The start of the new year marked not just a turn of the calendar for Anabel Pantoja, but a shift in her priorities. After a tense few months in Madrid taking part in a dance show, she returned to her hometown of Arguineguín to greet 2026 surrounded by her closest loved ones. Instead of loud parties and public events, Anabel chose the tranquility of the ocean shore, the company of her daughter Alma, and her partner David Rodríguez. Family tensions were left behind, giving way to simple pleasures and new traditions.
Anabel spent the holidays in an atmosphere of comfort and trust. Although she spent part of her winter break in Sevilla, she chose to celebrate the most important dates—Christmas and New Year’s—with David and her daughter. Together, they traveled to Córdoba to meet David’s relatives, then returned to the Canaries to ring in 2026 at home. This time, there were no loud scandals or public disputes—just the sea, sunshine, and family warmth.
Beach moments
The family welcomed the first morning of January on the Atlantic coast. For Anabel, the sea is more than just a place to relax—it’s a source of inspiration and inner peace. She has often said that she wants to pass on her love of the ocean to her daughter and teach her to care for nature. Alma, much like her mother, loves splashing in the water and playing in the sand. This time, the little girl felt the cool waves on her bare feet for the first time, holding her parents’ hands. David couldn’t resist taking a dip, while Anabel watched, holding their daughter in her arms. She captured the moment on video and shared it with her followers, sparking a wave of affection on social media.
After a walk along the beach, the group of friends gathered at Anabel’s home to recover from the New Year’s celebrations. On the table was the traditional puchero—a dish that brings people together and warms them on winter days. There was no room for quarrels or grudges that day, only laughter, conversations, and the sense that all troubles had been left in the past year.
Family disagreements
But behind this picture-perfect scene lies a difficult family history. The relationship between David Rodríguez and Anabel’s mother, Merchi, has long been strained. It all began back in January 2024, when little Alma was hospitalized. The Pantoja family blamed David for what happened, and tensions have only grown since then. By the end of 2025, things had reached a breaking point: David flatly refused to spend the holidays with Merchi, forcing Anabel to choose sides.
In recent weeks, the conflict has escalated even further. David tried to defend himself by providing documents that he believes prove his innocence. This only deepened the disagreements, drawing third parties into the situation. As a result, communications between David and Merchi ceased completely. Before Christmas, David issued an ultimatum: either the holidays would be celebrated without Merchi, or he would not participate at all. Anabel sided with her partner and daughter, deciding to shield them from unnecessary stress.
A New Chapter
Now, Anabel Pantoja is focusing on harmony and tranquility. She admits that her daughter’s happiness and trust in her relationship with David are her top priorities. Public scandals and family drama are things of the past. Instead, she enjoys beach walks, family meals, and simple pleasures that make life brighter. This year, Anabel has decided not to look back and is creating new traditions, where love and support come first.
If you didn’t know, Anabel Pantoja is a popular Spanish TV host and blogger, niece of the renowned singer Isabel Pantoja. Millions of followers keep up with her life, and every step she takes sparks a storm of media discussion. In recent years, she has focused on content creation, participating in TV projects, and building her own family away from the hustle of Madrid. Her decision to settle on the Canary Islands surprised many, but she says it’s here that she truly feels happy.
