Leaving her heart in Malaga, meet Ileana Rontea. Ileana believes we should all come to the edge because then we can soar beyond our limits. Read her story.
Why Spain?
After visiting Spain as a child with my parents, later in life visiting friends along the Costa del Sol for several years and receiving many requests from my family, I decided in 2023 to leave my home and life in the Netherlands and emigrate to Spain.
The mild climate, daily sunshine, more time to enjoy life, and my family’s promise to finally support me in pursuing my dream—working as a life coach, organizing gatherings to empower women, and serving as an energetic healer—were the deciding factors.
We bought a second-hand van, packed it with belongings I couldn’t imagine leaving behind (my crystals, some photo albums, my family, and our Spanish rescue dog), and set off on the journey to sunny Spain. The trip was long, warm, and challenging, but arriving at our rented apartment made it all worthwhile.
I have now been living in Estepona for over two years, and I enjoy the sunshine, nature, the sense of calm in my body, and the wonderful people around me every single day.
It’s incredible to think that I already have more than 100 photos on my phone of sunrises and sunsets I have been lucky enough to witness—I truly cherish these moments!
And where are you now?
I live in Cancelada, a small town next to Estepona. My three reasons to move here: direct access to the beach, the peace and quite (even in high-season) of the beach and it surroundings, the town still has its Spanish charm.
What was the biggest challenge for your move?
Leaving my familiy and close friends behind. Video calling keeps my in contact with them. I try to travel back to them ones a year.
Do you have any advice for Women thinking about making the move?
Get yourself a reliable lawyer who can help you with all the rules and regulations in becoming a resident of Spain. Connect with other expats to make new friends. And learn the language to make Spanish friends.
How do you fill your days?
Every morning, I begin my day with a gratitude practice even before opening my eyes. After that, I meditate for at least 15 minutes, and when I have the time, I journal.
Following this, I enjoy a lovely morning walk with my dog along the beach or the boulevard. Once I’m back home, I pour myself a cup of turmeric tea and start my workday at the computer.
My days often include online coaching sessions with women seeking greater insights, trauma healing, or deeper understanding. I also create programs and meditations for my circles, network events, or experience sessions, and I develop content for my social media platforms.
Twice a week, I attend online courses, as I love to deepen my knowledge and enhance my skills as a coach.
Additionally, I practice yoga outdoors twice a week, enjoy creative activities like painting or working with paper to enter a flow state, and regularly participate in networking events or spiritual gatherings.
Once a week, I have the privilege of leading a HarmoniZen session at the Marbella Club Hotel for their guests. This meditation experience focuses on grounding and chakra balancing, and it’s a true gift to be able to do this in their beautiful holistic center.
What is something spectacular you would like to achieve in just one day?
If I could create something spectacular in just one day, I would love to organize a women’s retreat focused on empowering them with deeper insights into their own strength and potential on a spiritual level.
The retreat would include a greater understanding of their natural cycles and shadows. Because our shadows reveal where our true power lies once we have discovered and embraced them, transforming them into positive forces in our lives.
Imagine a day spent in a beautiful location where women can fully relax, open their hearts, and freely express their feelings, knowing they are supported and guided throughout their journey of self-discovery.
It would be a nurturing space for growth, healing, and connection, helping women reconnect with their inner selves and unlock their true potential.
Something you are grateful for?
Through my events and one-on-one coaching and healing sessions, I have had the privilege of guiding over 60 women toward a more loving and joyful life.
They now feel a sense of release from old pains and traumas, and approach life’s challenges with a more positive mindset.
It’s truly fulfilling to see them embrace this transformation and move forward with renewed confidence.
Who would be at your special dinner party?
My mom and dad – as they are no longer in this realm, I would love to receive their guidance and hugs once more.
My son – as he is an old soul, he is my mirror and often is able to guide me with just a few words when he feels the need to do so
Sandra Spanjer – my Dutch friend here in Spain, she is like a sister to me, with the same outlook on life as I have, she still manages to surprise and support me where I need it most.
Rachael Burns – my coach, the way she uses her words and her vision on life is like a breath of fresh air, powerful yet gentle
Dr Mindy Pelz – hormone expert – she educates menopause with a holistic approach
David Ghiyam – universal spiritiual educator – the way he talks about women and how he understands them, so respectful yet he is acknowledging his fully masculine side
Shavita – teaches us about womb wishdom, how to embrace menopause as a fase of transformation
Jenny Dinovi – she is a podcaster and she brings forth positive insights in a loving and somewhat strict manner.
What’s your secret weapon?
People call me the trigger-coach, I often help people see their path with one or two insightful yet often painful questions.
Do you have a favourite mantra or saying you live by?
You are the creator of you life, not the victim of it. This sentence supports and helps me daily; whenever I feel any doubt or fear, I repeat this sentence and remember what I am capable of.
One thing you had to bring to Spain and could never give away?
My photo-album of my youth, as I have little memories of my childhood due to an illness, I do feel connected with this part of my life when I see the pictures.
I am the little girl above with the brown hair with my mother and sister.
Do you have a favourite film?
I do love the Avatar movies, it makes me long for a world that ones existed in the distant past and has yet to be re-created.
It is up to me to make a start on this by educating and guiding women and my son towards a life of understanding and connecting with nature and our planet earth.
Something you would tell your younger self?
Trust in your own strength and instinct; your connection with your soul is not a fairy tale. It is a reality hidden beneath many layers of conditioning.
Listen to your body and embrace life as it is beautiful, despite the many hardships you have to endure. They show you what you can learn from them later in life.
Thank you Kim van Helen where can we find out more?
My website: www.vanhelenhealing.com