Stephanie Fiz

Hi Stephanie! So nice to chat with you. Can you tell us about yourself?

– I’m 33 and living my best life in a little farm-house (Casa Abuela) on Mallorca, loving everything about the island vibe. I’m a bit of a weirdo, and honestly, I’m totally okay with that (shoutout to my happy alien tattoo for keeping it real). I’m all about honesty and wearing your truth on your sleeve: no masks, no hiding feelings, and definitely no covering up flaws. Let’s face it: we’re all way cooler when we embrace our quirks and differences.

I’m a travel designer, always on the lookout for beauty, unique experiences, and new ways to think outside the box. I’m also a wife, in a relationship where loyalty is the foundation. My husband and I are opposites in so many ways, but somehow, our extremes balance each other perfectly, both in life and in business. And then, there’s the “wolf pack.” I’m not just a dog owner; I’m a German Shepherd owner. Let’s be clear: that’s a whole vibe on its own. Our “wolves” are more than pets. They’re a core part of our lifestyle and identity.

Honestly, that sounds like you’re living your best life. How did you end up in Mallorca, and how do you spend your days there?

– Well, it’s a bit of a long story, so buckle up! I’ve been living in many different places, but Mallorca? It just clicked. My husband, Federico, is Spanish (from the South, so don’t blame Mallorca for his charm), and when I fell for him while he was living in the Netherlands, it was only a matter of time before we packed up for somewhere sunnier.

Our first trip to Mallorca was a big turning point for me. At the time, my life was… let’s say, chaotic. I survived on one meal a day, too much pressure, and a drink to fall asleep at night. Federico was training for the Ironman (yes, he’s that cool), and while he was busy being a superhero, I got my first taste of peace and freedom in years. It was like the island whispered, “Hey, this is what you need.” It changed everything. After this trip I reached out to this brave girl, Morgane Vercruysse (now one of my closest friends), on Instagram, she spoke openly about her own struggles, and it gave me the courage to face mine. Next thing you know, I’m in South Africa, doing rehab (let’s call it what it is) and peeling off all the layers of shame I’d carried around forever.

Fast forward a bit, and Federico and I started our new life together (still in the Netherlands). Then came Covid, with a lot of travel-restrictions and boom, we were back in Mallorca on a carefully organised trip – an empty island that felt like it was all for us. Federico proposed in a cave (don’t ask me why – it was dark, damp, and honestly not my thing, but I still said yes). We got married here, and not long after, we decided to move. People say the island calls you, and I really believe that.

Mallorca is surely calling me. Tell us about your travel agency!

– It’s our baby! It’s about creating experiences that you can’t just find on Google. My husband and I run a boutique travel agency called The Sybarite Flamingo. It’s more than just a business, it’s our passion. We don’t just book trips; we create experiences. It is built on sharing the beauty of the world.

We love finding those hidden gems: boutique hotels in the middle of nowhere. The places with an attitude. We dive into all the details when we scout – like, who’s the florist? Why are the flowers placed this way? What’s the story behind the art? We’ll sit down with the chef and find out why they love what they do, how they ended up in the place. We’ll speak with designers, owners, bellboys and the cleaning staff. It’s about finding the soul of a place and sharing that with our clients.

We create adventures for others while continuing to explore the world ourselves. We bring people together through company incentives, elevating team building to the next level, and organize private, tailor-made journeys that embody the essence of togetherness or pure solitude. On top of that, being based on Mallorca is a great asset to welcome more people here and show our hidden gems to visitors (of course in the right way – and very selective). Our business has grown into a true success story, where my creative vision perfectly complements my husband’s business intuition. We grow organically and steadily, and the trust our clients place in us makes growing our business even more meaningful. From prestigious law firms to busy private clients – they are the core of our company.

What motivates and inspires you in life?

– Creativity is what drives me, it’s my fuel. Mallorca, where we live, is a constant source of inspiration. This island has it all: mountains, the sea, quiet countryside, a vibrant city scene, and sunshine almost every day. One day, I’m hiking up a mountain; the next, I’m at an art exhibit or, honestly, swimming naked in the winter sun. The balance of freedom, beauty, and creativity here keeps me grounded while also pushing me to dream bigger.

Art plays a big role in my life, even though I wouldn’t call myself an expert. I surround myself with beauty, whether it’s through art, fashion, or the unique boutique hotels I work with. I’ve been lucky to have amongst my friends artists, designers and gallery owners, being around them is like getting a masterclass in creativity every day. Some of my favorite galleries are Black Gallery in Antwerp, Galeria Fermay in Mallorca, and Marc Biblioni in Madrid. I also love museums. The Thyssen Museum in Madrid is a personal favorite, it’s a bit of an underdog compared to the Prado, but I love how it shows the evolution from ancient to modern art. Through my work, I also meet inspiring people in the world of hospitality who have a passion for art. People like Gertrud Schneider (Kristiania Lech) and Liz Biden (The Royal Portfolio) amaze me with their eclectic style and immense knowledge of art. They’ve shown me how creativity can shape not only spaces but also lives. In the end, it’s this mix of people, places, and experiences that keeps me motivated. Surrounding myself with inspiration in all its forms pushes me to keep creating and dreaming.

What is on your mind right now?

– I’m not sure if you even want to know, but my mind? It’s chaos. A very busy place. Right now, I’d say there are about five cabinets open with files scattered all over some library and I’m hanging on a ladder, very Beauty and the Beast style. (because, yes, that’s exactly how my imagination works). At this moment, I’m juggling thoughts about what we’re eating tonight (and plotting how to convince my husband that sushi takeout is an excellent idea). At the same time, I’m brainstorming ways to get in touch with an artist one of my clients wants to book for their wedding, digging through my network and wondering who might have mutual friends. Oh, and let’s not forget the ongoing debate with myself about skipping tonight’s workout. Spoiler: I’m pretty close to winning that one.

Haha! Tell us about something that changed your life.

– Letting go of shame. For years, I carried this heavy feeling of self-hate and addiction. Overcoming that and learning to deal with it every day has been a huge milestone. My eating disorder still tries to sneak back in during tough times, but now, with Federico, I’ve found ways to manage and keep balance. Am I still a bit weird and different? Yes, absolutely. But now I’m a happy alien, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

A happy alien sounds wonderful. How do you dress to feel good about yourself and what is style to you?

– Good question. I’d say I’m pretty relaxed when it comes to my style, definitely colorful: feathers, different fabrics, patterns and my trademark: necklaces – stack after stack, almost all with a special meaning. I don’t really follow any rules; I just throw things together in a way that makes sense in my head. Somehow, over time, that turned into “a style.” People often tell me, “This works on you, but only on you.” I think it’s because I’ve been rocking this messy look for so long that people got used to it. For me, style is all about seeing someone who’s 100% themselves without even trying. You can spot it immediately: the same outfit on two people, and one looks effortless while the other looks uncomfortable. It’s all about feeling at ease in what you’re wearing. Whether that’s jeans and a white T-shirt or 37 layers topped with a bow and a cowboyhat, it’ll look amazing if you feel amazing. It has to be natural.

Same with makeup, I like a natural vibe. I don’t wear makeup myself, except maybe mascara when I’m feeling wild (why: because 1. I’m lazy, and 2. I have no clue how to apply it and make it look natural). But I love when people can use makeup to highlight their beauty. I’m lucky to count many talented designers and showroom owners among my friends and clients, from jewelry designers like DELOPEZ, Atelier Palmier, and GretaO, to shoes like CaraRosa and clothing brands like Annick Van de Weghe and Blandat. Knowing the people behind these brands makes it extra special to style their creations because it adds so much more to the experience.

To me, style grows with you over time. There’s nothing cooler than seeing older people with a bold, unique style that’s clearly evolved over decades. You can tell they’ve been layering on that confidence for years, and it’s just so inspiring. (My insta-inspiration: @ladiesofmadisonave)

You’re inviting friends over for dinner. What’s on the menu?

– Okay, don’t judge me, but it’s spaghetti night—Bolognese and Arrabiata (for the veggie crew). If I’m feeling extra ambitious, I’ll throw in my special carbonara. Italians have even approved it, so it’s legit. For dessert, it’s orange cake made from our garden oranges. Preparations? Not much. A long table outside, a few lemons and oranges as decoration, and my oversized jackets ready for everyone to borrow when it gets cold. (the best ones are from my Antwerp friend Annick Van De Weghe — she literally made one out of a sleeping bag, another one out of a horse-blanket, (can it be more comfy?!). We’ll sit under the stars, laugh too loud, and keep things super chill. No fancy stuff. Honestly I can’t really cook anything else, my husband is the cook in our home.

Describe love.

– Love is such a beautifully complex thing, and there are so many forms of it. I love love, I love hard. Self-love comes first. For a long time, I had a tough relationship with myself, it felt like I was hiding behind a mask. But one day, I decided to take it off and face the girl underneath. That was, without a doubt, the best decision I’ve ever made. Sure, there are still days when the mirror isn’t exactly kind, but those moments pass. And the next day? I might just feel like Doutzen Kroes!

There’s the love between siblings. My sister is my best friend, my partner in crime, and sometimes in the past my fiercest rival. Growing up, we loved hard, fought hard, and then loved even harder. It’s the kind of bond that gets stronger with every argument and every laugh. She’s my blood, my person. No matter where life takes us, she’ll always be the one I’d fight for, the one I’d protect without hesitation. A sister’s love is forever, it’s deep and absolutely unbreakable.

Then there’s the love for parents, which, let’s be honest, can be complicated. I wasn’t exactly an easy child. I was stubborn, restless, always searching for something bigger. But no matter how difficult I was, my parents were always there. They’ve moved mountains for me – or, in their case, houses (many houses, since I’ve been quite the wanderer). They’ve cried for me, laughed with me, and supported me through every high and low. Their love is the foundation I stand on, even when I didn’t realize it at the time.

And then there’s the love of friends: the family you choose for yourself. My friends, both in Belgium and here on the island, are the ones who walk alongside me through life. They’re the ones who keep you grounded, who tell you the truth when no one else will. They’re the ones who might sometimes be out of sight but never out of heart.

Finally, there’s the love of my life: Federico. He’s my soulmate, my rock, my safe place. What makes him so special is this balance he has – he’s incredibly strong but also so gentle and soft. He knows me, truly knows me, in a way that no one else ever has. He’s taken me, flaws and all, and he stands by me fiercely. He fights for me when I need it most, even when I can’t fight for myself. With Federico, I feel seen, supported, and deeply loved.

Love, in all its forms, is not perfect: it’s raw, messy, and sometimes challenging, but I believe it’s also the most beautiful thing in life.

A few short ones!

YOUR SOUL IS …
… wild and perfectly imperfect.

IN YOUR EARLIER LIFE  …
… I think I was a jungle animal, or a wolf, something dog’ish, something untamed.

YOU WANT TO …
… Leave a mark in the world, working away taboos.

YOUR LIFE PHILOSOPHY …
… Okay is enough. It doesn’t have to be spectacular every day. (I even have a little tattoo reminding me of this)

YOUR HAPPY PLACE IS …
… Anywhere with my two dogs and Federico.

WHEN YOU’RE OLD …
… I want people to lovingly call me “a menace.”

YOU LISTEN TO …
… Right now, Noah Guthrie’s cover of Sexy and I Know It is on repeat. It gives me such a vibe.

YOU READ …
… Fantasy novels and romance. Werewolves and Vampires are my guilty pleasure. (I know – weird)

YOU WATCH …
… Rom-coms. The dumber, the better. And believe me, I’ll still cry.

Thank you Stephanie!