Valef Yachts: Defining Benchmarks in Luxury Yacht Chartering
Kassandra and Alexandra Lefakinis are co-owners and managing partners in the second generation of Valef Yachts – a family business that pioneered luxury and mega yacht charters in Greece when it was founded in 1969. The women now define the new benchmarks in luxury yacht chartering.
The American-Greek sisters carefully select from a portfolio built of the most extensive and exclusive fleet of yachts and classic boats with history, including the Puritan sailing yacht built in 1930 and carefully restored to its original grandeur, designed to exceed their clients’ expectations for a luxury yacht charter in Greece and the Mediterranean.
Valef Yachts represents a commitment to creating full-crew private yachting experiences that fully cater to the needs of each guest onboard and for onshore excursions.
Today’s discerning clientele, however, is not looking for an isolated travel experience in a disconnected sanctuary. The conscious traveller embarks on a holistic experience that includes not only extensive wellness and health offerings but also cultural immersion.
“The benchmarks of luxury yacht chartering are re-defined,” says Alexandra Lefakinis. “We are not operating in tourism; we operate ‘boutique‘ for thoughtful travellers,” she adds.
Authentic Experiences
“We create unique experiences based on the best Greece has to offer,” says Kassandra, explaining the process by which her guests are seamlessly immersed in the country and culture.
Since the foundation of Valef Yachts by their father Vassilios “Bill” Lefakinis, the intrinsic desire of the family business has been to promote the uniqueness of Greece, not only in terms of nature with each and every Aegean island to choose from but also in terms of the unique traditions including the world-famous Greek hospitality.
“We operate for our clients and for our country,” Alexandra adds. “We source local foods such as wines and cheese for our guests to try, and introduce them to traditions that are deeply rooted in the Greek heritage,” she adds.
Guests of today aim to embark on a local authentic experience as opposed to the former international luxury standard moulded decades ago. “This standard became too uniform and rather sterile, leaving out the options to truly connect to your surroundings,” Kassandra says.