Renae Wąsik: Embracing Sunshine and Freedom in Greece
When Renae Wąsik experienced the relentless grey skies and soaring costs of living in the UK, she reached her breaking point. As a 43-year-old public relations executive with years of experience, she found herself trapped in a cycle of gloom. “Grey skies make me feel sad, bleak, and trapped. I didn’t want my baby growing up in that,” she admitted, reflecting on her life in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.
The Move to Lefkada
In November 2025, Renae, along with her partner Pawel and their two-year-old daughter Rocca, made the bold decision to relocate to Vasiliki, a quiet village on the Greek island of Lefkada. This picturesque spot, often overlooked by many, offered a refreshing escape from their previous life. Renae describes the transformation as revolutionary. “In the UK, we were paying close to £3,000 a month for a small suburban home. Now, we rent an off-season Airbnb for €800 (£690) a month,” she explained. The change was not just economical; it was emotional.
A New Way of Life
Adapting to life in Greece has meant embracing a slower, more relaxed lifestyle. Renae shared, “I can walk to the sea, and I wake up feeling free.” Documenting her journey on TikTok, her fresh lifestyle has garnered more than half a million likes, showcasing not just the sun-kissed scenery but the profound impact on her family’s day-to-day life. However, the change hasn’t been without its challenges. While some followers romantically envision her new life, others criticize her as “privileged” or “out of touch.” Despite this, Renae remains steadfast, saying, “If it’s truly your goal, you’ll work for it. Nothing falls into your lap.”
Contributions to the Local Community
Renae is determined to disprove the notion that she is merely taking from the local community. “We’ve been really conscious about contributing,” she asserts. By using her PR skills to promote the island, and with Pawel offering his skills as a painter and decorator to local residents, the family intends to integrate rather than isolate. “We’re living in an off-season Airbnb that sits empty all winter, and when we build our house, we’ll hire local trades. This isn’t a ‘take, take, take’ situation,” she explains.
Emotional Freedom
The emotional lift from leaving the UK was instantaneous for Renae and Pawel. "The moment we arrived, we looked at each other and said, ‘Oh my God, we escaped,’” she recalled. Living in the UK felt suffocating to her; “The sky feels low. Everything feels heavy,” she reflected. In stark contrast, Lefkada brings her joy and tranquility. “I can breathe again,” she added, stressing the space and openness of her new surroundings.
The Reality of Greek Island Living
Though Renae cherishes her new life, she is clear that it’s not a perpetually sun-soaked paradise. “If you think Santorini or Mykonos is real life, you’re in for a shock,” she warns. The reality includes rainy days, limited conveniences, and culinary adjustments—she humorously noted that she’s lost weight due to fewer snack options and an overabundance of courgettes. In her words, “I sacrifice convenience for peace.”
Navigating Healthcare Abroad
One of the major incentives for Renae’s move was the need for better healthcare experiences. Her dissatisfaction with the NHS galvanized her decision to seek treatment overseas. Frustrated with inefficiencies and experiences such as waiting six weeks for a breast scan after being told she might have cancer, she turned to Turkey for treatment. “I was lucky I went,” she concluded. This, among other chaotic situations with healthcare, further confirmed her desire to lead a life less burdened by systemic issues.
Changing Family Dynamics
For Rocca, her daughter, the relocation has been nothing short of transformative. “Sunshine, even in December!” Renae beams, excited about how the new environment has changed their routines. Unlike the UK, where she often felt ignored, Rocca is welcomed warmly in local establishments. Their daily routine now revolves around natural exploration—gathering fruits, climbing rocks, and enjoying the beach rather than being cooped up indoors.
A New Rhythm to Life
Each day in Greece follows a more relaxed tempo. “We wake up without alarms. Coffee in bed. We work until lunchtime while Rocca plays outside,” Renae explains. Lunch is simple and seasonal, often consisting of local dishes like spinach pies or salads. Evening activities are leisurely, focusing on family and community, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Long-Term Investment in Community
Renae and her family don’t view this move as a temporary fix but a permanent home. They have invested in a 4,600-square-metre plot of land overlooking the sea for less than the price of a one-bedroom flat in Bedfordshire. As they plan to build, they’re focused on community integration and mutual assistance. “Everyone helps everyone. It’s a real community,” she emphasizes, especially in the context of farming and sharing local resources like olive oil.
A Dual Life
Renae still travels back to the UK for work commitments and to visit her older daughters, who are 22 and 23. Although she maintains ties to her homeland, it’s clear where her heart lies now. “I’ll always come back,” she says, “but this, this is where we’re building our life.”
For those contemplating a similar leap, Renae’s message is clear: “I’m not saying everyone should do it. I’m saying I did, and I’m finally happy.”
