Guest reviews for Matt & Kari 2025
Thank you Matt & Kari for a wonderful time on the water in the BVI this last week. I’ve never done anything close to this in my life and this experience is something I’ll remember forever. Happy birthday Kari and thank again to the both of you for a trip of a lifetime!
Dan
Y’all are the absolute best! We can’t thank you enough for the best trip ever… Memories to last a lifetime!
Roll Tide,
Angelynn and Ryan
Thank you for a stress-free week! We loved visiting the most beautiful places in the world. You couldn’t have been more accommodating and friendly. We had a wonderful week with you guys.
Sledge, Michael, Darryl and Vanda
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Our group of seven friends had the pleasure of chartering with Captain Matt Neidlinger and his wife, Chef Kari on SV Manna.
Captain Matt was outstanding throughout the entire trip. He’s incredibly easy-going yet professional, and his knowledge of the area is second to none. Matt ensured our group was always comfortable, and his commitment to safety was evident throughout the entire charter. He even led us on some incredible snorkel spots and led a dive for 2 of our group.
In addition to being a fantastic captain, Matt was a huge help in the planning stages of the trip. He worked closely with [Broker] to assist us before we even arrived, providing helpful suggestions for activities, equipment, and local tips. The communication was seamless, and we always felt well-informed and confident leading up to our vacation.
As for Kari, she’s a culinary genius! The meals she prepared were absolutely delicious, and she always had something to please everyone’s tastes. Whether it was fresh seafood, vibrant salads, or decadent desserts, each meal was a treat. Kari’s attention to detail and her ability to craft the perfect drink to pair with each dish made every meal feel special. We were truly spoiled by her cooking!
Having been to the BVI many times before, we were familiar with the area, but this trip was even more special thanks to Matt and Kari. This charter exceeded all of our expectations. Matt and Kari’s hospitality, professionalism, and attention to detail made this one of the best trips we've ever had.
We can’t wait to charter with them again!
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What an amazing first trip abroad in a spectacular place! Memories that will last a lifetime – the kindness of strangers that have become friends. Matt and Kari, you thought of everything – an unforgettable adventure.
I feel so very grateful,
Cathi
Great Job! I haven’t been so relaxed in years!
Dick
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EXCEPTIONAL!!! Matt and Kari
Guys, we’ve been on Thanksgiving trips for the past 5 years, this was our kids’ greatest trip! You made it incredible! Couldn’t have asked for a better crew. Thank you for a fabulous time! Thank you for going above and beyond! We Loved our trip! Great family time.
- John & Shannon
Thanks for making this an unforgettable vacation! Going to miss the yummy food and drinks!
- John Jr. & Nat
Best trip ever!!! I dream about Kari’s Key Lime pie!
- Nina
April 2025 - Wedding Charter
There are not enough words to express how much fun we had with you this week. You went above and beyond – attending our wedding & playing the Uke for my walk down the aisle, turning Sam into a mini bosun, playing liars dice many evenings, the list goes on…. We will cherish this trip for the rest of our lives and you two are a big part of that. Thank you for the laughs, the fun, the new experiences, and the memories. Thank you all for making our wedding week so special. We look forward to our paths crossing again one day (hopefully soon)! We will miss y’all dearly.”
- Cheers from your favorite piggies! Sam & Lauren
“What an unforgettable week this has been. From the amazing food, lovely conversation, excursion suggestions and overall thoughtful care of us is what made this week so special. Your positive attitude and effort to make sure we were all taken care of and well fed is so appreciated. An extra thank you for making my pregnant self feel always included and for ensuring my little brother & new sister-in-law’s wedding week was one of the best of their lives.”
- Spenser, Anne and Adam
“What an incredible week this has been! So much to celebrate starting with my birthday (best cake ever), my sister’s beautiful wedding, Will’s first bonefish, conch diving and so much more! You both have been such a huge, integral part of our positive memories from this trip – it wouldn’t have been the same without you! Thank you for all that you did behind the scenes, I bet it is not easy but it doesn’t go unnoticed. We had so much fun getting to know you, laugh with you, play games with you, and be ourselves around you! Until next time, Do More, Say Less!!”
- Love yall, Meredith & Will
“Start to finish, top to bottom, can’t say enough to fully say how great you have made this trip. The excursions on Anegada and the Royal evening in Guana to the wedding, Meredith’s birthday, and walking Lauren down the “aisle” to the uke stylings of Janine. All unexpected and over the top. You both have made this week unforgettable in so many ways. Thank you for all you did. May our paths cross again!
- All the best! Steve and Kelly
“A special shout-out to Jage and Janine for making our experience unforgettable. As Jage said, “Leave only footprints – take away the memories.” We have followed his wisdom. Blessed to do this.”
- Rhonda & Jeff
March 2024
Thank you for an amazing trip with memories that will last a lifetime. Love you guys! - Molly & Steven (4 time returning clients)
What a fantastic time with true genuine people that care! Thank you really doesn’t cover it! - Pro (2 time returning client)
I enjoyed this trip so much! I will always remember this moment! Thank you for making memories with us and adding more joy to my life. - Avery (age 12)
This trip will always have a special place in my heart. I made memories that will last a lifetime. I will miss yall both. - Molly (age 12)
Thank yall so much for one of the best weeks of my life! I will forever be so grateful for this experience and all the special memories I have made. I will miss yall both so much! Love yall! - Caroline (age 15)
Thank you for a wonderful week and all your hard work to make our vacation so memorable! We appreciate everything!
Oh Barefeet Retreat / Seven truly lovely days / so many memories. - Ryan and Bree are so amazing they inspire haiku! :)
March 2024
Paula & Ryan,
Thank you for an amazing week! Incredible food! You both made us feel at home. Can’t wait to come back! - Lisa & Ray
Could not have had a better week! Every meal was fantastic! Beyond all expectations! Thanks for making memories that will last a lifetime! Hope we will meet again. - Sally & Rick
OH MY! It will take a bit to recover from our visit aboard Barefeet Retreat! The echos of laughter & the aroma of delicious food are sure to linger leaving a trail of joy in its wake. Your hospitality skills are off the charts. Who else but this dynamic duo could handle our group with such finesse. With gratitude, Debra & Lisa
What a week! Truly one of the best vacations ever - for all 9 of us! We would be hard pressed to pick a favorite destination or meal - all were 100%. Can’t wait to be back (maybe without the kids next time - ha!) Best of luck with all your future endeavors. We already miss ya’ll. XO, Kings & Harrises
Amazing Caribbean experience! Great food, great itinerary and awesome sail! Thanks for the good times! - Maggie & John
Amazing Vacation
It was an amazing vacation. Jenn and Bree were great to sail with and took us to so many islands. Loved their suggestions on islands and things to do. The food on the yacht was five star. The snorkeling and paddle boarding and exploring all the beaches where are favorite. Yacht was very clean. Cabins were comfortable. There was enough areas with shade .The food was amazing. Such a variety. The food was 5 star. I felt it was very healthy also beautiful presentation. They did have some great signature drinks. Jenn and Bree were great. Professional but also so pleasant and friendly. Very knowledgeable and had great suggestions. Would love to sail with them again.
-Loraine Marous
Special lifelong bond that cannot be forgotten
"Creating lifelong memories is a special treasure that so many of us take for granted until it is too late. However, the week we spent on Barefeet Retreat with Captain Jenn and Breezy Cooking will always hold a special place in our hearts and our entire group is excited to be back on the boat with them again in the future. When a trip ends with genuine hugs and tears, that sums up that not only did everyone very much enjoy themselves, but we all made a special lifelong bond that cannot be forgotten. First, Breezy Cooking’s cuisine and special beverages would rival any fine restaurant, however the hospitality from Jenn and Bree make the trip even more special. Let me tell you, these two ladies worked hard the entire trip to make everything perfect for us, but they always were enjoying themselves, had smiles on their faces and had this contagious positive view on life that continues to resonate with us. These two special ladies are making the world a better place purely from being in it and spreading their infectious positivity to everyone who is around them. The boat’s layout was perfect, the beds were comfortable, everything was immaculate and clean and with scenic background accompanied with our new found family in Jenn and Bree made for a perfect trip that we will never forget and hope to duplicate soon. " - Steve E.
The dynamic duo
Bree and Jen are like the dynamic duo. Their personalities and dedication to a great charter, I imagine will be hard to find again. The food was amazing and Bree got it right every meal. Jenn was not only an awesome captain, but a great Scuba instructor as well. From the moment we stepped on the Yacht, the two of them really made us feel at home, comfortable, relaxed and in a mindset to have a great time. We only hope to bring our children back with us next time. p.s They found us front row mat position for "After Irma Band"......try that StubHub! - Matt F.
Fantastic week
What a Fantastic week we had with Mary Poppins (Bree) and Wonder Woman(Jenn)! They made all our adventures come true! We had a group of 8 with 6 divers and they made us extremely comfortable, paying attention to every detail possible. Food was out of this world and the sailing was very fun. You will be so happy you picked these two. - Troy K.
We are ready to book again
Our stay was beyond comfortable because Captain Jenn and Chef Bree exceeded all our expectations and truly brought our preferences to life! With children on board, we were amazed at the endless activities and constant attention that they provided to help us feel at home. Captain Jenn amazed us with her skill and knowledge, but also was warm and patient with our gang. And, Chef Bree is a ray of sunshine! She prepared five star meals for every seating and amazed us with daily cocktails of the day and delicious desserts! The crew duo serving Barefeet Retreat are so warm and caring that you’ll leave with 2 new family members! And, the boat was kept immaculate and stocked with water toys. We are ready to book again! - Jenni B.
Couldn't have dreamed of a better crew
Jenn and Bree were outstanding! Both ladies were gracious, welcoming and good humored hosts every day. They were very knowledgeable about all things sailing/St.Thomas and St. John related and maintained the perfect balance of professionalism and friendliness with all of us.
Jenn gave us a daily game plan about stops, sails and activities each morning and was always eager for our feedback and open to changes. We had a great mix of activities - hiking one day, hitting a beach at 2 or 3 stops, tubing twice, paddle boarding, a smidge of shopping and lots of off-the boat swimming and snorkeling. Jenn even found live music on another chartered boat and "dinghyed" us over to listen. We all agreed our favorite part was sailing and being on the open water! Our 15 yo daughter claimed a spot right next to Jenn for each sail so she could chat, ask questions and have the best view.
Bree is a phenomenal chef! Hands down outstanding, 5-star meals every time! She managed to compile all of our different likes/tastes into beautiful mealtime presentations. She also cooked with a healthy note - we always had salads, smoothies and fresh fruits and veggies, which many of us appreciated. In addition, Bree was unbelievably accommodating and adjusted meals for our very picky 12yo eater. Lastly, Bree was a wonderful bartender and mixologist - she always put a fun spin on our favorites and gave us something new to try (Ask for her French 75 with lemongrass simple syrup or the Passion Fruit Margarita).
Finally, and most important to us as parents, Jenn and Bree gave our three kids oodles of attention, spoke to and treated them with respect, and patiently answered a million questions. Our 7yo was completely smitten with Bree and said to me when we got home, "Why do we have to leave when we just made friends with them?" Lots and lots of love for this crew!
We couldn't have dreamed of a better crew. - Meg S.
Get ready to worry about nothing at all
“You have arrived, do yourself a favor and stop searching now, you will not find a better combination of craft and crew than this. Sailing aboard Barefeet Retreat with Captain Jenn & Chef Abrye is as good as it gets. We truly cannot think of a single thing that we would have changed during the entire week we spent. This newer yacht is very roomy, has all the comforts of home, and plenty of covered space for all to enjoy. Jenn & Abrye are intelligent, skilled, and kind, both with great senses of humor and delightful wit. Whatever your taste buds desire, Chef Abrye can make it happen, every meal was fantastic and full of flavor. I think this lady is the next big thing just waiting to be discovered, so amazingly creative. Captain Jenn is a divemaster, accomplished sailor, knowledgeable hiker, and a confident leader. You just know that you are in good hands with Jenn at the helm. So finish up your To Do List, pack lightly, and get ready to worry about nothing at all, and have one of the most wonderful weeks of your life.” - Dennis C.
Hands down best vacation ever
Wanted to let you just how impressed we were with EVERYTHING on Barefeet charterlast week. And when I say everything, I mean everything.
Highlights:
Meeting Herman the 140 years+ old turtle
Watching Capt. Jenn and Bree swim with a mom and Baby Dolphin (see below)
Eating, drinking, laughing - repeat every day!
A little competition Bar Crawl on the Boat - complete with a Congo Line (my crew is crazy)
Food was amazing
It was absolutely hands down the BEST VACATION EVER AND BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!
We made two new friends and will sail with them again- FOR SURE.
I just have to start planning the next trip!
Let me know if anyone ever needs a review! I will gladly make a high recommendation
Thank you for working with me and making this all come together.
Carla
Broker provided survey
Crew Friendliness:
Jenn and Bree were fabulous. They exuded warmth and friendliness and made all of us feel most welcome onboard. Mac (7) fell in love with our hosts and they with him.
Crew Knowledge:
We felt completely at ease with both crew members. It was readily apparent they knew what they were doing.
Quality of Service:
Considering there were 10 guests and just two crew members, the service was outstanding. Jenn and Bree worked tirelessly to insure we never lacked for anything. They were unfailingly pleasant, polite, friendly and helpful.
The Professionalism of Crew:
Jenn was an excellent captain and Bree an outstanding chef. Our meals were marvelous and varied. Bree went out of her way, over and above trying to please our Graham (12) who is the pickiest eater I could ever imagine. Graham was a recalcitrant eater throughout the trip but Bree never stopped trying and was always pleasant about it. She even gave Graham a two minute briefing on why he should eat fruits and vegetables. I do not think it sunk in to Graham but I was enthralled. I decided that minute to continue eating fruits and veggies when I returned home.
Value of the Cost + Expenses Charter:
For this “once in a lifetime” celebration, we accepted the financial expense involved: charter, gratuity, trip insurance, taxis to and from the Marina plus flights for three. It was a significant investment but one which made us both quite happy.
On-Board Cuisine:
Outstanding!!!! Bree served so many delicious and varied meals (and oh, so much food) that our eyes popped – shortly before our stomachs! Everything was delicious.
Destination / Location:
We enjoyed the many locations we visited on St. Thomas and St. John though we surely missed revisiting our favorite BVI destinations. Having sailed the USVI the last two times, I would now be reluctant to charter again before the BVI reopens for business.
Water-Sports:
Barefeet Retreat had a large mat it put out behind the boat which the kids loved. Jenn took them tubing on two occasions and they snorkeled throughout the trip. The noodles were most welcomed by the adults. Shaun and Hayden also used the paddleboard on a couple of occasions. Mary even rode the tube once.
Overall Satisfaction:
High, high, high. We loved Jenn and Bree. The catamaran was roomy enough for 10 and I can vouch for the ample size of our shower. Everything on board was quite comfortable.
