A British family who swapped Essex for Majorca to escape the 'rat-race' of UK life and spend more time with their kids say it's the best thing they've ever done.
From Basildon to the Balearics
Ray Bath, 37, and wife Jordan, 32, decided to pack up their lives in Basildon and jet off to Majorca in Spain with their two children on February 2, 2026. The sun-seeking family have now spent 11 weeks living on the Balearic Island and said they now have more precious time to spend with Melia, six, and Jude, four.
They are immersing themselves in Spanish culture and pay €2,000 in rent for a four-bedroom townhouse, with no water or council tax bills.
A Long-Held Vision
Jordan said: 'It's always been a vision to move abroad. I've been holidaying here for 23 years with my family and when Ray came out, he fell in love with it. We've always seen Majorca as a second home. We loved the climate, the outdoor lifestyle and knew it would be a better quality of life for our children and our jobs.'
'We found we were missing vital time with our children. Ray's dad passed away last summer and we realized life is too short. Out here, the kids will happily go play in the square next to a restaurant while we eat dinner. I couldn't imagine sitting in a restaurant in Basildon or London, let my kids play out there and feel safe about it - but here we do.'
Making the Leap
Ray and Jordan, who have been personal trainers for 15 years and run Viva Endure, sold their four-bedroom detached home in Basildon for £704,000 and their business for £350,000. After careful planning, they made the leap to move to Majorca which has enabled them to spend more time with their kids and enjoy a freer work-life balance.
Mum-of-two Jordan explained: 'In Essex, Ray would do the morning shift at work while I'd get them ready and do the nursery drop. Then Ray and I would be reunited at lunchtime before I worked the evening shift. I was missing out evening routine with the kid's dinner and bed. I've always been my own boss and even went back to work four weeks after giving birth to my daughter. It wasn't a case of not wanting to work but wanting to be present with my children. I had longed to sit down of an evening and just be with them.'
Life in Puerto Pollensa
The family viewed five houses in Puerto Pollensa, a family-friendly town on the Northern part of the island. In February, they moved into a four-bedroom town house, with two balconies, four bathrooms, and annexe - and a large courtyard with a lemon tree. Ray and Jordan chose to rent for 'location freedom' in case they decide they want to move to another area in future.
The couple said their children didn't need much persuading to move out as they were familiar with the area from previous holidays and they had come with them to view properties.
Embracing Spanish Culture
Parents Ray and Jordan have started Spanish language classes alongside Duolingo and said their days usually start around 6am, with the kids settling down to bed at around 8.30pm after evening sports clubs.
Jordan explained: 'The school have been loving and welcoming from the start. Unlike in the UK, every parent walks their child into the classroom. School day finish at 1.30pm and they have an afternoon siesta. They come alive at night-time, and go to sports clubs. You have to learn to be present in the moment. Everyone is calmer and happier, nobody's stuck in the rat race.'
'You have to immerse yourself in the culture. You can't stick together with other British parents. As soon as we started greeting others in Spanish, we've had nothing but respect. They'll help us translate.'
Future Plans
The family are currently on a three-year-visa and hope to extend it for an additional five years - before seeking a permanent residency after five years. Jordan said: 'We plan to stay forever. I'm close to my family but they have their own lives and from Southend Airport, you can get here in under two hours. People ask me what I miss about the UK but I don't think I miss anything.'
Ray added: 'I think we're going to see more of this in the world - more people will travel and live in difference places to where they're born. The world is becoming a place where people do want to explore and move around. It's a common theme for most people to work, work, work. They think when I reach 'this age', I'll retired, I'll do everything I want to do. But what if it never comes?'
Cost of Living Comparison
UK -
Mortgage: £2,400
Electricity bill: £270
Water: £50
Council tax: £380
Average weekly food shop: £250
Eating out / activities: £250
Majorca -
Rent: £2,000
Electricity bill: £130
Water: £0
Council tax: £0
Average weekly food shop: £150
Eating out / activities : £400
