January 2026

Captain Matt and Kari,
It has been an absolute pleasure sailing around the islands and laughing more and more as we went. Thank you for all the amazing meals, stories and game nights! This was a trip to remember forever, and we are so so grateful that you were a part of it.
Love, James and Allie

New Years 2025/26

An Experience Beyond Our Wildest Dreams:

We have just returned home from the most incredible trip touring the British Virgin Islands aboard the Barefeet Retreat, and we truly don’t have enough words to capture how extraordinary this experience was from start to finish.

From the very beginning, the booking and planning process was seamless and thoughtful thanks to [Broker] and her amazing team. Every detail was handled with care, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm, which immediately set the tone for what would become an unforgettable journey.

And then there was Captain Matt and Kari, who, by the end of the trip, felt less like our crew and more like family. Saying goodbye at drop-off was genuinely emotional, complete with teary eyes all around.

Captain Matt curated the most perfect itinerary, taking us to breathtaking snorkeling sites, all the must-see locations, and anchoring us each evening in the most stunning, postcard-worthy settings. His knowledge, confidence, and passion for what he does were evident every single day. And as if that weren’t enough, his unexpectedly elite skills at “Rummy Cube” were greatly appreciated, and the laughter that filled the boat on our final night playing “Drop the Mic” was the perfect ending to a perfect journey. (Also, yes Matt can absolutely rock those 80’s tunes!)

Kari was equally incredible, joining in our shenanigans while somehow keeping us exceptionally well-fed throughout the trip. Every single meal was delicious, from her homemade oatmeal and granola to unforgettable wahoo and chicken dishes. Plates were cleared at every meal without exception. And the cookies and brownies? Let’s just say we’re still dreaming about them.

This trip exceeded every expectation we had. It was relaxing, adventurous, joyful, and deeply memorable. If you are considering a BVI sailing experience, do not hesitate, this team delivers something truly special. We will cherish these memories forever and cannot wait to return. ⚓️🏝️❤️

Christmas week 2025

Kari and Matt,
Thank you so much for all you did to make our Christmas vacation so awesome. The food was great and you were so wonderfully flexible to provide the activities we wanted. What a great trip with so many wonderful memories
– Jude

Our family motto is, “another best day ever” and this whole week definitely was! From the activities to the food, drink and weather, it was an amazing week. Thank you Matt and Kari
– Beth

What a wonderful week of making memories. If ever there was any doubt, this is the way to do a family vacation. Lazy days, snorkeling, beach time and cocktails galore, chilling as we sail and tons of incredible food.
– Love, Leigh

I loved the hospitality and the food that was provided on Barefeet Retreat. Thank you Matt and Kari for such a fun week!
– Hopper

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.