Meet the people behind the place - Casa Cosy beach and Casa Luna in Andalusia
Casa Cosy Beach and Casa Luna are two beautiful beachfront homes that offer the perfect balance of tranquility and proximity to vibrant cities like Marbella and Estepona. Founder Tina Gysen shares her story about how the homes are deeply rooted in her friendship with Inge and Paul, and what makes them so special for their families and guests.
What is the name of your accommodation?
Our properties are called Casa Cosy Beach and Casa Luna.
Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself (and, if relevant, also your family members—name, age, and place of residence)?
My name is Tina Gysen, and I’m 53 years old. I’m married to Dirk, and we have a son, a daughter, and one grandchild. We purchased this house together with our best friends, Inge and Paul, because we wanted to grow old together. Unfortunately, Paul passed away last year. Inge Wouters is 58 years old and has two sons, two grandchildren, and another one on the way.
We’d love to share a bit about you as a person with our customers. Would you like to tell us more about yourself? For example: your interests, free time activities, work, family, holidays?
Inge and I have been best friends for many years, and we always say we’re sisters by choice. Inge was a swimming champion in Belgium when she was younger, while I played basketball. These days, we both love playing padel. Inge’s family runs a large padel club in Antwerp called El Citadel. I work with Alphabet, and I love going on vacation to relax and recharge.
When and in what way did this property come into your life, and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?
Inge and Paul bought Casa Luna first. Initially, my husband didn’t want to purchase something abroad, but when we visited Casa Luna, we were instantly sold. The next day, while having lunch with Paul and Inge, we had a little too much wine and decided to buy another house together. We called the real estate agent and made an offer (mostly as a joke, due to the wine!), and they initially said no. But a week later, when we were back in Belgium, they called to say yes. Without even thinking much about it, or talking to the bank, we bought the house. That's how the two homes became so deeply rooted in our hearts.
Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your property?
Casa Luna was fully renovated by a company in Spain and furnished by my husband’s company, DVO Projects. As for Casa Cosy Beach, we bought it just before Spain went into a complete COVID lockdown. We ended up renovating it from a distance, and it was 1.5 years before we saw it again, except for two brief visits. This gave us plenty of time to source every piece of furniture and accessory carefully. My husband’s company did most of the work, but because we had time, both Inge and I were very involved in the process and personally selected many items ourselves.
On a personal level, what makes your property truly special for you? Any standout memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?
Both of our homes are very close to our hearts. Paul was incredibly proud of them, and every time we return, it’s a very emotional experience for our families. These homes represent so much for us, not just as places to stay, but as a testament to our friendship and shared memories. The houses are set in a peaceful Spanish community by the beach, and although the area is tranquil, it’s just 15 minutes to all the activities in nearby towns—so it offers the best of both worlds.
How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?
Both homes have the classic, relaxed Ibiza beach house feel. From the moment you arrive, you feel right at home. The combination of the beach setting, warm decor, and inviting atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Which part of your property do you love the most, and why?
I absolutely love the living room and the terrace. They flow seamlessly into each other, which creates a great space for spending time with family and friends. Plus, the view is simply spectacular, and seeing dolphins every day just outside the house is unforgettable.
What makes the location of your accommodation unique and special?
We are right on the beach in a peaceful Spanish community. Marbella and Puerto Banus are not far, and Estepona is only a 10-minute drive away, while Sotogrande is just 5 minutes away. So we’re in the perfect location: quiet and serene but also close to lively areas and activities. You also have the convenience of some of the best chiringuitos (beach restaurants) just a short walk away!
Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly features associated with your property that you’re particularly proud of?
At this moment, we haven’t fully implemented any eco-friendly or sustainable features, but we’re definitely considering how to improve in this area for the future.
What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?
We bought Casa Cosy Beach with the intention of renting it out from the very beginning because we saw it as an investment. Later on, Inge decided to also rent out Casa Luna since it had been standing empty for a while. We’ve been pleasantly surprised by how respectful and kind the guests have been to the homes—they truly seem to appreciate them just as much as we do.
Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect when staying at your property?
While I can’t share an actual photo here, the experience of staying at our property is all about comfort, tranquility, and breathtaking views. Imagine waking up, having your morning coffee on the terrace with the sound of the waves crashing, and watching dolphins swim by. Whether you're here to explore or simply to relax, the home offers the perfect space to unwind.
In what ways does your property stand out from others? What unique features make it a one-of-a-kind experience for guests?
Our property truly stands out because it's an Ibiza-style house directly on the beach with an enormous terrace where you can enjoy the most stunning views of the ocean. The dolphins swimming right in front of the house add a magical touch to the experience. Every morning feels like a gift, and we love to see guests have that same moment of joy when they step outside to take in the view.
Can you share the best compliment you've received from a guest?
We receive so many wonderful compliments, but what always stands out is when guests tell us they’re “blown away” by the house and the view, and that it looks exactly like the pictures online. It’s such a great feeling knowing they are truly enjoying the space we’ve created.
What do you hope guests will take away or remember most from their stay in your accommodation?
We want guests to feel as happy as we do when we’re there. We hope they leave with wonderful memories, a sense of peace, and the joy of having experienced such a beautiful place.
Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their holiday?
There is so much to see and do around the area, but I always tell guests to first take a moment to just enjoy the house and the view. Sometimes, it’s the simple things—sitting on the terrace, taking it all in—that make the experience truly unforgettable.