Being Dutch in Marbella
The Dutch are among the most notable expats living on the Costa del Sol. Through their organisations, businesses and investments they form part of and contribute greatly to the cosmopolitan community that is Marbella.
Words: Michel Cruz
Like many other Northern Europeans, the Dutch first discovered Spain en masse in the 1960s, when affordable jet travel opened up new worlds. By the 1970s they were among the leading sources of tourists in the Mediterranean, punching – as is often the case – above their weight. In previous centuries this trading nation would be present in all the world’s ports; today they are just as well represented in its major tourist destinations.
The Dutch arrived in Marbella via earlier hotspots such as the Costa Brava, finally succumbing to the advantages of air travel in favour of traversing France and Spain by car. This brought destinations such as Marbella and Tenerife to within less than three hours of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, and since the 1990s a lot of Dutch citizens have bought holiday homes here and made it their home.
Since then the link between Marbella and Holland has continued to grow, and the permanent Dutch community has integrated itself into the fabric of the local community. Among them are retirees, tourism professionals, bakers, butchers, property developers, teachers, entrepreneurs and real estate agents – all bringing the particular Dutch brand of know-how, commercial spirit and innovation to the Costa del Sol.
Marijke de Nier, Residencia Estates
Typical of a lot of people who have become long-term residents, Marijke arrived in Marbella more or less by accident, having originally taken an internship with a pool company in Barcelona. “My family is also in the pool business, so it was a familiar environment in an unfamiliar setting.” The connection with the Spanish climate and way of life was easily made, so in 1991, after a year in Barcelona, she followed the company and relocated to Marbella.
“I had no preconceived plans to make Marbella my home but it just happened that way. Once you get used to the lifestyle it’s hard to leave,” says the owner of Residencia Estates, which she founded in 2000 after earning her stripes in property sales. “We grew very fast in the beginning, building primarily on our Dutch clientele, but over the years we have become known as the Elviria specialists, and this expertise is very much our niche now.”
Marijke loves Marbella, the big city pleasures of Málaga and the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside, but Elviria is very much her home. “It’s a sub-market within Marbella that has a very balanced feel in terms of nationalities, product types and price ranges, so most of our clients are Northern Europeans in the mid to higher segments, for the most part educated and interesting people, which makes our job so much more fun.”
The company withstood the recession well in part thanks to the high degree of stability within the Elviria market and now consists of seven members, including a concierge team. “We are dedicated to our work but also know how to have fun.” Marijke enjoys golf, sailing and walking and training her dog, but she and her colleagues also volunteer for the Bancosol food bank twice a year. “I appreciate Marbella’s way of life, its rich light and cosmopolitan spirit, so it’s only natural that you should contribute to the community in return.”
Would she go back to Holland? “I’ve pretty much been here all my adult life, so in some ways I’m as Spanish as I am Dutch.” Typical of the Dutch, she doesn’t enclose herself within an expat community but does maintain a professional and social network that includes organisations such as the Marbella Dutch Business Club. “Marbella is a unique place, though one day I might become retire to a country property with dogs & horses.”