BY LUCY COHEN BLATTER | MARCH 23, 2020
Vladislav Doronin is an international investor and real estate developer focused on luxury residential, commercial and hospitality properties with a global business portfolio that spans Europe, Asia and the U.S.
Mr. Doronin, 57, is the founder of real estate development firm Capital Group, which has developed more than 71 projects around the world; chairman and CEO of OKO Group, a U.S.-based company currently developing residential and commercial sites in Miami and redeveloping the Crown Building at 57th and Fifth Avenue; as well as the owner, chairman and CEO of preeminent resort brand Aman.
Aman counts among its collection 38 hotels in 22 countries. And projects in the pipeline include Aman New York in Manhattan; Aman Kyoto, Aman’s third destination in Japan; and Amanvari, the first Aman destination in Mexico.
We caught up with Mr. Doronin to discuss the importance of top-notch service, the increased desire for wellness amenities among all types of buyers, and more.
Mansion Global: Describe your dream property.
Vladislav Doronin: Currently, where I am in my life, it’s impossible to pick one dream property. If I may have two, I would choose one in a sunny climate on a waterfront with expansive views over the water and another in the center of a buzzing metropolis, in a beautiful, serviced-building with extensive amenities, but also with views over nature; a park for example.
MG: What does luxury mean to you?
VD: Luxury for me is excellent service; when everything runs smoothly, and I don’t need to be personally involved in the process. Because I am so involved with my businesses every day, luxury for me is relaxation, comfort and outstanding service.
MG: What area do you think is the next hub for luxury properties?
VD: Manhattan’s property market is cyclical, but in the long run it will always at least keep its value.
Miami is a hot spot because of its favorable tax laws, a lot of individuals and companies are moving there from New York and other high-tax states. Plus, its sunny weather and climate are very attractive, and all just a short two-and-a-half-hour flight away from New York.
MG: What’s the biggest surprise in the luxury real estate market now?
VD: The growing demand for the best amenities, not just checking the boxes but designing and delivering facilities that can compare with the top hospitality properties that these residents are visiting around the world. We made this a real focus of our residential buildings in Miami, and we are even incorporating the philosophy into our new office building project, 830 Brickell. We will, of course, continue this tradition at Aman New York as well. There is now a global appetite for resort-worthy amenities.
MG: What’s your favorite part of your home?
VD: At my home in Miami, it’s the view over the water and a beautiful garden. Even though Miami is a busy city I feel far away from the noise, I feel peace and privacy on the water and a connection to nature.
At my home designed by Zaha Hadid, the Capital Hill Residence, it’s the view over the treetops from the balcony of the master suite. Even though I have neighbors, I feel total privacy and have an unobstructed view over the treetops and the Moscow City skyline on the horizon.
My favorite aspect across my homes is the view and the connection with nature. I truly believe there are many positive benefits to being able to wake up and see a beautiful view. It’s restorative; I feel peaceful and energized.
MG: What best describes the theme to your home and why?
VD: Private and peaceful. Each of my homes is designed to my specifications, whether it is Zaha Hadid’s deconstructivism or Jacque Grange’s simple elegance, they are all highly specified, peaceful sanctuaries.
MG: What’s the most valuable thing in your home?
VD: Besides my family, I have a few drawings by El Lissitzky I consider to be very valuable. Although they are worth significantly less than other works in my collection, these are some of the first pieces in my art collection and I could never give these up.
MG: What’s the most valuable amenity to have in a home right now?
VD: Wellness amenities; expansive gyms, swimming pools, steam rooms, hot and cold plunge pools, massage and meditation rooms. No matter what someone does for a living or what their personality is like, everyone is interested in improving their health and wellbeing.
MG: What’s your best piece of real estate advice?
VD: Analyze the proposition properly, but also trust your gut instinct.
MG: If you had a choice of living in a new development or a prime resale property, which would you choose and why?
VD: I would choose a new development so that I can customise it to my spec and taste. The newest buildings have the most up-to-date MEP [mechanical, electrical and plumbing], IT and security.
MG: What area currently has the best resale value?
VD: Property in a city with a waterfront view. It must have interesting architecture and the best amenities. There is very little waterfront land left to develop, particularly in Miami. The market will always have its fluctuations, but long-term the lack of new inventory that can be built along the water will create lots of additional value for these homes.
Read the full article here: https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/trust-your-gut-when-it-comes-to-real-estate-says-property-developer-and-chairman-of-aman-resorts-213295
