How We Did It: Our Journey to Spain
One of the most common questions we get from fellow Americans is, How did you do it? How did we uproot our entire lives, leave everything behind, and move across the world to Spain?
It wasn’t completely a spontaneous leap—it was a carefully orchestrated plan and executed with relentless determination.
Back in early 2020, we had planned a trip to Marbella during spring break. We had spent countless hours researching Spain, searching for the perfect location that met our needs. We were ready for a change—a fresh start outside the U.S. But then, the world shut down.
By mid-March, we were canceling our trip, closing the doors to our business for what would be nearly six months, and navigating a new reality of quarantine, uncertainty, and an increasingly divided America. The social unrest, the political polarization, the overwhelming noise—it all reinforced what we already knew: the future we wanted for our daughter no longer aligned with the path the U.S. was on.
So, during those long months of solitude and reflection, we began to map out our exit strategy.
Making the Move: The Logistics of Leaving It All Behind
Leaving wasn’t as simple as packing a few bags and hopping on a plane. It was an intense, all-consuming process that tested us in every way.
• We had to reopen our business under California’s strict safety guidelines, restructure operations to keep it afloat, optimize expenses, and ultimately prepare it for sale
• We listed our home for sale, sold or donated every item we owned, and moved into a temporary apartment for the final stretch before our big move. Eventually, we sold off our cars just a couple weeks before our departure
• We researched and interviewed international schools for Alyssa, navigating virtual admissions and entrance exams from across the world
• We purchased a home remotely, putting down a deposit on a new-build property in the Benahavís area—sight unseen, except for video tours and architectural renderings. (That experience alone is worth an entirely separate blog post!)
• We hired legal counsel to assist with our visa application. Initially, we pursued the Non-Lucrative Visa but quickly hit bureaucratic roadblocks with the California consulate shut down. Ultimately, we secured the Golden Visa, but not without a long, drawn-out process
• We structured a long-term sale of our business that would allow us to continue overseeing operations remotely
And we did all of this while running the business—just the two of us, Steven and I—operating daily with a skeleton crew of five employees after downsizing from a pre-COVID staff of twenty.
It was not for the faint of heart. But in just one year, we made it happen.
Why Costa del Sol?
With all of Spain’s incredible cities and regions, why did we choose Costa del Sol—specifically Marbella—as our new home?
It came down to several key factors:
1. Great Schools for Alyssa
Education was a top priority. Marbella is known for its abundance of high-quality international schools, offering a diverse curriculum that includes British, American, and IB programs. We wanted an academically rigorous yet globally-minded school that would offer stability and a strong sense of community.
2. An English-Speaking Expat Community
Moving to a foreign country is already a huge transition, but uprooting an 11-year-old and placing her in a completely unfamiliar environment? That required a softer landing.
Marbella has one of the largest expat communities in Spain, with a significant number of English speakers. While we were eager to immerse ourselves in Spanish culture and language, having a community where English was widely spoken helped ease Alyssa’s transition. It allowed her to make friends, feel comfortable, and gradually adapt at her own pace.
3. The Weather – Sunshine Year-Round
As a born-and-raised California girl, I thrive on sunshine. I couldn’t imagine moving to a place with long, grey winters, and Costa del Sol’s Mediterranean climate checked all the right boxes.
With over 320 days of sunshine a year, warm summers, and mild winters, it’s no wonder Marbella is often called the California of Europe.
4. Safety & Quality of Life
Spain consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in Europe, and Marbella, in particular, offers an incredible quality of life. With its relaxed pace, emphasis on outdoor living, and strong sense of community, it was exactly the kind of environment we wanted for our family.
5. A Gateway to European Travel
One of the biggest perks of living in Marbella? Easy access to the rest of Europe.
From Málaga’s international airport, we can hop on a short flight to cities all over the continent. Weekend getaways to Paris, London, or Rome are not only possible but affordable—a stark contrast to the cross-country treks we were used to in the U.S.
2 Comments
Sher’Ree Ray
Inspiring and beautifully written.
Erica Schein
Thank you so much Sher’Ree. I truly appreciate the kind words.