Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos is the co-founder, President, and COO of Flag Luxury Group, a boutique real estate development firm specialising in luxury hotels and experiential retail centres. With a portfolio that includes the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, and Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad hotel and residences, her work blends refined design with a deep commitment to community engagement and cultural enrichment. Beyond real estate, Dayssi is a passionate advocate for women in business and the arts, as well as a dedicated member of The Cultivist.

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, is an official sponsor of Art Basel Miami 2024 and leads several art initiatives, including 'Women in the Spotlight,’ which celebrates female artists. Kicking off Miami Art Week is the unveiling of As her hands move, her heart beats in the rhythm of monsoons, a site-specific commission for the hotel’s lobby by female artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, who is the recipient of the Bank of America Artadia Award.

Join us for a conversation with Dayssi as she shares her tips for navigating Miami Art Week and her aspirations for the art initiatives at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach:

What moment at the upcoming 'Women in the Spotlight' are you most excited for?

I’m excited for Amanda’s arrival to The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach – as our Artist in Residence – and to see her install the piece in person. Witnessing the creation of art is a very special and intimate experience for both the artist and the viewer. In her words:

'My practice channels loss and disconnection into portals of renewal and repair. I create living monuments that serve as liminal spaces for audiences to reclaim, rebuild, and restore through participation and communion. Weaving together gifted stories, artefacts, and wisdom, I shape expansive spaces of softness and wonder where new seeds can be planted.'

What impact do you believe the 'Women in the Spotlight’ initiative will have on the local art community?

We are allowing free access to the public so that the community at large will be able to enjoy the work and experience it first-hand. Showcasing accessible art for all to enjoy is an important part of our initiatives.

Amanda’s artist statement voices this priority well from her own perspective: 'Through participatory works that transform everyday actions into powerful statements of reclamation, I not only represent but actively engage with contemporary societal issues. My work contends with the fragments of inheritance we all must piece together to find wholeness in a sea of grief and erasure. In doing so, I evoke the deepest sentiments of humanity, drawing audiences into a collective journey of restitution.'

How do you balance your responsibilities at Flag Luxury Group with your passion for the arts and community engagement?

Balancing my responsibilities as a luxury hotel developer with my passion for art and community engagement is both challenging and rewarding. My approach is to integrate both my professional and personal interests, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two.

I prioritise collaborations with my creative team, not just in hotel development, but also in curating art experiences that resonate with our guests. This involves working with curators to commission artists for installations or exhibitions in our hotels, allowing us to support the art community while enhancing our guest experience. By doing so, I can share my passion for art within the very spaces I help to create, fostering an environment that inspires both our guests and staff.

I also make it a point to engage with the local community through art-focused initiatives. This includes collaborating with local organisations to participate in art walks, workshops, and events.

I dedicate time each week to visit galleries, attend shows, and simply appreciate new artwork, ensuring that my passion remains at the forefront of my life. This not only fuels my creativity but also keeps me connected to the very elements that inspire my work in hospitality.

What is your favourite hidden gem in South Beach for art lovers?

Nestled in the heart of South Beach is the Bass Museum of Art. Housed in a beautiful Art Deco building originally constructed in 1930, The Bass combines historical charm with modern aesthetics with a focus on global contemporary art reflecting the spirit and international character of Miami Beach. Its size allows for a more intimate art experience without feeling overwhelmed by a huge footprint.

How would you spend your perfect evening in South Beach during Miami Art Week?

For first timers to South Beach, I would start with an early evening stroll through the Miami Beach Art Deco District. Illuminated art deco signs and historic architecture create a striking backdrop to the sunset. You can continue your stroll on the beach walk to enjoy the many extraordinary installations along the way. Stop at one of the only beachfront restaurants in the area, DiLido Beach Club, to sip cocktails and enjoy light bites by Chef José Andrés. If you want to be away from the crowds, one of my favourite spots for an intimate dinner is the outdoor garden at Casa Tua.

Where are your favourite local spots for eating, drinking and shopping?

My favourite destination for shopping locally in South Beach is definitely The Webster, which is housed in an historic art deco building. The owner, Laure Hériard Dubreuil, who grew up in Paris, mixes top luxury brands with emerging brands ready for discovery. Some of my dinner favourites include little restaurants like Intimo South of Fifth and Stiltesville in Sunset Harbor – the latter of which is owned by beloved local Chef Janine Booth and Jeff McGinnis. I’m also a big fan of Greek and Mediterranean food, so I make sure to fit in a lunch or dinner at Chef José Andrés’ Zaytinya.

Where do you like to unwind after a busy day at art fairs and exhibitions?

After a day full of art, I always make my way back to The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach and head to a bed on the beach. Nothing feels better than walking in the sand barefoot and feeling the cool ocean water. I order a fresh coconut milk in its own coconut to replenish the electrolytes that I used up throughout the day and enjoy the beach breezes.