Though Lorena Durán has now made three appearances in the SI Swimsuit issue, we still can’t get over her very first feature in the magazine.

In 2020, the model accompanied photographer Josie Clough to Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands for a stunning photoshoot among the palms. “For me, it’s paradise,” the Spanish model said of the location while on set.

While working with the SI Swim rookie, the team had the chance to catch up with her about her take on strength and beauty.

“Strength is not listening to or being defined by others,” she said. “It’s always knowing I can do what I set out to accomplish.” The 29-year-old’s strength was certainly on display during that first photoshoot, as well as during her following two SI Swim features in Montenegro and Puerto Rico.

When it comes to her values, Durán was confident in her beliefs. “I strongly believe in myself, always working hard, positive energy and always being true to who I am,” she said. She certainly brought both hard work and positive energy to the set, laughing and dancing on the beach during the photoshoot.

With regards to her thoughts on beauty, the model was likewise confident in her answer. “Beauty comes in many different forms,” she said. “It should not be defined.”

Durán was a quintessential example of beauty during her SI Swim debut. Below are eight stunning photos of the model in Scrub Island.