C A P T A I N | Paul Jordan
C H E F | Nathalia Ballester
S T E W | Daniela Trevisol
Meet your resident crew on C’est La Vie!
Paul’s upbringing in South Africa, near Kruger National Park, instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature, fostering a passion for scuba diving that ultimately led him to depart from his office job and explore the world beneath the waves. With extensive experience as a dive instructor, boasting over 3000 dives, he has honed his skills in remarkable locations such as Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, and Mozambique. His journey brought him to the British Virgin Islands (BVI), where he was captivated by the beauty of the Caribbean. Following an invitation from a friend, he embarked on sailing trip, viewing it as the next chapter in his adventure. Returning to South Africa to obtain his RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certification, he later returned to the BVI to assist a friend who had suffered losses from Hurricane Irma. Since attaining his captain’s license, Paul has navigated the waters of Belize, Antigua, the Bahamas, BVI, and Thailand. Known
for his adept leadership and commitment to ensuring memorable experiences, he approaches each day with meticulous planning. During his leisure time, Paul indulges in free diving, surfing, and exploring new destinations.
Dani was born and raised in a small coastal town in the South of Brazil. Her family’s heritage is a rich blend of cultures, with her great-grandparents immigrating from Europe to escape the war. The culinary traditions she learned from both sides of her family, rooted in Spain, Portugal and Italy, still influence her cooking today. After graduating in Business Administration in Brazil, Dani spent a year in Australia to develop her English skills and pursue further studies in her field. Upon returning to Brazil to commence her professional career, her time abroad had instilled in her a desire for a more fulfilling path than the confines of an office job. Following an invitation from Paul, she ventured to Belize where they began working together. Discovering a passion for cooking and feeling at home in the kitchen, Dani’s culinary skills blossomed. Seeking to refine her abilities, she recently attended Ashburton Cookery School. Dani delights in infusing her Brazilian heritage into her dishes while incorporating elements of Caribbean cuisine, utilizing local and fresh ingredients to elevate flavors and aromas. In her leisure time, she indulges in playing padel, reading, hiking, snorkeling, and practicing yoga.
Paul and Dani first crossed paths in Thailand back in 2012. Their connection endured over the years, and in 2018, Paul visited Dani in Brazil invited her to join him. Since then, they have worked in various locations, including Belize, Antigua, the Bahamas,
Thailand, and the BVI. As a team, they love being able to entertain, share stories and meet new people to learn theirs.
Nathalia Ballester brings over 13 years of dedicated experience aboard cruise ships, where her journey has taken her through various departments including restaurants, bars, and shops. Her extensive travels has allowed her to explore the world, yet her heart belongs to the ocean, making it her favorite place to be. From a young age, Nathalia immersed herself in an active lifestyle, deeply rooted in surfing, skating, and various sports. This background has not only shaped her physically but also instilled a passion for adventure and a love for outdoor activities.
Nathalia is a dynamic individual whose energy, people skills, and love for the sea define her professional journey on board, promising an unforgettable experience for all who cross her path.