My Heart Drew Me to Palma: How a German-Austrian Couple Settles Here Anew

From the first beach walk to a permanent residence

It sounds almost like a movie: an autumn vacation that stays in your blood so long that months later you start packing boxes. Constanze, born in Vienna, and Sven, a true Hamburg guy through and through, did exactly that. About a year ago the idea began to grow, and in February this year the decision was made – since then they have lived in Palma de Mallorca.

Why here in particular?

“The sea has something calming”, says Sven, while he talks about the promenade from Playa de Palma, where the couple maintains their small morning espresso ritual. Constanze adds with a smile: “My heart felt lighter here right away.” For her it's not the images, but the other senses: salty air, wind, waves – impressions she consciously takes in and lets into her work.

Work that has to do with language and closeness

Both are coaches: she specializes in interpersonal communication and leadership, he in couple work. Their clients continue to come from Germany and Austria; much of it runs digitally. Still, they want to be more present on site. The idea: small German-speaking workshops, perhaps in the evenings in a cafe in Santa Catalina or in the cultural space of a finca – nothing big at first, rather real conversations.

A tattoo as a promise

Some swear by words, others by ink. For them both: the outlines of the island, tattooed on a warm afternoon on the beach, are now on their forearms and remind them daily of the step. A private gesture – and yet a visible sign that they want to stay.

New routines, familiar joys

On weekends they discover the island: a market visit in Sineu, a trip to the Tramuntana, a long walk by the sea until their feet are tired. “We combine work and life – and leave enough room for leisure,” says Constanze. She tells about early blindness: not consciously chosen, but in her own way part of her story. Today she uses this experience to make other blind spots in relationships visible.

They are typical new residents: curious, slowly networking, with a mix of online appointments and real meetings. Are they planning big events? Maybe. They still enjoy the small things: a coffee at 10 a.m. on the Passeig, a short phone call with a client in Vienna, a sunset stroll.

For the island this is another story of people who see Mallorca as a chance – not just a postcard dream. And for Constanze and Sven it is simply: a home they want to build carefully, with respect for the island and their own rhythm.