My Island: Ann-Margret

In the quiet hush of Ibiza’s off-season, the entrepreneur and advisor discovered something more valuable than calm: clarity. From boardrooms to beaches, Annie reflects on how the island reshaped her rhythm, reframed her purpose and redefined her vision of what true success really means.

My personal style signifiers are:
Usually some kind of jeans paired with a white shirt, or a shirt-and-waistcoat combo, especially for island days when comfort is key. For work, I lean towards pieces from Loewe, Khaite, Alaïa or YSL – classic with a twist. And come evening, it's a full-on disco with a hint of drag… I do love a bit of drama when the sun goes down.

The last thing I bought and absolutely loved:
Truthfully? A sofa. I fell for it online – it’s pebble-shaped, in a rich brown canvas, and feels like a small miracle. I found it on Westwing.es, which has become a bit of a secret weapon for unexpected interiors finds. I also treated myself to a new kitchen from Cubro Design – a Madrid-based studio who are nothing short of magicians when it comes to beautiful, functional spaces.

And the thing I’ve got my eye on next:
Fashion-wise, I’m feeling drawn to party dresses – something playful and a little bold from Christopher Esber or Magda Butrym. I’m loving this return of the new sexy – it’s powerful, but with softness. It feels very much of the moment.

My style icons are:
Anjelica Huston, Tilda Swinton, a bit of Saint Laurent, and definitely my mum. She’s always had that quietly confident sense of style that never tries too hard.

My work has taught me:
To listen to my nervous system and to actually do the emotional intelligence work. I’ve learnt the hard way – almost worked myself into an early grave, if I’m honest. Balance is possible, but only when you're honest with yourself and the people you work with.
And most recently: your job is to create collective success, not to be liked. A hard but freeing lesson.

My work icons and mentors are:
Sharmadean Reid is a total force of nature. A serial entrepreneur with vision, strength, grace and creativity – she’s truly something else.
Then there’s Emma Grede. I don’t know her personally (yet!), but her honesty and vulnerability make her one of the most powerful catalysts of our time.

My carry-on essentials:

• FKA Haeckels Algae Plump and Pegwell fragrance
• Omorovicza Queen Cream
• Water – always
• A book or audiobook
• About four sets of headphones… because I keep losing them and rediscovering them in random coat pockets!

In Ibiza we need to be extra aware of:
False intimacy. I fell for it far too many times in my early days here. Lesson learnt.

My favourite Ibiza beach is:
Depends on the season. In winter, it’s Salinas. In summer, it’s a secret spot that involves hiking, climbing and zero crowds. Not sharing the location – you’ll have to come with me!

My secret spot is:
Well, not so secret anymore… but Room Service is a gem. And the cocktail caves under El Corsario? A little slice of Madrid meets Ibiza meets NYC. I’ve danced the night away more times than I can count.

My go-to party pals are:
Don’t make me choose! Liam Aldous, Florence Huntington-Whiteley, Faye Brown and Leila Arato. They’re my ride-or-die crew – family, really.

The best place to dance in Ibiza is:
My kitchen! Or Hï when Damien Lazarus is on. Chris Connors' Full Moon Sessions are also a vibe.
And I’ll never forget the old Teatro when Kees was running it – one of the best places on Earth, no exaggeration.

I couldn’t live without:
The people I just mentioned, my dog and my amazing family. Oh – and music. Especially disco and soul. They’ve pulled me through everything.

My top Ibiza souvenir is:
My flat on Vara de Rey. I feel endlessly lucky to have it.
For visitors? Head to San Jordi market and pick up something rare and magical for your home.

I’d take a lunch date to…
Sexy date: Hire a fishing boat at Benirràs, pack a picnic (or grab a pizza from the restaurant), and head off on an adventure. Skinny-dip, dodge the jellyfish and have the best time.
Chic date: El Silencio. Stay through sunset with cocktails. The best lunch dates always roll into dinner.

If I could encourage people in Ibiza to do one thing, it would be to…
Open more cocktail and wine bars, please.
Stop buying so much water in plastic bottles – it still shocks me.
Learn Spanish. Mine’s basic, but if you live here, it’s important to try.

A recent island find is…
F45 workouts followed by Savannah Coffee. Heaven and hell, in equal measure.

My Ibiza life began…
Over 20 years ago, when I first stayed in a boutique guesthouse on Vara de Rey. I returned almost every year, with a brief hiatus in between. Then I moved to Madrid, and Ibiza became my weekend escape – it was so easy to hop over.
At first, I came for the dancing. But I stayed for something deeper. I fell in love with the islanders – especially my generation, who are shaping Ibiza into something layered, cultural and vibrant all year round.

Something I would never part with is…
My apartment. I live between the UK and Ibiza, and I’ll do whatever it takes to hold onto both my little flats. They’re small sanctuaries.

My favourite apps are…

• Moody – life-changing for tracking hormones (not fertility)
• Hargreaves Lansdown – I’m trying to learn about stocks and shares, not just spend everything on flats and fashion
• Shazam – because honestly, how did we ever live without it?

A great book I’ve read recently:
I’m always reading two at once – one for work and one for me.
Let the Light Pour In by Lemn Sissay. A poetry collection. My favourite line:
“How do you do it?” asked the night.
“How do you rise and shine?”
“It’s simple,” said the light.
“One day at a time.”
And a must-read: The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest. It’s all about turning self-sabotage into self-mastery.

If I wasn’t a CEO / Strategy Consultant, I’d have been…
An engineer. I didn’t even know that was a job when I was younger – but I love the idea of finding new solutions to old problems. Something useful that lasts.
Or, maybe, an actress. My English teacher, Mr Clucas, was certain I’d become one – he even came to every amateur show I did.

Ibiza in three words is…
Logical. Alchemic. Mirror.
She’ll shake you up and bring out the very best in you – if you’re willing to go the distance.