Born and raised in Nicaragua, the chief executive of Nikki Beach Worldwide started her career in the diplomatic corps, before founding the world-famous luxury beach club brand with her husband, Jack Penrod, 20 years ago. She also created Nikki Cares, a non-profit charitable organisation with philanthropic projects across all of Nikki Beach’s locations.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you be?
I think exactly where I am at that specific moment. As long as I am with family and friends, that’s it for me.
You’re sitting down to the perfect meal. Where are you, who are you with and what are you eating?
I love every Nikki Beach location that we have, because it’s like a parent – you love all your children. But there is one specific location that brings incredible memories. I see myself sitting in Nikki Beach Saint Barth. We have great friends from New York and the rest of the States, because that’s the demographic that comes to Saint Barth. So I am sitting around with friends and the water is right there. I can hear the waves and the music, and Jimmy the sax player. I would say that’s the most incredible experience for me. And we’d be eating sushi. The sushi is incredible.
What is your favourite city in the world?
The first one that comes to mind is New York. I love the vibe of the Big Apple, but I couldn’t live there. I like to visit. Instead of big cities, we are more into chilled-out beach areas – because our personal lives and our business lives are always surrounded by water – and the mountains. I absolutely love Aspen; in the summer, though.
Where do you like to shop?
At the stores of unknown local designers that can be found in any of the locations where we are. When we go to Spain, I love walking into lesser-known boutiques with very cool designers, where you find the most incredible things for the beach. I favour beach style. It is not easy to shop specifically for that lifestyle, because most of the big designers have a very short cruise collection. But when you go to these beach resorts where some of our venues are located, you find the most incredible local designers. And that’s when you get compliments, when everyone asks: ‘Where did you get that?’
What does your dream home look like?
My dream home is one that is very friendly to family, friends and dogs.
What was your first ever luxury purchase?
A Cartier watch. I still own it. But now it’s vintage!
What is life’s greatest luxury?
Health.
And the most overrated luxury?
I wouldn’t like to judge. Luxury is so different for so many different people.
Are you a collector?
Yes, I am a collector of warm, happy and good memories
What is your favourite way to relax?
Sharing time with family and friends, probably on our island. We have a home in the Bahamas and it’s very chilled. Our house is very close to the water, so those are some of my most relaxing times. And there is very bad internet.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My husband gave me a great piece of advice. He told me to stay out of the rain – unless I want to dance.
