Creating remarkable experiences for everyday people looking for a hit of adrenaline

My story

The Escapists was founded in 2023 by Maurille de Smalen, (that’s me) after being just an idea for years. Being in love with crazy adventures and designing experiences for friends and family for decades, one day I decided to make it official.

I love living outside the box, a good challenge and creating adventures, weird experiences, moments that shake you up and leave you gasping for air are my favorite. Without going to Disneyland, walking yourself half to death on a 1500 km hike (still would love to do that one day) or sitting with cymbals in your hands trying to get to the other side.

Turning everyday into an adventure

Turning the ordinary into extra-ordinary is one of my passions as it inspires, changes perspectives and sparks creativity. I love surprises as they can trigger a new perspectives and can leave you open to new and unexpected experiences.

I feel in love with experiences when I had my first experience quite unexpectedly. This sparked my curiosity and I wanted more and dove into the subject with all that I had.

What’s my background

In short: Audio Visual Design BA, Fashion Design BA, Master of Art MA, Art education BA and I’ve worked as a freelance designer for brands & trend agencies worldwide. I have researched creativity, the unexpected and surprise for years, this also means all my experiences are backed by science and are designed to make an impact.

I live in the Dutch country-side, with husband and two amazing daughters. I challenge myself all the time & test new experiences as often as possible. I try to never be boring and live outside the box as much as possible…

I also run a artist business course called Rebel Club to support the creative community next to the Escapists.

What about the experiences?

Every experience is well designed and backed up with research to make them work, valuable and lasting. I use neuroscience, surprisology, creative process development and experience design to create state of the art and surprising experiences.

Right now all experiences are online. Some are micro-adventures some a little bigger. Most of them you just do by yourself. No matter what you choose every experience is tried and tested by friends and family (no persons have been harmed during these tests). Most are pretty safe, some will be life changing, some will leave you shaken but not stirred.

Brace yourself for a glorious experience.

What’s with the name?

The name The Escapists derives from my love for escaping the norm. I believe this is where the magic happens. It also stands for my love of obscure books and old school detectives.

The American Psychology Association defines escapism as the tendency to escape from the real world to the safety and comfort of a fantasy world. Since life is innately stressful, coping strategies are essential to making it through each day.

That sound like fun!