Rikke Gøransson is a Danish television host and reality TV personality, best known for the iconic guilty pleasure, Paradise Hotel. She is also a trained psychotherapist, a background that undoubtedly serves her well in navigating vivid personalities and intense dynamics on screen. Yet beyond the spotlight and screen and keen understanding of human nature, Rikke’s most important role is being a mother, and with it, a deep commitment to creating a safe and welcoming family space. Perhaps it’s the strong influence of her beachfront “office,” but the warm tones of her flat flood the living room with light and love.

For those who don't know you, how would you like to introduce yourself?

First and foremost, I’ve become a mother - the biggest and most transformative change in my life. Beyond that, many people know me as the longtime host of Paradise Hotel, a role I’ve held for the past 20 years. I’m also a trained psychotherapist and consider myself socially responsible. Now that I have a platform in society and a voice, it has become increasingly important to me - especially in recent years - to use it for something meaningful.

With a background in psychotherapy and years of experience hosting the popular reality show ‘Paradise Hotel,’ what inspired you to follow this career path, and what are your career aspirations moving forward?

It was always clear to me that I wanted to do something involving speaking and performing, but I had no idea where it would lead. I’ve always loved performing and theater, but it was more a series of happy accidents that brought me to where I am today. I’ve invested much of my career in Paradise Hotel, while also pursuing education alongside it. I expect my career will continue in TV - or some other form of entertainment and something meaningful.

How does life look right now? What are you both dreaming of? (big or small, a mix or something in between!)

Becoming a parent has definitely put my dreams into perspective. For many years, my focus was on building an exciting TV career - something I’m still passionate about and hope to continue. I still get an adrenaline rush when I go to work, and beyond that, I truly enjoy it. My colleagues are wonderful, I get to travel, and I love working with people. So my dream is to continue working with TV for as long as possible, though that may evolve over time.

Since having our daughter, my dream has been to create a stable and secure home where our child can be happy and experience all the amazing things the world has to offer. That said, things may change once she starts school or daycare, and I begin to dream more for myself again.

After spending time traveling and working on TV productions in Mexico, what does home mean to you? Are there particular essentials or rituals that help you feel grounded, or ways you create that sense of belonging?

Home has become everything to us. Its meaning has completely changed from when it used to be a more transient space, as I traveled a lot. It has always been important to me to feel comfortable and safe at home, but now my perspective has shifted.

Our home needs to function differently - as a place to relax and create a solid base for our children. We’ve also bought a summer house, which means a lot to us. In the future, we dream of creating a home that has space for everything. Ultimately, it’s my family that truly makes me feel at home.

As a first-time mother to a little girl, what are the most important lessons you’ve learned through the challenges and the joyful moments?

I knew it already, but the only certainty in life is that nothing stays the same. Everything is constantly changing, and our daughter is always growing and evolving. I truly enjoy watching her progress. You just have to take a breath and trust that everything will turn out perfectly.

What are some of the most important lessons you've learned over the years, and how do they shape the way you live your life now?

I’m still very much in a baby bubble, even though I’ve filmed two seasons of Paradise Hotel. In the past, I sometimes felt like I didn’t have a “real” job compared to more conventional careers, and that I wasn’t busy enough. Now, however, it feels like the greatest privilege, as it gives me the time and opportunity to be with my daughter.

To me, home is a place…

where my family is.

My personal style is… 

ever-evolving at the moment, haha, especially since the four of us moved into what used to be my solo apartment. It’s particularly evident in the living room, where I’ve created a sense of calm and added cheerful pops of color.

The atmosphere and décor I wanted to create in our home is…

warm and welcoming - a space that feels cozy and comfortable. At the same time, it needs to be practical, striking a balance between functionality and calm.

To me, home is a place to…

recharge and renew my energy. It’s truly my safe space - there’s nowhere else I unwind quite the same way as I do at home.

The TWIN sofa represents my life and style…

- even though a light-colored sofa was a bold choice - I chose it because I wanted something in our home that truly felt “me.” A good stain remover is the key!

I’m at my happiest when…

my day is a mix of moments; it begins with a kiss from my boyfriend and a calm morning with Rio. I take breakfast to my mom and drop Rio off, then spend a few hours back in the city running errands or getting some work done. On the way to pick her up, I blast music and soak in the drive. The perfect ending is relaxing on the sofa with my family, enjoying cuddles together.

The most important lessons I hope to pass on to my daughter…

come to me with time. I’ve noticed that many of the experiences I’ve gathered over the years have only truly settled in since having Rio. It’s made me reflect on my priorities and what matters most to me. For both my boyfriend and me, it’s important that she grows up to be a kind person who treats others well. And above all, I hope she enjoys life to the fullest and follows her dreams.

By the end of 2026, I hope…

that we have a plan, that things go according to it, and that life continues to unfold naturally.

It brings me joy to…

balance family life, work, and spending time with my friends.If I weren’t doing what I’m doing today, I’d probably… work with people, or perhaps be a hobby actor or sing in a choir. It would need to involve performance or some form of communication.

A person (or persons) who inspires me is…

women like Kate Winslet or Pamela Anderson. They are powerful examples of standing up in a world that often judges women primarily by their appearance. I find inspiration in women like them who assert themselves in industries that evaluate women by such superficial standards.

I’m most excited to…

share life with my child and everything that comes with it - giving her moments of wonder and showing her all the amazing things this world has to offer.

Your favorite country or city…

beyond Denmark, I’ve fallen in love with Mexico and, more recently, Brazil, which we visited. My boyfriend is from Brazil, and seeing my daughter’s features reflected in the people on the streets was an amazing experience.

The country I’m excited to return to or visit…

is always Mexico! There was a time when I wasn’t hosting Paradise Hotel, and I decided to try to recreate the Mexican sunset at home. The result is the curtains and the round lamp in our living room.

On Saturdays, you’ll catch me at…

at one of the city’s many playgrounds, and afterward I usually go to Union Kitchen just around the corner.

Favorite way to spend a date night…

For us, that usually means going to a concert or a party at friends’ - anything where we can go out and do something together.

Favorite way to treat yourself…

A spa day or massage - it’s the best.