February 2024 BVI Charter
Eben and Katie,
Thank you so much for an amazing week- the delicious meals, the flexibility with agenda given the surprise weather. The drinks, the games you organized- all made this an unforgettable week!! We can't thank you enough for taking such great care of us and helping us to celebrate birthdays and a chance to spend a week away together. Every meal was PERFECT and far exceeded expectations. Every request accommodated. THANK YOU SO MUCH! We would absolutely repeat this week with you guys and we wish you the best of lucking all your future charter adventures!
xoxox
Claire, Praveen, Mark, Kim, Katie, Kriste, Kevin and Ben
January 2024 BVI Charter
Katie and Eben,
Best trip ever! Not sure what I loved the most- the food, the fun, the sun,the chill. Everything exceeded expectations. Great dives too. It's a repeat for sure.
BT
Katie and Eben,
Shelly and I entered the week with grand expectations, but somehow the experience far exceeded anything we had in mind. Your role in that was central and we cannot thank you enough. I will always treasure the memory of my PADI certification with Eben. And we all will struggle in the absence of Katie's great meal preparation. But more generally and more importantly, your collective efforts, style and substance provided a platform for all of us to share a truly memorable week together. All the best to you both, and here's to hoping our paths cross again soon!
shelley and Jason
Katie and Eben,
What an amazing week we have had... largely due to you both. From our "we are the champions" Captains to our award winning, Left, Right, Center, Chef we were spoilt all week. This was a great experience, can't wait to have you come visit us in Oklahoma! cheers to you both.
Dennis and John
Katie and Eben, (mum and dad)
This week has been a dream come true. We didn't really know what to expect, but everything has been perfection. I know we are a lot but you have managed us perfectly. The food, drinks and general hospitality are better than I could have possibly imagined. Thank you for hosting a trip that we will remember fondly always. We hope to see you again soon.
Love Jacqulyn
WOW- what a fantastic week this has been! Thank you for the wonderful hospitality, food, service and patients. You are true professionals and we are grateful to be on your boat.
Good bless you and your life together.
sincerely
Tim
December 2023 BVI Charter
Dear Eben and Katie
Thank you for the most amazing trip. From laid back boat days to Soggy Dollar, we loved it ALL. We especially appreciate getting Jack scuba certified, teaching us a new card game( we will be playing all the time), and introducing us to duck! (we loved it!) Also, the amazing food! Thank you so much for showing us the beautiful BVIs and convincing Henry to take a Tequila shot!!! Can't wait for our next trip with y'all!
cheers
Maggie, Ann, John, Henry, Ellen, Jack
Christmas 2023 BVI Charter
Dear Eben and Katie,
Thank you for the best week ever! hanging out with you guys was extremely fun.Katie, it was great to have another girl around, with all the boys.
Merry christmas and a happy new year.
Caroline
Dear Eben and katie,
Thank you for an awesome week. Good company, food, music and sights are always a great recipe for a great vacation. hoping the rest of your season is as great as this trip.
Alex
Dear Eben and Katie,
Thank you so much for an amazing time! I loved every minute of the trip, from the knockout food to all the dives and other activities. This has been and unforgettable christmas, I wouldn't have rather spent it anyother way.
Thanks again
Nic
To the incredible team that made a memorable vacation absolutely magical. Katie and Eben you were such lovely host and made us feel right at home on Bluewinds- one castle on the sea. The sailing, snorkeling, diving and playing exceeded out expectations, AND THE FOOD- Katie you are extraordinary in such a small kitchen. WOW!
Thank you for showing us all what sailing it the BVI should be. The bar is now set very high and I almost pity the next crew faced to sail with our family.
We wish you all the best on your adventures together and we hope you will both keep in touch and visit if you land in Texas.
thanks
Leiliani
November 2023 BVI Charter
Thank you so very much a wonderful experience, wonderful food and sailing. we wish you all the best.
Dan and Andrea
March 2023 BVI Charter
My family and I enjoyed a fantastic charter in the BVIs a few years back on the same boat which we believed could never be topped. We were wrong. Our family experience on BlueWinds went well above and beyond anything we could have hoped for. Not only was the refit on the boat incredibly well done and the food incredible - but it was Josh and Bean that made all the difference. They became part of the family as they introduced us to new places, set up rope swings for the kids, taught us how to play Kill the Captain, and even taught our girls how to play ukulele. We could not have been more happy with the week and are so much looking forward to the next time!
Thanks,
Danny
March 2022 USVI Charter
Dear Captain Paul and Ashley,
Wayne and I want to thank you for a wonderful adventure / vacation. It was absolutely amazing! The memories we have will last a lifetime.
Captain Paul, all the places you took us starting with the first night in Red Hook to the last night at Lavango everything were amazing. The hike up to Rams Head and jumping off the front of the boat were two of my highlights. Wayne thought snorkeling through the coral reefs was his favorite. Everything we did was fun and memorable.
Ashley, all I can say is ... WOW! Every meal you prepared was wonderful. The flavors and presentation were five-star worthy. Trying all your delicious seafood dishes was a real treat for me. Now to find a chef as talented as you – you have a real gift.
We hope to be able to sail with each of you again. Hopefully BVI will open back up and we can have another wonderful adventure on Playtime or whatever may be your next boat. Keep us aware of any new developments.
Wayne and Lynn
March 2022 USVI Charter
Captain, Our Captain... our Captain Paul, the best! Thank you for sharing your love of the seas, for creating a "Playtime" world that values caring for others, sharing the islands, and bringing out the best in others along the way. Cannot understate the "Ashley" connection, subtly creating wonderful constructed meals, deliciously served with grace and pride to match. A delightful spirit that weaves your own magic knitted into Paul's expertise perfectly. May the friendship we have started carry on for years to come.
Thanks again
-Diana
March 2022 USVI Charter
Paul and Ashley,
Thank you for a wonderful week! The snorkeling, walk up Rams Head, and the sporty sail from St Croix were great experiences. Gene and I love sailing the USVI and BVI and look forward to being back.
Love Cathy and Gene
Pashley,
Thank you two for a trip of a lifetime. From the day we arrived to our last meal it was magical. The food, the snorkels, the sunsets, the "Paul" moments were very special. Our best to you in your future endeavors.
-M&M
NYE 2021 USVI Charter
Captain Paul and Chef Ashley,
An amazing trip had by all-from private beach walks, to scuba trips in the most amazing places, to sailing, and the most fabulous food, drinks, and service. This trip was once in a lifetime!
Our crew was more than awesome and became family! We cannot possibly thank you enough for sharing this boat and this week with us. Here's to the most perfect start to a new year! We will be sailing with you again.
All our love
the Lewis Family
November 2021 USVI Charter
We had a wonderful time on the charter. After postponing our trip for a year and a half, we were over-due for a real vacation with the family. The boat was spectacular and Paul & Ashley were great. Playtime was comfortable, especially the brand new cushions throughout the boat. It’s apparent that the owner and Paul pay attention to every single detail in order to ensure smooth sailing and luxurious comfort for all the guests. Captain Paul was AMAZING! We had many different excursions and things we wanted to do. Paul was attentive and made sure that both adults and kids each had individual experiences as well as a great family experience. For example, our oldest son wanted to scuba, our youngest son wanted underwater photography, my husband wanted a secluded beach and I just wanted lots of painkillers and sunshine! Paul delivered and then some. He was gracious and constantly asked for feedback in order to ensure a relaxing charter. Paul suggested that we venture on a four hour sail from St. John over to St. Croix and we were not disappointed. Paul knows the islands and where to go to truly live and breathe ‘island time’ away from the tourists, even allowing us all to share in the experience of seeing baby turtles (5 days old) and an octopus. Ashley was wonderful as well. She effortlessly juggled meals that consisted of various requests and she always left us in awe. Her culinary expertise and her excitement for sailing and traveling was out of this world. I do need to circle back with her and get her recipe for turkey meatballs!! We are already thinking about our next charter in 2023 and we hope to be able to reconnect with Paul when that time comes. My youngest son is anxiously awaiting Paul’s response to connect over Skype this week to finish editing the underwater photos that they took (and Paul was trusting enough to let my son use his underwater camera). I am so thankful to Paul for giving this gift to my son. Paul is a true teacher and his passion for sailing, Playtime and connecting with nature left all of us wanting more.
Thank you again,
April 16, 2019 Tyler and Kelsey fulfilled all our expectations, they were friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable and most of all, created just the right atmosphere for a wonderful vacation.
In one word, our experience was fabulous. Tyler and Kelsey fulfilled all our expectations, they were friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable and most of all, created just the right atmosphere for a wonderful vacation.
Playtime was in tip top shape, clean and spacious, just the right size for three couples. If you remember, I was contemplating asking another couple to join us but you hinted that it would be best for three couples, and I am glad you did.
The food was great, thanks to Tyler and Kelsey exceptional culinary skills. Every meal was tasteful, beautifully presented, and just the right amount.
As far as the itinerary, we told Tyler and Kelsey what we were interested in (mostly snorkeling, diving, sailing and just relaxing) and they guided us to right spots.
All of us felt that we will have to get back.
Sincerely,
Isam
June 8, 2018 "This was a Double Thumbs Up experience. 5 Stars!"
My week on Playtime exceeded any expectations I had. The crew were professional, friendly, extremely helpful and pleasant to be around. The cooking was A+. Any special dietary needs were worked with care and consideration. We had vegetarian and non-vegetarian and some gluten free eating . The boat comfortably slept 9 men and the crew! Sailing was a joy. The crew were also well experienced in the islands and were able to lead us to exquisite diving and snorkel spots. They were also superb diving instructors for first time divers like myself. On day four of our trip some of us swam out to a mother and baby dolphin that were passing by. The dolphins swam near us and circled around us for about 15 minutes. It was a definite highlight. The crew also had rapport with customs which made dealing with passports much easier and more efficient. It was an amazing week! My friends and I were taken great of by an experienced, kind, fun, and thoughtful crew! This was a Double Thumbs Up experience. 5 Stars!
May 21, 2018 "Each day was checking out a new beautiful and quaint island. Each meal was incredible, not just decent."
Once we left harbor I realized the next 6 days would be a postcard in every direction. I like to be active and between scuba diving, wake-boarding, stand up paddle boarding, and kayaking I had plenty to do. Each day was checking out a new beautiful and quaint island. Each meal was incredible, not just decent. It was a great bonus to have WiFi and be able to FaceTime with my wife and kids. A week that sadly flew by...
May 18, 2018 "The crew (Kelsey and Tyler) seemed to anticipate and meet every need I could have, and the food kept getting more and more scrumptious as the trip continued!"
“The cabins and decks on Playtime were surprisingly spacious, and the amenities were topnotch. I loved having the hand showers on the swim steps to wash the salt off. Having the two stand-up paddleboards, kayak and Zodiac gave a lot of different avenues for fun. The crew (Kelsey and Tyler) seemed to anticipate and meet every need I could have, and the food kept getting more and more scrumptious as the trip continued! And it is an indescribably impressive feeling to watch the huge sails get hoisted up, and then feel the gentle power of the wind grab hold of them and power the boat through the water, while you sit on the captain’s deck with your drink feeling the wind and taking in the islands. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!”
Thanks for your help
March 15, 2018 "Every day something special and delicious."
Tyler and Kelsey,
On behalf of us all I would like to thank you both for the wonderful vacation experience. While we were last minute guests you made us feel special, especially the grandkids. G & T flowing like the Nile was wonderful but I have to admit the rum shots weren't too shabby. You both earned your camp counselor gold stars for dealing with Jonah and Amelia and me. Watching Jonah think he was steering while the boat was on autopilot was hilarious. Message in a bottle was another touching moment. Culinary skills also gets an A+. The food was amazing. Every day something special and delicious. Popcorn throwing can become another evening game. FIshing hats out of the ocean can be a day game.
While the surf was a little rough at the beach we discovered a new olympic sport--tushy surfing. And the ladies got exfoliations courtesy of blowing sand.
Tubing was a pain in my arms but otherwise fun. I know the grandkids loved it by their screams.
Snorkeling was fun for all once the grandkids figured it out and got off Deborah and Josh's backs.
Diving good for Josh since he got certified and had some better underwater scenes. The wind churned up the water a little but that's mother nature for you. At least I got under and didn't get lost. Following Alan's day glow yellow fins helped.
Thanks again.
March 1, 2018 "They did their utmost to make the trip memorable and succeeded"
The trip was amazing. We all had boat loads-ha ha- of fun. The grandkids loved Tyler and Kelsey as did we all.. They did their utmost to make the trip memorable and succeeded. The boat was amazing. We can't thank you enough for your last minute pull the catamaran out of the hat trick. Josh managed to get dive certified. Alan did his diving. Liz and I did a recreational dive. Honestly, the diving was not spectacular because of the wind. The water was very cloudy, but we did our best to find fish and other interesting fishy stuff. They took us to places we remembered from our past trips and some we had not been to. It was a little tricky for them to plan Josh and Alan's dive time and have the rest of us be doing things as well. Going from Island to Island was very bumpy with high waves and wind. A couple of days were more clouds than sun and some rain. All in all it was wonderful. The crew, the boat, the food- everything. Evenings after the kids went to bed when we weren't too tired ourselves, were chock full of games and drinks. Taboo, Pass the pigs, and a dice game Tyler taught us brought on the laughs. Watching Jonah think he was steering the boat when it was on autopilot was hilarious. They had the grandkids write notes and put them in wine bottles and throw them overboard. We have videos and pictures to document our Island jaunts, including conch blowing with "The Pirate".
All of our thanks,
The Jordan and Goldin Crew
January 22, 2018 "Thank you so much for the "Bucket List" trip. We will be doing this again!"
We just returned from a 7 day cruise. If i could give more than 5 stars to the crew, food, boat and the experience in general, I would. With the hurricane recovery, we were hesitant to take the trip we booked in August. I had even considered cancelling. Boy was I wrong. There are definite signs of hurricane damage, but the beauty of the water and islands is still breathtaking. I took my 80 year old Mom, my 2 adult children and a husband that swore he would never get on a cruise ship. We all could not stop talking about how wonderful and perfect the trip was! Kelsey and Tyler were so great and became like part of the family!
Thank you so much for the "Bucket List" trip. We will be doing this again!
January 14, 2017 "Our best vacation ever, by far"
The boat was wonderful and very comfortable. Kelsey and Tyler could
not have been better. About 91 on a scale of 1-10. They were very
competent handling the boat. The meals were great, well presented and
more than enough.
The diving was great. They are great instructors. The itinerary was
perfect. Our best vacation ever, by far.
Monty B.
