Design Destinations Magazine Special Edition: Dream & Travel! by Franz E. Buchhalter

Special Edition 2020

CARAVELLE

In The Heart of Saigon

INTERCONTINENTAL MALDIVES Maldives’ Newest Luxury Resort

IBAGARI

The Art of Living

CASA PALOPÓ

Set in one of the World’s Most Beautiful Lakes

PIMALAI RESORT & SPA Koh Lanta’s Secret Sanctuary

SIMBA SAFARIS

Creating Memories in Tanzania

THE ANAM

Defining Luxury in Vietnam’s Southern Coast

INTERCONTINENTAL PHUKET Ten Reasons to Visit Phuket

74 Dream and Plan!

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 8

Pimalai Resort & Spa Koh Lanta, Thailand

Casa Palopo Lake Atitlan Guatemala

INSIDE

Caravelle Hotel Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

InterContinental Maldives Raa Atoll, Maldives

Ibagari Roatan, HN

The Anam Cam Ranh, Vietnam

InterContinental Phuket Thailand

365Travel Indochine

Simba Safaris Tanzania

Our world took an unexpected turn and the world as we knew it changed in a moment. Suddenly we were faced with a challenge beyond our comprehension. Our travels stopped, our destinations closed, and we all learned to live in seclusion. But we all know that this is not going to be forever. We are, after all, lovers of travel and we are resilient. Rest assured, we will rise stronger and wiser. We decided to do this special issue of Design Destinations Magazine to showcase our luxury destination experiences which are located all over the world. Each one of them is preparing to reopen and to welcome guests. Each one has adapted to the current situation and has taken this time to conduct trainings with their teams, make enhancements and developed special programs to make their guests feel safe. Please know that they are ready and will welcome you and your guests when you are ready. After all, traveling is more than just going places - is about creating memories. We hope you enjoy this issue and as always, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to hear from you. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dream and plan our next trip and discover new places. The world is full of experiences waiting to be discovered! Franz E Buchhalter

Editor in Chief: Managing Editor:

Franz E Buchhalter Cynthia P. Howland

Design Destinations Magazine is a publication by Buchhalter International Group, Inc. Head Office: 9121 SW 140th Street, Miami, Florida 33176 Tel: 305 484 1012 buchhalterinternationalgroup.com Cover: InterContinental Maldives

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

LETTER FROM OUR EDITOR

DREAM AND PLAN!

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

PIMALAI RESORT & SPA Koh Lantaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Secret Sanctuary

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

Located in the tranquil island of Lanta on the southern part of Thailand, you will find the magnificent resort of Pimalai, a beautiful and amazing retreat nestled in lush tropical surroundings. The 121 deluxe rooms, suites and villas resort offers its guests the opportunity to experience world renowned Thai hospitality while enjoying luxurious accommodations. The resort features ocean views, and beachfront deluxe accommodations that include one, two and three bedroom villas, all with private pools and unobstructed views of the ocean; three world-class restaurants; a spa that puts you in touch with nature while you enjoy a classic Thai treatment.

Each luxury room, suite and villa boasts ample living space, both indoors and out. Enjoy the sunsets and sunrises from the privacy of your oceanfront deck, dine under the stars or simply refresh yourself in the private swimming pool of your villa.

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

Pimalai Resort & Spaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three restaurants offer guests delightful international cuisine, and they can enjoy the many flavors of Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditional delights in three distinctive atmospheres.

Choose from an array of delicacies from across Thailand at the beachfront restaurant. Enjoy world famous cuisine and exotic fruit and juices or experience a refreshing cocktail in this idyllic setting before and after a day in the sun.

Begin your evening in an elegant setting with a glass of wine while the sunset takes over the evening in the Seven Seas restaurant. The chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creations, highlighting local catches and signature dishes will delight you as you end another amazing day.

Experience the riches of Koh Lanta in luxurious style. Set sail on a private boat, dive untouched reefs, or explore a deserted island. Immerse yourself in cultural sensations both on our island and further ashore. The five-star PADI Dive Center offers an unrivaled reputation for highest quality personal service, and experienced dive guides well versed in the area to make your dive experience truly memorable. Koh Lanta offers many alternative options for day excursions, from a shopping tour in a local market to a ride in one of the intuitive three wheel motorcycles called Tuk-Tuk or a tour of the nearby Krabi. Koh Lanta is known for its lush and tropical setting and for the many beautiful beaches.

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020 The underwater is spectacular with whale shark and manta ray sightings, vibrant reefs, abundant marine life and easy access to some of the region’s most famous dive sites. There’s a range of sites accessible from Koh Lanta to suit all levels. There are wall dives, pinnacle dives, wrecks and lagoons, and deeper open ocean sites for the experienced divers.

Learn to cook your favorite Thai dishes, experience the exotic herbs and spices that make Thai cuisine one of the world’s culinary delights!! At Pimalai Resort & Spa the cooking class is a must. Let the chef guide you through the herb garden as you select the ingredients needed to prepare the famous tum yun goon soup or the pad thai noodles. The experience is amazing and a great opportunity to increase your menu to impress your friends when you return home.

CASA PALOPÓ Set on one of the world’s most beautiful lakes.

Photo: Al Argueta

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

Secluded in the highlands of Guatemala, and nestled on one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, you will find Casa Palopó, a retreat of elegance, history and tradition. Casa Palopó was originally built as a private home, and later turned into a boutique hotel, offering guests a peaceful and beautifully unexpected ambiance with views of one of the world’s most beautiful lakes. Lake Atitlán sits in the highlands of Guatemala and is surrounded by twelve charming indigenous villages, each named after an apostle. Casa Palopó, a Relais & Chateaux property, features fifteen deluxe rooms and suites and a magnificent three - bedroom Villa, all with amazing views of the lake and three majestic volcanoes. Each accommodation is elegantly decorated with hand woven textiles depicting the Mayan culture. The rooms serve as frames for original art work by Guatemalan artists, giving the guests a wonderful sense of place. Every piece of furniture has been carefully selected from local artisans to represent the locale. Villa Palopó, is the ultimate in luxury at Casa Palopó. The threebedroom villa offers an intimate setting including a private infinity pool with unobstructed views of the lake. Dining at Casa Palopó on the open terrace “6.8 Palopo” will provide guests with a world-class culinary experience that blends local favors and ingredients creating a menu sure to delight everyone in an elegant and rustic atmosphere surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery. For a more romantic evening setting, guests can dine in the interior of the restaurant decorated with soft lighting, hanging colorful candelabras and delicate linens. Casa Palopó is about a three hour drive from the Capital City of Guatemala and the drive takes guests through a series of colorful villages and panoramic views of the Guatemalan highlands. Guatemala’s weather is as desirable as the scenery, with an average of 70 degrees year round, and is the ideal place to reconnect and to experience something different and amazing.

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Casa Palopó Executive Chef Marcela Jongezoon shares one of the guest’s favorite dessert recipes: Rice Pudding

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020 Casa PalopĂłâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rice Pudding INGREDIENTS: 4 cups of water 1/2 cup of white rice 1 cinnamon stick 2 cloves 4 tsp. Of sugar 1 can of evaporated milk 1 can of condensed milk Pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS : Step 1. Pour the condensed milk in the pressure cooker for 45 minutes or in a regular pot for 4 hours to make dulce de leche. Step 2. On another pot boil water with the cinnamon stick and the cloves for 20 minutes. Step 3. Pour the rice into the pot and boil for 15 minutes. Step 4. Add sugar and evaporated milk. Boil for 20 minutes.

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

CARAVELLE HOTEL IIN THE HEART OF SAIGON

Located in the city center, the hotel is a short walk to iconic landmarks and locations, such as the Saigon Municipal Theatre, also known as the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, historic Dong Khoi Street, modern Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and the legendary Ben Thanh Market. While much of what lies at the heart of Caravelle Saigon is historic, its rooms are modern and luxurious, making it the ideal place to make your own history in one of the most enchanting cities in the world.

The room decor reflects the history of Saigon adapted to the expectations of the modern traveller without losing the essence of what makes this hotel a significant landmark in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history.

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

Presidential Suite

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

#WE Campaign For the past few weeks, our Opera Wing building lit with the word #WE Campaign conveys more unity and intimacy than any other pronouns in English and that is why #WE has been used as the first word in our coronavirus recovery strategy. Caravelle believes there is no better word to be shown as a message of hope on the hotel’s façade than the word “#WE”. • WE are all in this together, and together we can make it through! • #WE Campaign, is what we have made the foremost strategy in devising all our policies and procedures during this challenging time. • WE are in full support of the preventative actions the city as put in place. • WE are confident that we will come back stronger as a community. If you would like to support our message of hope, please consider: 1) Sharing our Facebook post at the link: bit.ly/Wecampaignshare 2) Applying our Caravelle #WE frame for your Facebook profile by using the link: bit.ly/ Wecampaignframe

Club Lounge

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

INTERCONTINENTAL MALDIVES MAAMUNAGAU RESORT

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DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020 Dream Now, Travel Later. The Maldives Awaits! You may not be traveling at the moment, but allow us to inspire you and offer some positivity to support your wellbeing during this time. Follow our social media channels: Instagram @InterContinental_Maldives and Facebook @InterContinentalMaldives for some travel and wellness inspirations. When booking your next Maldives getaway with us, you will have the freedom to choose a more flexible rate options for when plans change. For more information of our current offers, please visit our website: www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email us at reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com We are here when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready.

IBAGARI The Art of Living

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020 Each room and suite features artwork from world-renowned Central American artists. The furnishings are custom made utilizing local woods and textiles.

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

Ibagariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature restaurant Luna Muna is considered the islands best dining option and it is frequented by locals as well as guests from other hotels. Guests of the hotel have a reserved table every night.

THE ANAM

DEFINING LUXURY IN VIETNAMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SOUTHERN COAST

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

The Anam is located on Northern Cam Ranh Peninsula, just 20 minutes from Cam Ranh International Airport, and 30 minutes from Nha Trang City, one of Vietnam’s iconic beach destinations. It is easily accessible by road, rail or air, just an hours flight from Ho Chi Minh City and an hour and a half from the city of Hanoi. The resort boasts over 300 meters of beach on one of the world’s most beautiful bays. There are stunning views across the ocean and its islands to the east and the rugged jungle clad mountains to the west. With warm tropical breezes, swaying palms, and the ocean literally at the doorstep, The Anam’s signature designed villas, nestle harmoniously into the surrounds. It is as close to paradise as one can find.

The resort features 117 villas ranging in size from over 500 square feet to over 2600 square feet. All of the accommodations are light and airy and feature kingsized and twin beds in the center of the bedroom, hardwood finishes from sustainably cultivated forests, and customized mosaic floor tiles, creating an atmosphere of old-world elegance.

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

In addition to the Villas, guests can enjoy the comfort of the Anam Deluxe Collection which features 96 rooms and suites in the five-floor hotel building, all with access to the gardens or a balcony.

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

The luxurious Sri Mara Spa, was named after the first Cham leader of the time whose people arrived from Bali centuries ago. At The Anam this concept is consciously incorporated into the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Indochine philosophy.

Guests at The Anam enjoy some of Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beautiful ocean views. The sunrises bring hues of orange and yellow and the sunsets inspire different shades of blue and tangerine making these two experiences memorable.

InterContinental Phuket is located in Kamala Beach known as Phuket's Millionaireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mile, the place for luxury hotels and villas. Located just north of the sights and sounds of Patong Beach, Kamala Beach is a quieter, secluded stretch of sand positioned within a well- enclosed bay and fishing village surrounded by forested hills, but also within reach of Phuket's entertainment areas and major tourist activities.

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

TEN REASONS TO VISIT PHUKET

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

Furnished in an elegant blend of rich and earthy tones, InterContinental Phuket Resort’s collection of 223 rooms, suites and villas feature Ocean, Lagoon, or Mountain views. Live the ‘InterContinental Life’ in all its glamour in these meticulously designed escapes. With a special layout, they are enlivened with subtle Thai design and a host of lavish amenities.

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020 Beyond the sun, sand and sea, newly-opened InterContinental Phuket Resort presents ten more compelling reasons to visit the popular Thai destination. A beloved tropical paradise familiar to discerning travelers, InterContinental Phuket Resort complements the island’s appeal with additional insights and travel tips. From locally immersive experiences to natural attractions, InterContinental Phuket Resort serves as a luxurious sanctuary while explorers discover the island in a refreshing light. After an active day, travelers can indulge their senses with Romantic Escape (price starting from THB 7,650++ per night) to complete their enriching Phuket Island adventure. A new landmark on Kamala Beach, InterContinental Phuket Resort adds glamour to the prestigious “Millionaire’s Beach”. Strategically located to capture Phuket’s best sunsets, Pine Beach Bar transforms into a social enclave. Wind down with delicious cocktails, refreshing craft ciders and artisanal Gin & Tonics concocted by the resort’s master mixologist and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze with loved ones. On weekend evenings, watch the sleepy streets of Old Phuket Town burst to life as a myriad of street hawkers set up shop on the beautifully renovated Thalang Road. The Night Market is a wonderful opportunity for guests to discover southern Thai culinary specialties and local handicrafts as they create exciting new memories together. After long hours of standing, guests can relax at the spacious InterContinental Ocean View room, boasting serene views of the ocean or venture out to the expansive Club InterContinental® Lounge. The signature lounge features an impressive unobtrusive butler service, a second-floor beach vista frontage as well as an infinity pool for guests looking to get a relaxing evening’s swim. Families with little ones can look forward to Planet Trekkers Kids Club, the resort’s fully-supervised junglethemed hideout filled with safe and interactive activities ideal for junior adventurers. After working up an appetite, the young and young-at-heart can head to Jaras for an inspiring Modern Thai feast, perfectly paired with heartfelt Thai service. All ingredients at Jaras are sustainably sourced from local fishermen and farmers.

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Live The InterContinental Life – the glamour and exhilaration of Phuket as a fascinating destination mixed with enchanted forest décor and local cultural immersion. The iconic resort serves as a luxurious sanctuary enhanced by exquisite hospitality services true to The InterContinental brand promise globally trusted by our discerning guests. Located in the centre of Phuket Island surrounded by forested hills and the prestigious beachfront of Kamala within close proximity to Phuket's entertainment hub and major tourist attractions. Where Luxury Meets Legend - Each abode is inspired by the oldest Thai Legend, ‘Traibhumikatha’ and ‘Himmaphan Forest’, where the mythical realm is brought to life in elegant yet contemporary interior design throughout the 221 rooms, suites and villas. Club InterContinental® and its exclusive privileges - The signature lounge features an impressive but unobtrusive butler service, a second-floor beach vista frontage as well as an infinity pool for guests looking to indulge in a relaxing evening swim. Sati Spa and Wellness® offers treatments and rituals deeply rooted in traditional Asian healing arts. Embark on a culinary journey inspired by the tastes and textures of Thailand as well as cuisines from around the world. Our selection of gourmet experiences includes Pinto, local marketplace-inspired dining venue; Jaras, signature contemporary Thai fine-dining restaurant and Pine, unrivaled sunset views and craft cocktails perfect for a relaxing evening. A wide range of land sports awaits on the hillside and along the Kamala beachfront as well as a variety of activities such as Thai Boxing, Yoga and beach walk meditation to name a few. Intercontinental Insider Collection is a specialized service to transform your meeting beyond the boardroom and offering one-of-a-kind local and inspirational experiences A Green Engage Hotel – with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, the hotel has implemented various initiatives to welcome guests in support of Phuket’s growing tourism economy.

For more information or enquiries, please contact our team at Tel: +66 (0) 76 629 999 Email:

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

TEN REASONS TO MEET AT INTERCONTINENTAL PHUKET RESORT

SIMBA SAFARIS CREATING MEMORIES SINCE 1969 IN TANZANIA Creating

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

Since 1969, Simba Safaris has offered visitors unique and amazing programs in Tanzania & Zanzibar. The luxury DMC knows this region and their programs provide unforgettable experiences of this amazing destination.

“If I ever seen magic, it has been in Africa” Ernest Hemingway

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

“It is not the mountain that we conquer, but ourselves” - Unknown.

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

DISCOVER VIETNAM WITH LUU TUAN ANH

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Many travelers have had the pleasure of visiting Vietnam and exploring what this fascinating country has to offer. 365Travel, a luxury DMC based in Vietnam offers tours across Vietnam but one in particular stands out from all the rest. This tour is conducted by Mr. Luu Tuan Anh or as he is known to westerners: “Arthur”. This amazing trip takes you on a different tour of Vietnam, one that was shared with him by his mother through her writings as one of Vietnam’s most famous modern poets. Xuân Quỳnh tragically died in a car accident in 1988 along her husband Lưu Quang Vũ, also a famous playwright and poet and Arthur’s 12 year old brother Lưu Quỳnh Thơ. Miss Xuan wrote "My Son's Childhood" in 1969, at the height of the Vietnam War and was honored posthumously in 1919. Ms. Xuan’s husband Lưu Quang Vũ was also posthumously awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize for his play “The Ninth Pledge.” Arthur is a small-framed intellectual and historian who specializes in Vietnamese history. His knowledge of Vietnam is a treat to those who join him in the rare tours of his beloved Vietnam. I had the pleasure of traveling with Arthur on my first trip to Vietnam in 2015 and enjoyed his many conversations and anecdotes of Vietnam. Today, Arthur offers a rare look of the culture of his country and his tour takes you to little-known places like a cafe made completely of recycled materials or to a home tucked in the tiny streets of Hanoi where he is welcomed by the owners as they share fascinating stories about their home and share a meal which guests help prepare and then later enjoy. I have been to Vietnam more than ten times in the last five years and have fallen in love with the people the culture and the food. It all started with the introduction of Arthur and his love for Vietnam. For this and other unique tours of Vietnam visit 365Travel at www.365travel.asia

DESIGN DESTINATIONS SPECIAL EDITION 2020

Design Destinations Magazine is a quarterly publication produced by Buchhalter International Group