This year's trip to Chile
This winter, we decided to spend six weeks in Chile with our two daughters. So much can happen when you step out of your routine and decide to allow space for new adventures and places. Here's a recap of our trip, enjoy and travel with us to the southern tip of the world.
We started our trip in the south of Chile, where Pippa was born and most of our Chilean family and friends are based. The trip started with ... parties! We went from celebrating weddings and Christmas to New Year’s Eve and birthday bashes. Chileans definitely know how to enjoy themselves, not only on big occasions but throughout everyday life as well. Lunch for example is not considered something functional, it’s simply an essential part of the day, shared and enjoyed with people, in conversation. Most of the time, there’s a vegetable garden right outside where you can pick salad, some broad beans and herbs. Colorful tables are an everyday standard, as we were there in the middle of summer and so many fresh produce was in season. Cherries, tomatoes, fresh blueberries, corn, and the first potato harvest. True luxury, right outside our doorstep.
One of my favourite parts of the trip were the days spent in Chiloe, a magical island at the gates of Patagonia. We turned it into a family tradition to visit the penguin breeding places during summer. Every time, we stay in the same wooden cabin that has everything we need to feel happy. A burning fire, a breathtaking view and the force of nature all around us. Birds, rare wildlife, seaweed collectors and even an occasional whale at the horizon.
Besides all of the amazing places we went to, I think my favourite (and, let’s be honest, the most exhausting) part of the trip was to watch our kids grow in front of our eyes. Uma literally took her very first steps when she made it to her grandparents house. She left Chile walking around like a secure little toddler. Pippa’s knowledge of Spanish skyrocketed, she started speaking slang and spent so much time with her cousins sharing candies and secrets. Being able to be with them all day, every day, without agenda constraints felt so natural.
Of course we also went to Maiwe! We spent ten days immersed in the beauty of the lake. Months ago, I reached out to Ignacio Gutierrez, a Chilean photographer I’ve been admiring for years now. On the first day of the new year, he arrived to Maiwe, together with Francisca Benedetti, a beautiful model and artist. They both filled my days there with so much joy and creativity! We shot our newest campaign and even filmed a documentary that we will share with you soon. When these dreams come to life, the world stands still, and I truly have to pinch myself for what’s happening. The beauty of Maiwe’s people and landscapes is coming to you soon!
Now, I’m back in Antwerp, enjoying the comfort of not living out of my suitcase and being in the company of my amazing team and friends again. I feel SO inspired to make the most of 2026. We have incredible partnerships coming up, new developments in the lab that require a lot of care and attention. Truly exciting things are cooking in our Lab.
Coming home hasn’t been all easy. The dark skies and drizzly rain aren’t helping, honestly. But let’s hang in there a bit longer, Spring is coming to Europe, the light is (almost) there. And in the meantime, we’ll light a candle and brighten our days with smiles, conversation, and daily drops of rosehip for that much needed glow.
Your support for Maiwe throughout January has been overly incredible. We work hard to realize the Maiwe dream and to continuously improve the way we run this brand. New Maiwe products only come into this world if they have the potential to truly transform the skin, becoming real staples in the way you care for yourself daily. We do so whilst honoring the people and preserving the ecology of Maiwe's origin, and we try to take this one step further in each moment of growth. Every token of support helps us to realize this dream. Thank you for being here.
