia with you both! We appreciated your calm dispositions and willingness to teach the boys. Thank you for taking them wake boarding, allowing them to explore the night life of the sea creatures, fishing, tipping over the kayak, exploring the shore and teaching them to sail! The report back to the parents was mostly about how cool Paul was! The food was wonderful! I really appreciated your calm, ´all is well´ disposition. It made for a wonderfully relaxing week for me, thank you! Most definitely one of our favorite trips of all time!
Blessings on your future adventures!
Traci and the gang

Dear Paul and Alexa,
I tried to write an official sounding review but my thoughts feel so personal that I decided to write it in the form of a thank you letter to you both. I hope this is ok.
Thank you so much for an incredible week aboard Felicia! Wow— you exceeded our expectations on every level. Paul, you’re not only a great captain but your bartending skills are pretty epic! I’m still thinking about those spicy margaritas! Lexy, every meal was excellent and the variety of meals was incredible. You worked tirelessly in the kitchen— always with a smile on your face. Both of you were so patient with us— answering numerous questions, accommodating all requests, closing our hatches when we forgot, and the list goes on and on!
We were expecting the week to be wonderful but the 2 of you made it better than we could have dreamed. You helped us celebrate Tricia´s big birthday in such a fun way— videoing our dance party, letting us hang up decorations, making specialty drinks, providing a birthday cake, and joining in on the fun.

You were flexible with the itinerary when suggestions were made and navigated us through some tricky wind and weather. We always felt 100% safe with the 2 of you in charge. (not sure we can say the same about Mark and Lee’s kayaking skills!)
It really was a trip of a lifetime with our dearest friends and we are grateful that you were our crew! Y’all are a Dream Team for sure and I hope we can return to Felicia (or whatever vessel you’re on) in the future!

All our best-
Kristy & Keith

We had a lovely week on Felicia, sailing around St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The boat was very spacious and had everything we could want in the way of comforts and water toys. Paul and Alexa did a wonderful job charting our itinerary, finding beautiful locations for us to visit, and generally being very hospitable. Alexa’s cooking was terrific, and the meals generally great.
The Frankel Family

We had dangerously high expectations for our trip on the Felicia, but I’m glad to say the week far exceeded our best hopes. We spotted Felicia in the bay the day before we boarded her which was exciting and she looked amazing as we boarded her. There is little more exciting than being aboard her doing 13.5 knots as you dart between the islands.
Paul and Alexa were the perfect hosts Paul has abundant energy and is an excellent skipper- very confident and professional. He’s also a superb host which is an impressive combination. He knows the boat, the waters, the islands and the locals and made sure everyday was fulfilling He’s also a very attentive bartender and he is superbly complemented by his ever smiling Alexa. If there is a better chef in the Caribbean I’d be surprised Her range of cuisine was amazing and nothing was impossible! Felicia was an excellent way to see the islands Whether it was day trips to beaches, swimming, lunch or dinner, each day was an experience. Sparrow’s beach club on Union Island was a great afternoon with a lot of cocktails and lobster
Paul and Alexa, many thanks.We shall be back!
The Falconers

Thank you both for everything you did for us all. It was a blissful experience being on Felicia - you both have a wonderful ability to understand the varied needs of all your guests and accommodate them all to make a very special experience for the whole group. The sailing was exhilarating (particularly the last day’s sail back from Canouan!), Lexy’s cooking was exquisite. … and the Rum punches always arrived without fail just at the right moment! It was just the most fabulous week- thank you both very much indeed. Should you ever make it to Scotland a very warm welcome awaits you!
With love from us both
Duncan and Hilary

Dear Alexa and Paul,
We had the most wonderful time with you on the Felicia. I was always amazed how you kept your calm - with coping with us old folks!! Getting us on shore - and back on board. I loved watching the sails go up. So we did the real sailing - cutting the engines - it was awesome! Alexa is SO the best cook on the high seas. And Paul was such a kind, courteous, and helpful skipper. The best really!!! We couldn’t of asked for more - I seriously recommend them.
With many thanks,
Bryan & Sara

Paul and Alexa were just fantastic and we had an amazing time from start to finish. The boat was pristine and a perfect fit for us. The food was excellent. Paul and Alexa were so knowledgeable, incredibly kind and patient with our kids, and very responsive to everything we needed.
-Carolyn & Jerry

We had the pleasure to sail with Alexa and Paul for a week around a cluster of Caribbean islands called the Grenadines. Before the charter Paul called us and we started to put together our dream trip. As they have lived in the Caribbean for many years they were able to guide our family through the process and set the stage for a very exciting trip for my husbands 40th birthday.
They were delightful to sail with. Fun but relaxed and consistently working hard to make sure we got everything we wished for. Alexa’s food was sensational, happily catering for our young children while also putting on delicious food for my husband and myself later in the evening.
As they have been living in the area they knew all the best spots. Were able to advise us on some terrific restaurants on our nights out and introduce us to some of their friends at some idyllic locations.
We were blown away and have made sure to tell all our friends of what a fantastic family holiday we had.
We will definitely be keeping in touch with Alexa and Paul and are already planning our next adventure away hopefully sooner rather than later.
-Leandra