Winter 2017 Issue of Design Destination Magazine

Winter 2017

THE BRISTOL PANAMA AN URBAN RETREAT

PANAMA

BEYOND THE CANAL

JW MARRIOTT PANAMA A TROPICAL OASIS

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Winter 2017

Editor-in-Chief Franz E. Buchhalter

Writers Edmundo Ruano Cynthia P. Howland Franz Buchhalter

Managing Editor Cynthia P. Howland

Letter from our editor As we begin a new year, we must celebrate our accomplishments and successes in 2016 and welcome the new opportunities that will be presented in 2017. We also take the opportunity to reflect upon, and to remember the many memorable experiences that will always stay with us.

As we say good bye to 2016, and hello to 2017 we must focus on the things that are important to us- our families, our friends and the fulfillment of our goals.

Graphic Designer Werner Buchhalter Jr.

We are also featuring Viola Davis in our American Legends section, a magnificent actress whom I consider to be one of our national treasures.

We hope that you enjoy our issue and as always, we welcome your opinions and comments.

Until our next issue …”Go and See the World!”

In this issue, we are presenting Panama in all its glory and feature two new luxury destinations.

We are proud to welcome The Bristol Panama and its sister resort property the JW Marriott Panama in Buenaventura to our portfolio of fine properties. We also welcome Lush Travel, a luxury DMC in Panama known for the exceptional and personalized service they provide.

We feature Guatemala through the lens of Scotty Graham, and Venice as a reflection of Rodrigo Noguera, a long time friend whose passion is to travel and to explore myriad cultures worldwide.

Our Cover

Our cover features Las Polleras, the typical Panamanian woman’s costume which is decorated with fine fabrics, laden and embroidered with colorful details of flowers. These fabulous garments are worn on special occasions including national festivals.

Photo courtesy of the Panamanian Tourist office.

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Rodrigo Noguera is a travel aficionado / photographer and hotelier from Bogota, Colombia, who loves to capture moments of life, beauty and culture in his travels through photography. He is drawn to locations that have a rich cultural background.

Photos Venice - City of Mirages Page 34-39

Scotty Graham has been leading Dive Trips, Photo Tours, Photowalks, and Photography Workshops for the past 20 years. He is assisted by keen photographers/educators/ adventurers who are the best in the industry, and have the right attitude!

Fun is the name of the game. Why not enjoy some time off with likeminded people who enjoy photography and always take the “Last Flight Out�.

Photos Guatemala - Where Color was Born Pages 24-33 www.scottygraham.com 3

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Winter 2017

WHAT’S INSIDE 24

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Panama, Beyond the Canal The Bristol Panama, An Urban Retreat JW Marriott Panama, A Tropical Oasis Guatemala,Where Color was Born Venice, City of Mirages Summer in Winter, Best Place to Escape the Cold Viola Davis, An American Legend

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PANAMA BEYOND 6

THE CANAL 7

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Winter 2017

PANAMA BEYOND THE CANAL

Boasting a history that dates back more than five centuries, Panama is the bridge between North America and South America.

Discovered in 1519, Panama became one of the most important Spanish ports on the continent and remained so for centuries afterwards. Today, Panama is the key passage from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the masterful Panama Canal.

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DESIGN DESTINATIONS Winter 2017

Panama is much more than the mighty canal. The country offers a variety of options to delight any visitor. Rich with rainforests, coral reefs, highland canopies, and coastal mangroves Panama is one of the world’s most ecologically diverse countries.

Whether you have just a few days, or can enjoy a longer vacation, visiting The Old Quarter, exploring the modern city capital and taking a short hour flight to the nearby San Blas Islands is a must. A visit to the rainforest or to one of the many indigenous communities should be in your itinerary and of course, a trip to Panama could not be complete unless you visit the famous Canal - the bridge of the Americas.

Panama City Day Tour: Visit some of the most important landmarks including the iconic Panama Canal. Next stop Causeway de Amador, a set of four small islands by the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, where you will appreciate the Biomuseo designed by Frank Gehry as well as gorgeous views of the city.

Finally take a trip to the past in our last s t o p : C a s c o Vi e j o ( O l d Q u a r t e r ) .

Considered to be one of the city’s most charming locations; this amazing 16th century old quarter is full of historical landmarks, cobblestoned streets and bougainvillea filled plazas lined with restaurants, cafes and bars.

After exploring the city, take a short drive to a nearby beach resort and enjoy the endless white sand beaches in Buenaventura, located just a short drive from the city.

For more information on this and other tours visit www.lush-travel.com

O u r n e w p a r t n e r, L u s h Tr a v e l , recommends “A Taste of Panama” with is a great itinerary for first time visitors to this amazing destination.

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DESIGN DESTINATIONS Winter 2017

Visiting Panama, one of Latin America’s most progressive nations is a true discovery of a country that is rich with history, traditions, cultural and bio diversity, art, and folklore.

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Winter 2017

The Bristol Panama The Bristol Panama is located in the heart of the financial district surrounded by luxury shops and restaurants. With its classical, elegant and sophisticated decor, The Bristol Panama is the country’s only member of Leading Hotel of the World’s hotel.

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Named after a famous street in the city of Panama, Salsipuedes, The Bristol Panama’s restaurant features local cuisine with an intimate bar that shares the same name and offers its guests the opportunity to taste more than 100 international and local rums.

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Nestled amidst a modern and sophisticated city, The Bristol Hotel & Residences is the ultimate urban retreat in one of Latin America’s hottest destinations. The luxurious rooms and residences feature modern amenities decorated in warm colors, mahogany furnishings and beautiful textiles. The hotel features artwork from celebrated Latin American and Panamanian artists.

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JW MARRIOTT PANAMA A TROPICAL OASIS IN BUENAVENTURA PANAMA 18

Surrounded by tropical gardens, and miles of white sand beaches, the resort offers the ultimate vacation experience in Panama.

Reflecting the charm of a colonial-style hacienda, the resort features luxurious rooms, suites, and villas decorated with warm pastel colors and elegant furnishings.

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Every detail was created to provide guests with an unforgettable experience

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GUATEMALA - Where Color Was Born Photos by Scotty Graham 24

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The markets of Guatemala offer an incredible wealth of souvenirs and authentic handicrafts, but they also provide a spectacular setting for photography – the colorful stalls, where vegetables, fruit, and vibrant fabrics blend into a rainbowlike a symphony, a sight to behold.

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Antigua Guatemala has retained the integrity of its 16th-century design with countless churches and monasteries that serve as a testimonial to the influence of the Christian church, during the colonial period. The architecture of Antigua is known as Barroco AntigueĂąo ,which is a regional adaptation of the Baroque style. Antigua Guatemala is a Unesco Heritage site and today is a city full of art galleries, restaurants and trendy cafes.

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Lake Atitlan is a beautiful lake in the Western Highlands of Guatemala surrounded by volcanoes and ringed by small towns, some of which were named after the twelve apostles. The lake is about a three hour-drive from the capital and offers amazing views and idyllic weather.

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DESIGN DESTINATIONS Winter 2017

Guatemala - Where Color Was Born Everywhere you look, you will see a palette of colors from the flowers, to the textiles to the landscape of the highlands and valleys. Guatemala is a country that shares with its visitors the many faces of its people and their proud heritage. Visitors will be introduced to a range of colors when visiting the many markets and walking through the streets of colonial towns like Antigua Guatemala. Some colors are predominant in the Mayan culture like the red and the purple seen in many of the textiles of the costumes worn by the indigenous in their many towns.

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VENICE CITY OF MIRAGES PHOTOS BY RODRIGO NOGUERA

“Underneath day’s azure eyes, Ocean’s nursling, Venice, lies,— A peopled labyrinth of walls, Amphitrite’s destined halls, Which her hoary sire now paves With his blue and beaming waves. Lo! the sun up-springs behind, Broad, red, radiant, half reclined On the level quivering line Of the waters crystalline; And before that chasm of light, As within a furnace bright, Column, tower, and dome, and spire Shine like obelisks of fire, Pointing with inconstant motion From the altar of dark ocean To the sapphire-tinted skies; As the flames of sacrifice From the marble shrines did rise, As to pierce the dome of gold Where Apollo spoke of old. Sun-girt city! thou hast been Ocean’s child, and then his queen.” Percy Bysshe Shelley 34

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Spring 2015

“There is something so different in, Venice from any other place in, the world, that you leave at, once all accustomed habits and, everyday sights to enter an, enchanted garden.” Mary Shelley

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DESIGN DESTINATIONS Winter 2017

“It is the city of mirrors, the city of mirages, at once solid and liquid, at once air and stone.” Erica Jong

Few cities in the world can claim as priceless an art and history heritage as Venice. This of mirages and traditions.

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unique city with its magical, spectacular scenery is not just beautiful; it is a kaleidoscope

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DESIGN DESTINATIONS Winter 2017

SUMMER IN WINTER Best places to escape the cold

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Curaçao Curaçao is a destination to be rediscovered. The historical island offers an amazing luxurious resort: Baoase Luxury Resort with its own private crystal waters beach, 23 villas and suites and the best restaurant in all of Curaçao all just five minutes from Willemstad. Discover this unique destination and it’s barefoot elegance.

Rio Hato, Panama Just an hour and half from Panama City, the JW Marriott Golf & Beach Resort offers guests magnificent dining options, luxurious rooms and villas and miles of white sand beaches.

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Vietnam Vietnam is a place of contrasts, from beaches to historical sites, to Unesco Heritages jewels, home to friendly people, amazing cuisine, and some of the most interesting locales in the world. Vietnam is a place to explore and to absorb.

Once you visit Vietnam, you will never be the same.

San Blas, Panama The San Blas Islands of Panama is an archipelago comprising approximately 365 islands and cays, of which only 49 are inhabited. They lie off the north coast of the Isthmus of Panama, east of the Panama Canal.

Explore these island in the comfort of a private yacht.

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DESIGN DESTINATIONS Winter 2017

Dubai Dubai is a country that is constantly reinventing itself. The latest addition is Palazzo Versace, featuring luxurious rooms and suites with views of the beautiful Dubai Creek. The urban resort features worldclass dining, an amazing spa and three beautiful swimming pools.

The Bristol Panama An urban retreat in one of Latin America’s hottest destination.

The Bristol is located in one of the city’s most elegant districts surrounded by great restaurants and shops and it features a relaxing spa and two unique dining options. The Bristol Panama is a great opportunity to explore the many tour options that the city has to offer.

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Grand Isle Resort Located in Great Exuma, in the Bahamas, Grand Isle Resort is surrounded by white sand beaches, and features one to four bedroom villas providing all the amenities to make guests feel at home. Swim with the famous Exuma pigs, or just explore the island and discover the true Bahamian experience.

SEVEN OPTIONS TO ESCAPE THE COLD WINTER This winter trade the cold of the winter for amazing experiences, from white sand beaches in the Bahamas, to the historical and vibrant Curacao, to the endless opportunities to explore Panama, the bridge of the Americas, to the sand dunes of Dubai to unique and exciting Vietnam. This winter explore a world of possibilities.

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DESIGN DESTINATIONS Winter 2017

“That's why I do what I do, and that's why I wanted to be an actress from the time I was six years old. If I can't effectively move people, then I would prefer not to do it”

Viola Davis

VIOLA DAVIS - AN AMERICAN LEGEND Viola Davis is an American producer and actress of stage, screen, and television. A graduate from the Juilliard School, Viola began her career on stage where she won an Obie Award in 1999 for her performance as Ruby McCollum in Everybody's Ruby. She played several supporting and minor roles in many films and television series before making a break through in the original production of King Hedley II which earned her a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress.

Viola Davis received international acclaimed for her performance in the film Doubt were she portrayed the mother of an abused child, this role earned a Golden Globe, SAG, and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In 2010 she won her second Tony for best Actress for her role as Rose Maxson in the revival of Fences. Ms. Davis received received a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and an Academy Award nominations for Best Actress, and won a SAG Award for her performance in the 2011 movie The Help.

Ms. Davis’ popularity increased when she starred in the TV series How to Get Away with Murder and most recently for her role opposite Denzel Washington in the screen version of Fences.

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ON OUR NEXT ISSUE

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DESIGN DESTINATIONS Winter 2017

Design Destinations Magazine is a quarterly publication produced by Buchhalter International Group For previous issues please visit our website

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