Lucia Beach
LUCIA PENROD • Nikki Beach Hospitality Group
WORK • Thursday Routine
LUCIA PENROD • co-founder, owner, CEO • Nikki Beach Hospitality Group
Neighborhood you work in: Downtown Miami
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
No two Thursdays are ever the same for me, and that’s what I love about this job. In May, you might catch me in France, bouncing between our restaurant Lucia (during the Cannes Film Festival) and Nikki Beach Monte Carlo (for the Monaco F1 Grand Prix). Or in July, when I typically spend time working from Saint-Tropez, where we have our European flagship. Back in Fort Lauderdale, I’m usually working from my home office or popping into our headquarters in Downtown Miami, but sometimes I’ll head to our very first beach club on 1 Ocean Drive for an interview or a meeting.
What’s on the agenda for today?
This morning, I’m deep in expansion calls with our Hotels & Resorts team. We have some incredible projects coming to Ras Al Khaimah, Muscat, Antigua, and Baku. Our Hotels & Resorts division is slowly but steadily growing with intention, so I’m often in close touch with the team working out of our Barcelona office.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
I like trying new spots in Miami to see what’s happening. Amazónico just opened in Brickell. We’re always curious about how new restaurants are shaping the scene. Still, my all-time favorite is Joe’s Stone Crab. It’s a Miami classic. After more than a century, the food and service are still just as good.
Any weekend getaways?
My favorite spot for a long weekend is St. Barths. It’s absolutely worth the trip even for just a few nights. It’s one of those places you fall in love with the moment you arrive, or even before, as you take that tiny plane over the turquoise water. There’s this thrill of adventure mixed with beauty right from the start.
I love going to Eden Rock for breakfast. Sitting there early in the morning, looking out over Saint-Jean Bay — it’s such a treat. For dinner, I love Eddy’s. It’s tucked into a little garden, the food’s so good, and it always feels easy and welcoming.
What was your last great vacation?
This summer, I celebrated my birthday in Sardinia at Nikki Beach Costa Smeralda and it was pure magic. Our beach club is such a unique experience. You can only arrive by boat. Having family and close friends all together in such a beautiful setting, it was one of those trips you never want to end. I also love going to Zuma. The views at sunset are amazing. For something different, Siddura Winery has incredible local wine. Some of my favorite moments are just sitting still, taking in how beautiful it all is with a cold glass of rosé champagne.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
I’m always searching for the perfect travel bag, and I’ve tried nearly every one. My current favorite is the Hermès Lindy Taurillon bag. It’s compact, yet surprisingly roomy with pockets for easy access to documents, my phone, and all the little essentials I carry when on the go.
What store or service do you always recommend?
The spa at the Faena on Miami Beach, Tierra Santa Healing House, is incredible. If you’re visiting and staying on the beach, it’s perfect for a recovery day.
Where are you donating your time or money?
I’ve always believed in giving back, which is why I support the Fabretto Foundation. Their mission to empower impoverished Nicaraguan youth through education, health, and nutrition resonates with me. In that same spirit, Nikki Cares is our non-profit philanthropic arm, created in loving memory of Nicole Penrod. Our initiatives focus on ocean conservation — protecting marine ecosystems near our destinations — and children’s causes, nurturing the next generation.