Zomer in de stad

with Renée Vervoorn

She was once one of the well-known faces on music channel TMF, had her own communication agency, and as we speak, she runs the successful company Clean Meals together with her beloved Guy van der Reijden. As if that wasn't enough success, the (perhaps fittest) Dutch couple started a second joint venture: PLTS, a boutique high intensity reformer pilates & barre studio.

 
Renée, one thing is for sure; if anyone is bikini ready, it's you. This summer...

What's in your glass?

‘In the Netherlands, it's likely fresh ginger tea with a slice of a red chili pepper in it (for the extra kick), but as soon as I land in Ibiza (as much as possible this summer), I love to drink sangria and cava on a sun-drenched beach.’

Where do you settle when the mercury rises above twenty?

‘Ibiza. We have our own little spot there, so as soon as we can, we are there. When we are in the Netherlands, I visit my parents with warm/nice weather, who have a little house in Loosdrecht by the water with a boat and a swimming pool. It really is paradise on earth. You hear nothing but chirping birds and silence.’

Your secret favorite spot to absorb extra, EXTRA hours of sun? Yes, we want your secret terrace.

‘Unfortunately, I have too little free time to sit on terraces, I wish. When we are in the Netherlands, I work or am with our kids; sitting on a terrace with the youngest who is four is not a ‘hit’. That's why lounging in Loosdrecht and making cannonballs in the pool is ideal. In Ibiza, I always love to find a relaxed spot later in the day, when the sun loses its intensity, and enjoy some good food and drinks there.’

And what’s on your plate?

‘Most likely something healthy and protein-rich; a white fish or salmon with grilled vegetables and rice or quinoa. But on vacations, I also regularly indulge in something a bit fattier. I love good food and find something delicious in almost every cuisine. You can wake me up for Thai and Italian food.’

Which destination is on your ticket?

‘If I were to get an open ticket to any possible place on earth + a stay there, I would want to go to LA for a week or two this summer vacation. In LA, everything is perfect for us: the weather, the nature, the city, the lifestyle. It is so inspiring for us as healthy lifestyle entrepreneurs. After that, we would fly straight to Ibiza. Our own little spot there is also so incredibly nice.’

The three ingredients you need for the perfect holiday?

‘My family, sun, culture, and good food (sorry, that's four!).’

What book are you reading this summer?

‘During vacations, I devour thrillers. At Schiphol, I grab a number of books that are on a top-10 list and they are gone in no time. Pure relaxation!’

And what’s coming out of your speakers?

‘Ibiza Global Radio. Always. Also in NL.’

Are you the tennis racket type or do your toes not come out of the sand?

‘I also regularly exercise during vacations. I look for a studio of some sort, search online for the nearest pilates studio, and do my husband Guy van der Reijden's hotel workouts (3SIXTY5 Personal Training). If I don't move, I start to feel very unpleasant, but the frequency and duration of my workouts are definitely different than when I'm in the Netherlands. After all, it is vacation…’

Your tip for when there’s a long flight ahead?

‘Sleep. As much as you can. Drink plenty of water. Eat (also) protein-rich and vitamin-rich food that you brought yourself. And the most important thing: keep your eyes on ’the prize’, meaning that once you reach your destination, the ‘pain’ of the flight disappears and the big enjoyment begins.’

How does your ideal summer day go?

‘The alarm does NOT go off. There is no time pressure, no planning. The day is open. We sleep in, lounge a bit, and go somewhere that serves good coffee to have breakfast with our whole family.

Our little dog Teddy gets lots of cuddles and a long walk, my husband Guy and I do some exercise, and the girls (our daughters) have a great time. Only later in the afternoon do we go to a beach where we can swim, sleep, mess around, and enjoy delicious sangria along with a late and hearty lunch. In the evening, we visit a nice little town, wander around, and eat a tasty salad in a lovely square. Sounds pretty perfect to me.’

And what do you immediately grab from the closet to wear when it’s finally warm?

‘A bikini. Finally, I can wear it.‘

Where did you go on vacation as a child (what is your fondest memory of it)?

‘Tuscany. My parents rented a little house there together with a friendly couple with two daughters amidst the Grano Duro. We played all day and put on a show in the evening to Michael Jackson music while large pans of delicious pasta were served at the table by the Italian mama of the complex. Those were the most beautiful and carefree summers. So nice…’

Are you a luxury type or do you go back to basics in a tent and be green by the campfire?

‘Hahaha, being green, nice term, I will remember that. Camping is not really my thing, but it doesn't have to be super luxurious either. I really love authentic locations. A bit bohemian, where you can almost taste the culture and where everyone can feel welcome. Where there is both beautiful nature and something of a city. That's why Ibiza is really wonderful. That island truly offers everything.’

What do you do in the summer that would never occur to you in the winter?

‘Swimming. I'm a cold person, so as soon as it gets colder outside, my bikini goes back in the closet until next year!’

Are you team soft serve or team water ice?

‘Neither. If I eat ice cream, it's Italian ice cream. Stracciatella.’

Your most delightful/funniest/hilarious memory of a holiday romance?

‘Ah, don't get me started…’