Style Sophisticate

Miami offers many different styles of second homes and vacation rentals, but before Debora Aguiar, "Eco-Luxe" design was not one of them.

Her approach worked. The award-winning 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach, located in the hip Collins Park neighborhood, is a LEED-certified property, blending natural and sustainable elements with noble materials and modern technology. Aguiar implements reused wood, metal, marble, and ample natural light while also incorporating living greens and plants throughout her properties — which grace various coveted locales throughout the world.

“Whenever I can, I take nature into the environments, whether in pots or plants, green panels, vertical gardens, or flower boxes,” Aguiar says. From luxury hotels and corporate buildings to private residences, she has completed projects in Belize, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Angola, Switzerland, South Africa, Canada, and the Middle East. Her aesthetic is a natural in Miami, thus she’s recently finished the fourth phase of the Hyde Beach hotel and the Hyde Beach House.

Due to her global reach, Aguiar’s process is different for each project. Though she’s regarded for sophistication and eco-luxe style — she has more than 250,000 followers on Instagram and has received countless design awards — she says that her commanding approach is “simplicity in the preservation of nature and its surroundings.”

She’s continually inspired by travel, people, and reading. Sculpture, art, and installations are site-specific and considered integral to any design under her purview.

And how does a South American manage multiple builds in separate time zones? “Nowadays there are no borders, everything is connected, and distances practically do not exist, with the speed of information and the existing connection,” says Aguiar.

For the 1 Hotel & Homes, the integration of the Atlantic Ocean and beachfront was vital to the design, with an ethereal, fresh color palette and natural,textured materials, from wall coverings to furniture. The luxury penthouses capitalize on views of the ocean, Indian Creek, and South Beach. The Club’s three-bedroom, energy-efficient vacation residences feature oversized windows, sliding glass doors, and private balconies overlooking the sea. Additional features include a Bosch washer and dryer, three large bathrooms with vanities created by Italkraft, and custom kitchens with stainless steel appliances by Sub-Zero and Bosch.

After 25 years in the design world, Aguiar continues to extend into new destinations, contributing her signature touch to welcoming neighborhoods. “The world of architecture is fascinating,” she says. “It is unique, stimulating, extravagant, and exclusive. Each day is different, each project has its peculiarities. At each completed stage, I confirm to myself that I am on the right path.”

Stay

The Club’s three-bedroom residences at Starwood’s forward-thinking eco-brand, 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach, boast everything from Tesla service to rooftop daybeds. Located in the heart of South Beach, the acclaimed luxury hotel is a beachfront property and just steps from Miami’s best restaurants and shopping.

Residences: 3 | Bedrooms: 3 | Bathrooms: 3-3.5 | Sleeps: 6

BEST IN BRUNCH

BACHOUR

This decadent bakery by Chef Antonio, Bachour, is well worth the scenic drive from 1 Hotel & Homes to Coral Gables. Expect a savory display of nearly every croissant imaginable, or opt for the Spanish eggs, crafted with Pata Negra ham.

STILTSVILLE FISH BAR

Tucked along Miami Beach’s Purdy Avenue, Stiltsville is a taste of the beach—think smoked oysters and rosé before noon (yum!). Or, kickstart your weekend with the crab truffle omelet made with lump crab meat and black truffle cheese.

NO. 3 SOCIAL ROOFTOP BAR & LOUNGE

A main reason to visit the design-forward Wynwood district? The tasty outpost, No. 3 Social. Stake your claim on the rooftop and breeze into a Miami Sunday with the restaurant’s signature avocado toast.