WHILE most Brits use retirement to slow down, one Brit has done the opposite by starting a new life in Spain.
Fed up of the UK’s grey skies, Jeff Locke-Lavell packed his bags and moved to Majorca to start a new career as a Tui holiday rep.
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Jeff Locke-Lavell decided to move to Majorca and become a Tui rep in his seventies Credit: Jeff Locke Lavell – TUI BLUE
Jeff admitted that in Majorca he’s “happier than ever”, now waking up to sunshine and spending his days helping people make the most of their holiday.
“It’s a completely different way of life,” he said.
Day-to-day, Jeff helps out with guest experiences at Tui Blue Sensatori Biomar Resort as well as sharing tips about the resort and the area.
One of his top tips: “If you want to see the real Majorca, I always suggest heading out to places like the mountains around Sóller or taking a boat trip along the coast.
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“There are some incredible hidden coves and the island has so much more to offer than people expect,” he revealed.
Jeff continued: “For something special, I love recommending a Palma day trip. The old town, the cathedral, the food, it’s a brilliant day out.
“And for families, the experiences we offer mean you can really make the most of your time here without the stress.
“Everything’s taken care of.”
In his free time, alongside his wife, they explore Majorca and its hidden gems Credit: Jeff Locke Lavell – TUI BLUE
When not working, Jeff and his wife, Sarah, make the most of living in Majorca, heading off exploring different spots including ticking things off the bucket list such as learning to scuba dive.
He said: “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but never had the confidence and this job has given me that push.
“There’s always something new to discover.”
Before heading out to Spain, Jeff thought he would slow down.
But after the couple fell in love with Spain following trips to Nerja and Sarah landed her dream role as a kids’ club rep with Tui, working across Spanish destinations such as Benidorm and Majorca, as well as Lapland, the decision felt easy.
Jeff said: “We loved the lifestyle straight away, it was the warmth of the people, the pace of life, and of course the weather.
He added: “That’s when I thought, why not give [becoming a Tui rep] a go myself?”
Then landing a role as a Tui Blue rep, Jeff felt as if he had achieved a lifelong dream, especially after watching holiday reps work as a child during summer trips to Cornwall.
Jeff recommends taking a boat trip along the coast Credit: Jeff Locke Lavell – TUI BLUE
He shared: “At my age, you don’t expect someone to say yes, but they did – and it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
“People think opportunities like this are only for the young, but that’s just not true.”
He added that no two guests are the same, with some wanting total relaxation while others want adventure.
“One minute I’m chatting to a family about day trips, the next I’m pointing couples towards hidden gems across the island,” he said.
Ultimately, Jeff hopes that other Brits will take similar leaps later in life.
“I’d say to anyone, if you’re thinking about doing something different, whether it’s a new job, moving abroad or trying a new hobby, just go for it.
“Life’s too short to sit back and wonder what if.
“I thought my best years were behind me, but it turns out they were only just getting started.”
