Mallorca Living Video Podcast

From England to Mallorca: The Reality of Renovating Homes in Mallorca: Justine Knox’s Story

This week, Helen sits down with long-time friend and renowned interior designer Justine Knox to explore her extraordinary journey from moving to Mallorca as a child over 40 years ago to building one of the island’s best-known interior design businesses.Justine shares the highs and lows behind creating a life and business in Mallorca - from her parents losing everything after buying a hotel on the island, to leaving school at 15, working on construction sites, and eventually building Knox Design into a trusted name for luxury homes and renovations.The conversation dives into the realities of renovating property in Mallorca today, including planning permission delays, legal pitfalls buyers need to watch for, the shortage of skilled tradespeople, and why patience is essential when building or reforming a home on the island.Helen and Justine also discuss entrepreneurship, family business, sustainable interiors, designing homes that truly reflect how people live, and the changing reality of Mallorca as a place to relocate.Whether you’re dreaming of moving to Mallorca, renovating a property, or simply fascinated by stories of resilience and reinvention, this episode offers honest insights and valuable advice from someone who has spent decades helping people create homes on the island.

Made in Mallorca: Inside Luxury Architecture on the Island with Jaime Salvá

In this episode, Helen sits down with local architect Jaime Salvá, founder of Jaime Salvá Studio, to unpack the realities behind designing and building on the island. From costly mistakes buyers make when purchasing plots, to the hidden legal and urban planning pitfalls that can stop a project in its tracks, Jaime shares practical insights drawn from nearly two decades of experience. They explore why due diligence goes far beyond legal checks, how inconsistent interpretations of planning rules can impact projects, and why building licences can take years—sometimes changing the viability of an entire investment. Jaime also reveals a new fast-track system that could transform the process for developers. Beyond the technical side, the conversation dives into Jaime’s philosophy: why he believes great architecture isn’t about style, but about solving problems, understanding lifestyle, and creating homes that feel right to live in. From his early career in Barcelona and California working on high-end residential projects, to shaping some of Mallorca’s most sought-after luxury homes, his perspective offers both expertise and clarity. If you’re considering buying, building, or investing in Mallorca property, this episode gives you a grounded, insider view of what to expect—and what to avoid.

From Switzerland to Mallorca: Cycles, Seasons & Self-Discovery: Mirjam Wagner’s Story

What does it really mean to heal—from within? In this episode, Helen sits down with Swiss-born osteopath, yoga teacher and author Mirjam Wagner to explore a deeply personal journey of transformation, resilience and self-discovery. From a life that looked “perfect” on the outside to a breaking point that forced her to listen inward, Mirjam shares how physical symptoms, emotional pain and life upheaval led her to completely redefine her path. Now based in Mallorca, her work blends osteopathy, Chinese medicine, yin yoga and mentorship to guide others back to themselves. Together, they explore: * What it means to “heal from within”  * Why modern life keeps us stuck in imbalance  * The power of yin yoga in a fast-paced, yang-driven world  * Hormones, cycles and reconnecting with nature  * The moment when “the soul gets sick - and the body follows”  * Why letting go is often more powerful than adding more  Mirjam also opens up about her move to Mallorca as a single mother, the island’s evolution over the past two decades, and how to approach relocation with intention rather than illusion. This is a conversation about slowing down, listening deeply, and finding your way back to yourself, wherever you are in life.

From Bilbao to Mallorca: Endurance, Family & the Mallorca 312 — Jon Ander Arambalza's Story

In this episode, Helen sits down with Jon Ander Arambalza — endurance athlete, Mallorca 312 captain, and one of the leading figures in adventure racing. Originally from Bilbao, Jon shares how a life shaped by mountains, movement, and discipline led him to Mallorca, where he has built both a family life and a world-class sporting career. From competing in multi-day adventure races with minimal sleep to helping shape one of Europe’s most iconic cycling events, Jon offers a rare insight into the mindset required to perform at the highest level, and why mental strength matters more than physical ability. Beyond sport, this is a conversation about lifestyle: raising resilient children, disconnecting from modern distractions, and choosing a life grounded in nature, movement, and purpose. What we cover in this episode: * The evolution of the Mallorca 312 from 199 riders to 9,000 * What it takes to compete in multi-day endurance races  * Why “the most important is the mental”  * Life in Mallorca as a sporting family  * Practical advice for anyone relocating to the island  A powerful episode for anyone interested in performance, discipline, and building a life with intention in Mallorca.

From Germany to Mallorca: Dr. Carsten Henningsen on Healthcare on the Island

In this episode, Helen speaks with Dr Carsten Henningsen, founder of Palma Clinic, about healthcare on the island and his journey from Germany to Mallorca. After moving to Mallorca in 2009, Dr Henningsen helped grow Palma Clinic into one of the island’s leading international outpatient clinics, serving patients from across Europe and beyond. They discuss how the healthcare system in Mallorca compares with other countries, why some patients travel to the island for treatment, and the growing focus on preventative medicine and longevity. Dr Henningsen also shares what it was really like building a medical business in Mallorca, and his advice for anyone thinking of making the move.