Read moreMarieke is Belgian, grew up in Monaco, and made the leap to London a decade ago (the things one does for love!). Her heart remains tied to the beauty of the south of France, where she delights in sharing her home's treasures with SmoothRed's travellers. Thanks to parents who loved to travel the world and drink fine wine, she developed these passions early on in her life, which naturally led her to start her job at SmoothRed seven years ago where she is now the Travel Design Manager.
About Marieke
What is your most memorable travel experience?
My aunt and uncle used to live in South Africa, and we would travel there to spend Christmas with them. The memories of our family gathering together, enjoying delicious food, and drinking magnums of fantastic South African wines after a day of safari, will forever be engraved in my memory. Creating such precious memories remains a significant reason why I cherish this work, especially since losing my dad and living in a different country from my mother and siblings, who are all still in the south of France.
Which destination is next on your list?
For summer, San Sebastián beckons with its renowned Basque cuisine and pintxos, making it perfect for a foodie like me! Autumn draws me to Sicily, specifically the allure of Mount Etna’s wines, the island’s rich cultural tapestry, and its unforgettable flavours. For winter, it’s of course Alsace which captivates me, with its enchanting Christmas market, where festive cheer mingles with the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread. As spring blooms, Costa Rica is on the list for its vibrant marine life, opportunities for diving, and wild exploration in lush rainforests. I could continue but we only have so long…
What is your favourite food and wine pairing?
I’m happy to say that I’ve evolved from drinking pale rosé by the beach to appreciating an oaky Burgundy Chardonnay paired with sea bass in a beurre blanc sauce. I absolutely adore raclette (or anything cheesy, really—I love cheese on my plate as much as in my marriage), which I pair with either a Pinot Noir or a white wine from Alsace or Savoie. That being said, you can still find me enjoying Provençal rosé when I return home.
