After 17 years in London, Georgina Shaw made a life-changing decision to move to Spain, and she couldn’t be happier. At 46, she claims her health has improved dramatically thanks to a much less stressful lifestyle on the Costa del Sol.
Before the big move back in 2008, Georgina was battling the fast-paced, hectic life that London is known for. As she searched for job opportunities in PR, a friend’s suggestion to consider moving abroad led her to submit her resume to a recruitment agency in Spain. Just a few weeks later, she had a job offer to work as a campaigns director for a PR agency in Marbella, and the adventure began.
Making the leap was daunting for sure, but with a little encouragement from her mother, Georgina decided taking the risk was worth it. “How would I feel if I didn’t go?” she recalled her mother asking. That question helped seal the deal.
Once she arrived in sunny Marbella, Georgina quickly realized she made the right choice. The stark difference between the pleasant weather in Málaga and the gray, drizzly climate of the UK was a real eye-opener. “Waking up to a blue sky and sunshine each morning just lifts your spirit!” Georgina exclaimed. She couldn’t help but reminisce about her days in London, trudging through the darkness and rain, feeling miserable.
On her very first morning in Spain, sipping coffee from a friend’s terrace that overlooked the seaside, she thought, “This is the life! I could absolutely get used to this!” She remembers wandering along the beach daily, falling in love with her new home.
Not long after settling down, Georgina met Andy, a British man who would become her husband and the father of their son, Lucas. Together, they established Shaw Marketing Services and relocated from central Marbella to the charming village of Manilva when Lucas was a toddler. They now enjoy life in a beautiful townhouse they’ve modernized, just a short walk from the beach.
By choosing a more relaxed lifestyle immersed in Spanish culture, Georgina wanted Lucas to learn the language and appreciate the community’s traditions. The friendly environment in Manilva contributed to a blossoming family life. “Kids can roam freely in parks and join us in restaurants and bars with no worries,” she said.
Her daily routine now is a far cry from her old life filled with stressful deadlines in London. With ulcerative colitis from the pressure of city living, Georgina finally understood that the frantic pace of her previous life was taking a toll on her health. “Moving to Spain drastically improved my condition,” she added.
She appreciates that life in Spain tends to prioritize happiness over workaholism — a refreshing change from the UK’s push for relentless success.
Embracing this laid-back lifestyle, Georgina now takes pleasure in leisurely morning coffees, school runs, and winding down with her husband and 13-year-old son by 4 PM. Though earning less than she could in the UK, she feels financially secure due to the lower cost of living and theadventurous outdoor options barely on their doorstep.
After purchasing their four-bedroom townhouse for just €120,000 (£104,000), Georgina is thrilled to say it’s now worth over double! They’ve also invested in solar panels, and her last electric bill – covering households needs and charging their car – a mere €30 (£26).
When it comes to grocery shopping, while costs are somewhat similar to the UK, Georgina praises the fantastic quality of foods available. She insists that you can easily snag a good bottle of wine for about €6 (£5).
It’s clear that their finances stretch much further in Spain, especially with affordable dining options, like the popular menu del día that lets you enjoy a simple three-course meal for just €10 to €15 (£8 to £13).
A surprising perk of relocating was Spain’s excellent healthcare, which became particularly abundant when her parents also moved there almost two years ago. Georgina worried about their well-being, but they’ve received outstanding medical care, especially after her mother faced a stroke.
“The attention my mum received during her recovery was beyond anything we could have wished for. It solidified for me why we made the move — to provide them with a quality life in their retirement,” she commented.
With a well-balanced life, close family nearby, and Lucas thriving in school, Georgina feels certain about her decision. “We’re not going back to the UK — we’ve found our forever home here in Spain!”
