See How This South Beach Doyenne Is Shaking Up Miami’s Social Scene in the New Year

Ximena Caminos is a woman on a mission. “I’m trying to create Miami’s new version of the iconic Raleigh hotel pool,” the Argentine-born curator explains from the courtyard of her latest glamorous lifestyle project, the Blue Heron Ocean Society. Launching in early 2019, the hotel and members-only club carves out an urban oasis in South Beach by uniting two historic Art Deco hotels on 200 feet of beachfront. Caminos, fresh off her success spearheading the creation of the Faena Forum, a sculptural Rem Koolhaas–designed event space and amphitheater, joined forces with developer Eric Hadar to construct what he describes as “not just another tourist hotel.”

Ximena Caminos. Photo: Eduardo Rezende

From an on-site art gallery called the Honey Lab to an extensive holistic wellness program, Blue Heron goes well beyond offering your typical resort amenities—even providing a philanthropic component with its partnership with the Ocean Preservation Society, which raises awareness of environmental threats to Miami’s coastline. Buzzy touches include a restaurant by Juan Santa Cruz and enviably fashionable uniforms by Nicola Formichetti.

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And for that perfect Instagram-worthy moment, Caminos has commissioned a vibrant mural painted by artist Michael Lin that connects not just one but two swimming pools. Now, that’s how you make a splash. 

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2018 Winter Issue under the headline Deep Dive. Subscribe to the magazine.