Renée, I still remember her very well as a VJ at TMF (I always watched TMF), then she presented for SBS6 and published a book ‘Liefdesles’ about her marriage to a con artist. In the meantime, she has a really nice new love, Guy, with whom she tied the knot last month. From Ibiza, where she is currently on vacation with her family, she shares her favorite spots with us.

You got married on May 31 in Ibiza. Why there? What do you have with Ibiza?

“Yes, nice right? It was very special and beautiful. Spending three days with thirty-five friends and family members in a place where both Guy and I are very happy.
Somehow, I lost my heart to the island twelve years ago, and whenever I arrive at the airport in Ibiza, it feels like coming home. Guy feels the same.”

Did you also sleep in a super deluxe hotel?

“We rented a fantastic place in the middle of nowhere where we stayed with everyone. I wouldn't call it super deluxe, but it was very comfortable.”

And now, are you still in dreamland or has ‘normal life’ already begun?

“Very soon after the wedding, it was ‘back to reality’, because Guy is busy with the second location of 3SIXTY5 Personal Training. This branch will open at the end of August in Newport Huizen (Het Gooi), so there was work to be done.
But, as we speak, we are back in Ibiza with the whole family and au pair, so Guy and I are finally getting to reminisce about THE day. We also visit the place of the vows again and can really be together for a moment.”

Where do you get time, peace and inspiration?

“Meditation is worth its weight in gold for me. But I also love to exercise.
I draw inspiration from everything. My family and relatives. Interesting images, beautiful music, words that touch me, girlfriends. Man oh man, they mean the world to me. But also social media. I can lose track of time on, for example, Pinterest.”

Where do you prefer to sit in the sun?

“I’m signing for an apartment in Ibiza. Because the sun there always tastes like more.
But in the Netherlands, my parents have a holiday home in Loosdrecht. There’s a small boat, they have a swimming pool, it’s quiet, and you can hear the birds chirping. So when the sun shows itself a little, we are often found there.”

With a man as a personal trainer, you must be sweating a few times in the gym, right? What is your favorite workout? How do you stay in shape?

“Ha, yes that's true, but I really believe in ‘everything in moderation’. I am certainly not a sports freak, and although we eat very healthily, I also love to have a glass of wine or a piece of chocolate every now and then.
I enjoy a workout when I can think of nothing else for an hour than the exercises I need to do. Even though I’m sometimes tired, our baby Monroe keeps us awake, a workout always has a positive effect on me.”

There must be a city that always delivers when it comes to relaxation and getting new ideas. Which one is that and where do you hang out? 

“Paris has it all. Hotel Costes is the place where we love to sleep, eat, and have a drink in the evening. You can’t take your eyes off it and you won’t be bored for a minute. But my dream is to live in LA for a (few) years. Maybe someday.’

Is there a Renée look?

“Yes, and it’s quite casual and a bit boho. If everything fits in an outfit, I wouldn’t feel comfortable in it. It needs to have a little fray, somewhat edge.”

Where do you prefer to shop?

“I scour everything online. I also receive an outrageous amount of newsletters that constantly pull me to sites like netaporter or mytheresa. Dangerous, you know.
Friends of ours have the lovely brand Circle of Trust, with very affordable and super fun fashionable items. Every season I find a few pieces there that you can combine endlessly.”

Which restaurant do you go to if you want to be sure of good food?

“In Amsterdam, I have been a fan of Rakang for years, a Thai restaurant on Elandsgracht. Not necessarily happening, but very authentic and really good food.
In Rotterdam, there is a restaurant by Herman den Blijker, Las Palmas. Everything seems to be perfect there. We love the atmosphere, the food is top-notch, and the service is pleasantly present. Combine that with an overnight stay at Hotel New York across the street, and you have a great weekend.”

What’s in your glass this summer?

“Fresh coconut water or spa red with fresh ginger and lemon during the day, and in the evening white wine, rosé, or… (Veuve) champagne.’

What is typically you?

“Open-minded, messy, outgoing, enthusiastic, positive, and (unfortunately) quick-tempered.”

What should more people do?

“Being grateful for what they do have, instead of being dissatisfied with what they (still) don’t have. Gratitude brings a lot of positivity!”