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Miami Living: Given your vast experience in luxury real estate development, what makes The Ritz-Carlton Residences, South Beach stand out compared to other high-end residential projects you’ve worked on? What sets this particular project apart? Dayssi Kanavos: The Ritz-Carlton Residences, South Beach, stands out for several reasons, but perhaps most notably, it’s the rarity of beachfront property that makes it so exceptional. Located on the last developable parcel along Billionaire Row, this project offers a truly rare opportunity. These residences are what I like to call ‘beach houses in the sky.’ Positioned right at the water’s edge, they offer an unprecedented level of integration between indoor and outdoor living. With only 30 exclusive residences, designed by the renowned Alessandro Munge, this is not just a luxury building—it’s a sanctuary of sophistication and privacy. And, of course, being partnered with the legendary Ritz-Carlton ensures that residents experience unparalleled service and a lifestyle of true five-star luxury. Miami Living: Flag Luxury has been involved in numerous iconic developments, including the Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. How has your past work in cities like New York and Las Vegas influenced the design and development philosophy for The Ritz-Carlton Residences in South Beach? Dayssi Kanavos: Our experience in cities like New York and Las Vegas has significantly shaped the development philosophy behind The Ritz-Carlton Residences, South Beach. Given that many new residents to Miami are relocating from the Northeast, we’ve leveraged our understanding of their preferences and lifestyle. For instance, many of the residences are designed to open directly into a private vestibule off the elevator, offering a sense of exclusivity similar to the renowned co-ops in New York City. While residents from places like NYC are accustomed to the vibrancy and energy of the city, they often seek a serene, private retreat when they return home. In South Beach, we’ve created a sanctuary that provides peace and privacy, while also allowing residents to enjoy the dynamic surroundings and exceptional hotel amenities that come with the Ritz-Carlton brand. Miami Living: The merger between The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach and the Sagamore Hotel is a significant undertaking. Could you share more about the vision behind this merger and how you see the two properties complementing each other once the redevelopment is complete? Dayssi Kanavos: From the outset of developing The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, we always had our eye on the Sagamore Hotel. In fact, we attempted to purchase it a couple of times because we recognized the growing demand for Ritz-Carlton’s unparalleled service, which outpaced the number of rooms we could offer. At the same time, we saw a clear need for larger suite configurations to meet our guests’ desires for more spacious accommodations. The redevelopment of the Sagamore will involve transforming 110 rooms into approximately 55 luxurious suites, offering the expansive space our clients expect. Our vision is to create a seamless experience for our guests, where they check in at The Ritz-Carlton, and are effortlessly transferred to the Sagamore through an elevated bridge connector. We’re also committed to honoring Sagamore’s rich legacy as a destination for art lovers.