We continue our series on American Humans of Mallorca with Los Angeles–born author Arizona Bell. She has lived in Ireland, Italy, and Mexico, but when she discovered Mallorca she realised she had finally found her forever place — thanks to its beauty, community, and the sense of home she had been searching for.
You grew up in the United States. What was your early life like?
I was born in Los Angeles and raised mostly in — drum roll please — Arizona! (Yes, my name really is a pen name turned nickname.) From early on, it seems everyone but me knew I was destined to write. I once found a school project from the 5th grade where we had to predict our future careers. I was sure I’d be a basketball player or singer. My classmates unanimously wrote that I would become some version of a communicator: journalist, writer, speaker. They saw it before I did.
I studied Sociology at Northern Arizona University, but my real education came from my mother. My dad left when I was young, so it was just the two of us for most of my childhood. She was born in a small Bavarian village and later moved to the US. She gave me unconditional love and support — and, through her, German citizenship, which allows me to live in Mallorca today. She passed away from cancer in 2015, and everything I’ve written since has been, in some way, a tribute to her.
How did you become a writer?
It was love, really. The year I graduated, my first love told me: “You’re a writer.” And I believed her. I started writing professionally at 22 and never looked back. Today I’m a nonfiction author and bestselling ghostwriter, and I also work as a consultant with aspiring authors. My next book, The Griever’s Dictionary, is represented by Rosecliff Literary and is currently on submission.
As for highlights, being invited by Macmillan to write a book was a big moment — publishers usually don’t come to you. Additionally, I ghostwrote an internationally bestselling self-help book that was released in 2024, which was a very unexpected and unique experience that I am uber proud of.
Why Mallorca? How did you first arrive here?
My story is a little “Under the Tuscan Sun.” In 2017, after a divorce in Ireland, I ran away to Italy to surround myself with ample food and wine and lick my wounds in style. There I met a woman who suggested Mallorca. Like a typical American, I had no idea what or where it was. But I followed her advice, landed in Palma, and within a day knew this was my forever place.
I stayed until 2020, when the pandemic pushed me back to the States, then on to Mexico. But last year, after another big life change, I knew it was time to stop wandering. I’d already found my place — Mallorca. So, I packed up, including my two big rescue dogs, and made the long journey: a 12-hour drive in Mexico, flights to Frankfurt, a campervan to Barcelona, and a bumpy ferry ride to Palma. We arrived last November. This time, I’m not leaving — even if the aliens come next.
Where do you live now?
Santa Maria del Camí. I lived there the first time too, and it still feels right. I found a finca with land for my dogs. There’s just something about the centre of the island that feels like home to me. Not to mention, great food, wine, and events — all my favorite things! — abound here.
What challenges have you faced in moving here?
Honestly, not many. Mallorca has embraced me both times I’ve come. The hardest part was the housing market — since November, I’ve lived in three different places before finding the right one. Luckily, friends helped me land a perfect home. With the dogs, the logistics were the trickiest — endless paperwork, multiple flights… Finally, a very bumpy ferry ride from Barcelona to Mallorca (after a looong night of partying — I highly do not recommend that choice!). But it all worked out, and the dogs love Mallorca as much as I do.
How do Americans see Mallorca?
When I first heard about it, I literally said, “My-what-what?” Geography isn’t our strong suit. Most Americans have vaguely heard of it, know it’s Spanish, but little more. That’s changing. When I lived here in 2018–20, I knew just one other American on the island. Now I meet them regularly, partly thanks to the new direct flight from New York.
As for stereotypes — I asked my U.S. friends on social media. Consensus: people know it’s a Spanish island, but not much else. Culture, language, location — it’s still hazy.
What has surprised you about Mallorca?
The number of Germans! When I first arrived, I was shocked — but also comforted. With a German mom and brother, and yearly childhood trips to Germany, it gave me an immediate sense of familiarity. It’s one of the reasons Mallorca feels like home.
What’s your social circle like here?
Both times I’ve moved here, I’ve been lucky to find community straight away. My circle is mixed — locals and expats — but I’m especially connected to the island’s spiritual community, which aligns with much of my work. More recently, I’ve been connecting with the creative, artsy crowd too. It feels like the best of both worlds.
Why would you recommend Mallorca to others?
Before I came to Mallorca, I had traveled to and lived in many different places in the world, and I always said, “There is no perfect place” — until I landed here. Within the first 24 hours in Mallorca, I knew that this was the perfect place for me. Massive mountains, turquoise sea, awesome weather, delectable food and wine, a unique mix of international people — what’s not to love?!
What’s your favourite thing to do here?
I have lived in some charming places in my life, but none of them holds a candle to Mallorca’s beauty. My favorite thing to do is ride my Vespa through the Traumantana or along the many seaside routes. Every time I do, I thank God for all this beauty that I get to bask in every day.
And finally — what’s next for you?
Personally, my plan for this year is to continue to settle into the Mallorca community and make some more friendly connections. Professionally, I plan to sell (and finish writing) my next book, launch a new podcast, and organize a writing retreat on the island for 2026.
