We recently finished our week long charter aboard La Vie Est Belle in the BVI with Jake and Jorja as our captain and chef. Everything went exceedingly well and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. They listened to what we asked for in terms of what sort of spots we wanted to visit and what types of food we liked. We are a family spanning 3 generations which included 3 small boys, ages 6, 8, and 9. The food was excellent and plentiful and very healthy which is important to us. Jake was so kind to the kids about taking them tubing and wake boarding which we adults especially appreciated since we are the ones who normally have that job. We all felt that we didn’t lift a finger during the entire trip. Jorja’s cooking skills were superlative and her flexibility in serving meals at times that coincided with our activities was most appreciated. She even had “Happy Birthday” signage for our 8 year old who turned 9 on the last day of our cruise. They both did a great job of being there for us when we wanted them as well as letting us have privacy when that’s what we wanted.

La Vie Est Belle is a BALI 5.4 and I HIGHLY recommend it. There are numerous “venues” on it where we could all sit and visit, in or out of the sun. We loved all the spots that were selected for us to sleep and to visit, especially our day at Scrub Island, which we weren’t expecting. We feel like we got an excellent all around taste of the BVI.

Nancy

We have felt so at home with Jake & Jorja. They have such a pleasant manner and felt like friends that we have known for years from the start.

We quite enjoyed Jakes wit and easy sense fo humor. He is clearly a sailing expert and is at ease in any situation. He is a great guy to hang out with - he answers questions and engages in all sort of conversations.

We also quite enjoyed Jorja's hospitality. She is an amazing chef, but more than that, she is an amazing person. She felt like an extension of our family and created meals that were second to none. We felt so welcomed and at ease.

Jake and Jorja were phenomenal. Thank you so much for a wonderful trip!

10/10

Wow! Wow! Wow! La Vie est Belle, Pepijn and Nicole!

We were a group of 8 sailors who have bare boated in the BVI many times. We have never had the experience a fully crewed charter before. One of our group described this perfectly. When you bare boat it is an adventure, but when you have the perfect Captain and Chef it is a vacation!

Pepijn,

You are the most amazing Captain! Your professionalism, your sailing experience and handling of our yacht were bar none! I felt so safe and comfortable. Your ability to fix most anything that may break, like the generator belt on our last night (thank goodness!), your kind and confident presence, and your cocktail making skills are pretty great as well!

Nicole,

You are an amazing Chef! Every meal, 3x a day, was absolutely mouth watering and delicious! From your fresh baked breads, sweets and deserts, to your amazing gourmet lunches and dinners! Your freshly made pasta! On a boat! Wow! Your ginger shots! Home made Pizza night under the stars on the bow, with the beautifully set table was incredible! All of your food and your table settings, everything was amazing!

Pepijn and Nicole are a highly skilled and competent team that work extremely well together. I feel that their partnership is what made our experience so incredible! They were always there when you needed them but never hovering or intrusive. They are a very synergistic team!

Thank you Pepijn and Nicole for giving us a vacation of a life time!
The Lewis Group

ps. La Vie est Belle is a very comfortable and well appointed yacht that is perfectly maintained. She was perfect for our party of 8.

I spent my 60th birthday with my family on this beautiful boat! There are not enough adjectives to describe our vacation on La Vie est Belle! Pepjin and Nicole were amazing! The food and the service was to perfection. And Pepjin was a qualified captain that discussed our itinerary and made our wants a reality. Bottom line, I would highly recommend this boat and this crew! We had the time of our lives! Thanks again!!

Words can’t fully capture the magic of our week aboard Lavie Est Belle. As anyone who’s ever embarked on a yacht charter knows, choosing the right vessel and crew to meet everyone’s needs can be a daunting task. But with Michelle at Epic Yacht Charters, the decision was a breeze. She walked us through the options, highlighting the unique qualities of each vessel and crew. Thanks to her expert guidance, we selected Lavie Est Belle—and the amazing crew of Captain Pepijn and Chef Nicole.

The Vessel:
From the moment we stepped aboard, it was clear that Lavie Est Belle was no ordinary yacht. Immaculately maintained and brimming with luxury, it had everything we could have possibly wanted. The modern Sonos sound system, retractable flat-screen TV, ice maker, espresso machine, and an impressive array of water toys made our experience unforgettable. Every inch of the yacht exuded care and attention to detail, thanks to its incredible crew.

The Crew:
Pepijn and Nicole are, without a doubt, the finest team in the islands. Pepijn’s constant vigilance ensured our safety without ever interrupting the fun. Whether he was inflating the giant Lilypad, ferrying us to pristine beaches, or guiding us to secluded coves for a swim, he was always ready with a smile and a solution. His warm, welcoming demeanor made us feel at ease from the moment we boarded.
And then there’s Nicole. Words truly can’t do her justice. Her culinary skills are on par with the best fine dining experiences we’ve had around the world. Every meal was a masterpiece, from the exquisitely carved fruit platters and freshly baked breads, to the perfectly seared steak and scallops. Her desserts were nothing short of jaw-dropping, and the homemade pizza, baked in an authentic pizza oven, was a true highlight.
We were onboard to celebrate my sister’s 60th birthday, and Nicole went above and beyond, decorating the yacht with beautiful streamers to make the day extra special. It’s these thoughtful gestures, along with their impeccable service, that sets Nicole apart.

The Location:
The British Virgin Islands are simply unparalleled in their beauty. Having traveled the world, we can confidently say the BVI’s crystal-clear waters, stunning landscapes, and abundance of beach bars and restaurants make it a top-tier destination. Add Pepijn’s intimate knowledge of the local waters and islands, and we experienced a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Every day felt like a new discovery.