Hi — We’re Mario & Gi!
Our story began in Pretoria, South Africa, in a hospitality school classroom. As part of an icebreaker, everyone was asked to toss their shoes into a pile and pick one at random to find their partner. By chance — or maybe fate — I (Gi) pulled out Mario’s shoe, and we’ve been a team ever since.
Mario was born and raised in South Africa and has always been a people person with a knack for problem-solving. After studying hospitality management, he trained across luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and even South Africa’s iconic Blue Train. His love for the ocean eventually drew him to yachting, where he earned his Yachtmaster certification and discovered his passion for life at sea. Calm, capable, and endlessly resourceful, Mario keeps Mucho Gusto running seamlessly — whether he’s at the helm, behind the bar crafting his signature “cocktail of the day,” or fixing something before anyone else even knows it’s broken. He’s also a certified Dive Master, trained electrician, barista, and mixologist — and when he’s not on the water, you’ll usually find him restoring classic cars.
I (Gi) grew up in Mozambique, surrounded by tropical beaches, fresh seafood, and the Portuguese-inspired flavours that have shaped my cooking. By sixteen, I was already guiding safari guests and sharing my love of nature and wildlife — hospitality came naturally. I went on to earn a three-year diploma in Professional Cookery, specializing in dietary requirements and personalized menus. Food, for me, is about joy and connection, and I love creating dishes that make people feel both nourished and delighted. Guests often tell me it’s my laugh that fills the boat as much as the aroma from the galley — and that’s the best compliment I could ask for.
Together, we’re passionate about creating charters that feel effortless and personal — where guests can completely relax knowing every detail is taken care of. Whether it’s Mario mixing sundowners on the flybridge, me serving up something fresh from the galley, or the two of us sharing stories over sunset, we love making every trip aboard Mucho Gusto one to remember.
