Borned and Raised on Sint-Maarten Island, Stephen grew up with the idea to become a chef and a restaurant’s owner from a very young age, like his father, who owned a restaurant for several years on the island.
At 15 years old, he left his island to study in the hospitality industry for 5 years. He worked in particular in a 1-Michelin Star restaurant and a 5-Star Relais & Châteaux in Corsica, “Le Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa”.
In 2017, after Hurricane Irma, Stephen went back to Sint-Maarten, first to fix everything which was broken, and then to fix and open a restaurant with his brother. Exactly, one year after Hurricane Irma, “Be Kool” opened on September 6th, 2018, a French kitchen where people never know what’s going to be on the menu because it features the freshest ingredients of the day.
After four years, Stephen chose to sell his ownership of the restaurant to follow his passion for fitness. He obtained his diploma in personal coaching to teach people the importance of taking care of their health, nutrition, and themselves.
Stephen now joins the Avanti crew, bringing with him years of experience as a professional chef, from working in Michelin-starred kitchens to leading his own restaurant. Onboard Avanti, he transforms that expertise into an unforgettable culinary experience, crafting meals to your personal tastes while introducing you to the vibrant local flavors of the Caribbean. Passionate about food, wellness, and adventure, Stephen looks forward to sharing his creativity and enthusiasm with every guest who steps aboard.

Originally from South Africa with Mozambican roots, Marisa brings a fantastic mix of adventure, professionalism, and positive energy to life onboard. With experience aboard both private and charter yachts ranging from 20m to 50m, she has cruised extensively through destinations including Alaska, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, the Bahamas, New England, and Florida, building a strong background in deck operations, guest service, fishing, and watersports.
A certified Divemaster and experienced deck professional, Marisa is right at home both above and below the water. Whether she’s leading snorkeling adventures, assisting with fishing excursions, setting up water toys, or helping guests try something new like e-foiling, she loves creating fun, memorable experiences on the water. Her passion for diving, surfing, fishing, and photography makes her a natural fit for active, adventure-loving guests.
Known for her upbeat personality, strong work ethic, and proactive attitude, Marisa is always ready to jump in wherever needed to ensure guests have an incredible time onboard. Her calm confidence, team spirit, and genuine enthusiasm for life at sea make her a wonderful addition to the crew.