Design Destinations Magazine Spring 2024

NASHVILLE Country Music and More

VENICE

Simply Magnificent TOLEDO

The Imperial City CARTAGENA City of Colors

DISNEY 100 Years of Wonder

50

CARTAGENA

The City of Colors

68

QATAR Airways’ Q Suite

The Best Memorable Flying Experience in the World

32

Captivating Islands

86 FIJI

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING An Icon of the World

THE LEADERS

A profile of top leaders in the travel industry. From Thailand, to Vietnam, to Qatar, to Singapore, to Greece to Cuba.

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80

EDWARD OLMOS

An American Legend 110

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & FOUNDER

It is hard to believe that we are at the end of the first quarter of the year and saying welcome to spring. In this issue, we celebrate Venice, Fiji, Cartagena, Nashville, and Toledo, some of our favorite destinations. Each one represents something special, be that history, architecture, or culture. Each one is very different but very exciting and should be on your list of destinations to visit.

2024 marks Disney's 100 anniversary year, marking a magical milestone. During the first century, Disney provided us with many unforgettable memories. In this issue, we honor Disney's 100 Years of Wonder.

In our American Legend section, we feature Edward Olmos, a celebrated actor whose characters portrayed in films have captured our hearts and many accolades.

We hope you will enjoy this issue and would love to hear from you.

Franz E Buchhalter, Founder & Editor-In-Chief

NASHVILLE Country Music and More

VENICE Simply Magnificent

QATAR AIRWAYS

Q SUITE

The most memorable flying experience in the world

QSuite Qatar Airways’ Business Class Cabin

By Franz Buchhalter

I recently traveled to Qatar on Qatar Airways from JFK Airport in New York on the Q Suite. The 14-hour flight was everything that I expected. My experience began when I boarded the plane and was directed to my seat, 11F. The QSuite seat is spacious, luxurious, and comfortable. It is the best business-class seat experience in the sky and better than some first-class seats.

QSuites face both forward and backward. When you board, you are welcome by a sleek cabin colored with magenta shades that coordinate with the color palette of the cabin itself. There's a considerable shelf below the television, which is the seat's footrest. The shelf is terrific for storage space throughout the flight. The TV is more giant than many of the TVs available in other airlines' business class. It offers an extensive selection with the latest Hollywood movies, Bollywood option and classic ones. I could watch a few during my long flight.

Controlled by a set of buttons, you can choose several seat positions, and when the time for sleep comes, the seat lies completely flat. The courteous flight attendants have a mattress pad and a pillowcase for you. Combined with the blanket, it's a very comfortable bed.

One of the features of the QSuite is the "on-demand" dining option. The airline offers several options in its menu, including in-between meals served at your own pace when you want it.

QSuites are smartly designed, luxurious, and adorned with gorgeous details. When traveling from the US to Qatar or many other destinations, the QSuite is at the top.

My return flight was from Doha to Miami, and on the more extended flight, the service, the dining selection, and the beverages were second to none.

TOLEDO THE IMPERIAL CITY

Named a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1986, Toledo is an outstanding museum city whose rich heritage owes almost everything to the Jews, Muslims and Christians who lived there, working and observing their religion side by side.

Each and every one of the cultures and peoples who’ve passed through Toledo gave the city a present made up of a rich architectural and artistic heritage. The city walls, erected during the Roman era, were reconstructed and given their current appearance by the Arabs. Many gateways mark the route of the walls, but Puerta de la Bisagra, which leads into the historic town and bears the coat of arms of the Imperial City, is the only one to have kept its Medieval architecture.

Not to miss while visiting Toledo

Cristo de la Luz Mosque (tenth century)

It’s the only surviving mosque of its style from the nearly ten that originally existed in the city. It can be found just after going through Puerta de la Bisagra. The horseshoe arches extend in a way reminiscent of the Grand Mosque in Córdoba.

El Tránsito Synagogue (fourteenth century)

The façade and beautiful plastered walls hide an interior with a rectangular floor plan, crowned by a lovely coffered ceiling. At present, the synagogue houses the Sephardic Museum.

Primada Cathedral

The Cathedral was built in the Gothic style between 1226 and 1493 on the site of a Visigothic church erected during the reign of King Reccared. The sacristy contains

a valuable collection of paintings by El Greco, Luca Giordano, Van Dyck and Goya. The side chapels are works of art in themselves: Nuevos Reyes, Santiago, the choir stalls in the Renaissance style, the Mozarabic chapel, the chapter house, etc.

El Greco House Museum

Although El Greco never actually lived in this house, the museum accommodates paintings by the master from Crete, such as The Tears of Saint Peter or Christ and the Apostles.

Alcázar

Located in the upper part of town, the present-day Alcázar was a fortress under the Romans, becoming a fortified palace – the first with a square floor plan – in the Christian era. Under King Charles I of Spain, it underwent significant renovation work. Each of its façades boasts a different style and dates back to a different period: the east façade is Medieval; the west one, Renaissance; the north façade has a Plateresque design; and the south one is Churrigueresque. The Alcázar was destroyed during the French invasion and in the Spanish Civil War, to be rehabilitated later. Now it is home of the Army Museum and military facilities.

Church of Santo Tomé

Inside, it houses an artistic gem: “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz” by El Greco.

DISNEY100

100 Years of Wonder

Text by Franz Buchhalter

When I was a kid, my brother and cousins gathered around the living room to watch “The Wonderful World of Disney” and were eager to learn which adventure would be shown. Our favorites were the cartoons, but we were excited to watch the show on our new color TV regardless of what the episode was about. A kid in our neighborhood went on holiday to Disneyland and returned, showing off his Mickey Mouse Ear hat. He told stories about his trip to the wonderland we had only seen on television. Yes, we were envious, as going to Disneyland meant more than just a trip on a plane. Many years later, I had the opportunity to work for a property in Disney World Orlando, and I had to do sales presentations around the country. Yes, I did wear my Mickey Mouse Ears Hat!

I had always been a big fan of Disney, and my favorite character besides Mickey was Goofy. When my son was born, I worked for the Disney resort and had the chance to share many trips to the parks; later, when my daughter joined the family, she traveled to Disney World even after I had left the Disney resort.

I enjoyed watching the movies; my favorite is Jungle Book. I had the perfect excuse to watch all the Disney movies with my kids and continue, even today, to enjoy watching the new and classic Disney movies very much. As the editor-in-chief of Design Destinations Magazine, I am pleased to honor Disney 100 Anniversary for giving me, my kids, and my family many years of enjoyment.

CARTAGENA

THE CITY OF COLORS

CARTAGENA

City of Colors

Cartagena is a city that is located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, in the northwestern part of the South American continent. If you are wondering where is Cartagena in Colombia, it is located in the north of the country and is the capital of the Bolívar region. The city has several archipelagos and islands around that are paradises for true rest. Among these are Tierra Bomba Island, Múcura Islan, and Barú Island, among others.

Cartagena de Indias is known, brings together the charm of colonial architecture, the excitement of a vivid night life, fascinating cultural festivals, and lush landscapes, to bring you the perfect vacation experience. The city’s beaches beckon, inviting you to unwind and enjoy yourself in the refreshing breeze and warm waters of the sea.

But that’s not all Cartagena has to offer— the city also has excellent cuisine and a thriving hotel and tourist infrastructure.

This fabulous destination holds the secrets of history within its walled city, on its balconies, and in the narrow stone walkways that inspired author Gabriel García

Márquez, who was received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982.

Framed by its stunning bay, Cartagena de Indias is one of the most beautiful, well-preserved cities in the Americas; a treasure that is currently one of the most heavily frequented tourist destinations in Colombia. During your stay, you should definitely take advantage of the opportunity to learn about Cartagena’s architectural and cultural heritage, starting with a visit to the city’s historic center. Cartagena’s historic center, whose beauty and cultural importance caused it to be declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1984, is surrounded by miles of ancient walls that form the walled city.

In addition to the hundreds of years of history behind the area’s cobbled streets, you can explore the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a magnificent castle dating back to the 17th century. Also, during this tour, you will be very close to some of the best restaurants in Cartagena.

For more information visit: www.colombia.travel

THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

One

of the World’s most Iconic Buildings

THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

One of the World’s Most Iconic Buildings

The original location of the renowned Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Fifth Avenue is sold to Bethlehem Engineering Corporation for an estimated $20 million. In 1929, the building was demolished in just a few years, becoming the site of the world’s most ambitious building project—the Empire State Building. Former General Motors executive John Jakob Raskob, Coleman du Pont, Pierre S. du Pont, Louis G. Kaufman, and Ellis P. Earle form Empire State, Inc. and named Alfred E. Smith, former Governor of New York, to head the corporation. Construction of the Empire State Building began on March 17, 1930. Occupying a central spot on Fifth Avenue, it is to be the world’s first 100+ story building. With the direction of architects Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates, and builders Starrett Bros. & Eken, the framework rises 4 ½ stories per week. Construction on the building is completed in a record-breaking one year and 45 days. The 102-story building is the talk of the town, and on May 1, 1931, President Hoover pressed a button in Washington, D.C., officially opening the building and turning on the Empire State Building’s lights for the first time. As the world’s tallest building, the Empire State

Building quickly becomes an acclaimed tourist attraction. In 1933, “King Kong” debuts in New York City on March 2, putting the Empire State Building front and center for one of cinema’s most famous films. It’s the first of many iconic roles the building will play on the silver screen and among its most influential pop culture moments. Fifteen years after its opening, the Empire State Building had become the headquarters for several major organizations and approximately 15,000 employees. By this point, the Empire State was among the world’s most profitable buildings and one of its most recognizable and beloved pieces of architecture. The American Society of Civil Engineers selects the Empire State Building as one of the seven most outstanding engineering achievements in America’s history, ranking it alongside the Hoover Dam and Panama Canal – one of many distinctions the building has received.

Source: Empire State Building

The Captivating Islands

THE LEADERS

Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, General Manager, ALMA Resort Cam Ranh, Vietnam

Brice Borin, General Manager Pimalai Resort & Spa Koh Lanta, Thailand

Holgen Glaser, Resort Manager Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som Doha, Qatar

Andreas Kraemer, General Manager InterContinental Singapore Singapore

Manolis Maris, General Manager NANA Princess Resort Crete, Greece

Johnny Considine, CEO Cuba Private Travel Cuba

HERBERT LAUBICHIER-PICHLER

General Manager, ALMA Resort - Cam Ranh Vietnam

Herbert Laubichler-Pichler is a hospitality veteran with life-long experience making guests feel welcome at hotels and resorts in Europe and Asia.

Austrian-born Mr Laubichler-Pichler is currently the Managing Director of Alma Resort Cam Ranh, a new 30-hectare resort overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula, with 14 food and beverage outlets and a cascade of 12 beachfront swimming pools.

Mr Laubichler-Pichler’s work in Vietnam includes management of some of the country’s most acclaimed properties such as The Anam, that also fronts Long Beach, Ho Chi Minh City’s Reverie Saigon and The Nam Hai in Hoi An.

His experience in Asia also includes overseeing the opening of Raffles Hainan in China, working for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, and managing GHM (General Hotel Management) properties in Malaysia.

Born into a hotelier family, Mr Laubichler-Pichler started out in the industry working at his parents’ guesthouse in his native Austria as a bellboy at 10 years of age during the summer season. He later studied hotel management at the Hotel and Catering College Schloss Klessheim and became a certified chef before steadily rising through the ranks to become the general manager at properties in Austria, Germany and Cyprus. He holds an Executive MBA from the University of Delaware and an Executive MBA, Hotel & Tourism Management from the Chur University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland.

“Bold, spacious and emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the independently owned and operated five-star resort Alma Cam Ranh is without a doubt the most incredible project I have worked on to date,” said Mr Laubichler-Pichler.

“Together with my team of exceptionally talented and dedicated staff, we will ensure Alma establishes a reputation as one of Vietnam’s leading resorts.”

What’s on your Bucket List?

“I would love to explore South Africa, South America and Japan”

BRICE BORIN

General Manager, Pimalai Resort & Spa, Kohn Lanta Thailand

A well-known and highly respected hotelier, Brice has been a familiar figure in the Asian hospitality industry for almost 30 years and now embarks on the latest chapter of his impressive international career.

He first arrived in Thailand in 1993, when, as Executive Chef at Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, he introduced his native French culinary flair to the Thai capital and got a taste for life, work and culture in the “Land of Smiles”. Over the next three decades, Brice gained comprehensive experience at leading hotels and resorts in Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, French Polynesia and the Maldives. Swapping his chef’s whites for a suit and tie, he moved into progressively more senior executive roles, from Food & Beverage Manager to Director of F&B, Resident Manager, Hotel Manager and General Manager.

Brice returned to Thailand many times during his career, including spells in Hua Hin, Phuket, Koh Samui and Bangkok, and served as Chairman of the Samui Culinary Circle, Chancelier Chaine des Rôtisseurs Phuket, and Vice President of Skål International Phuket.

Most recently, he was the Complex General Manager of the 500key Mövenpick Cam Ranh Resort, Vietnam, which he helped to successfully launch in 2019 and kept open throughout the global pandemic, converting its residences into a quarantine facility. Now, he brings his lifetime of professional expertise and insight to Pimalai, which was recently named as the best hotel in Thailand in the 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best Awards”. When he is not working, Brice loves to keep fit and take part in exhilarating activities on land and at sea, including tennis, volleyball, skydiving, golf, stand-up paddle-boarding and diving. He has also completed several marathons and triathlons.

“I am delighted to be at Pimalai, one of Asia’s most legendary resorts, which has gained such an impressive reputation over the last two decades. ”

What’s on your Bucket List?

“Tanzania, Alaska and Tuscany have been on my list and hope to cross them out soon”

HOLGER GLASER

Resort Manager, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som

A Resort Manager with over 25 years of experience in the hotel industry, Holger Glaser is specialized in driving performance in complex and highly competitive environments, to meet organizational KPIs. Known for consistently achieving operational excellence and team performance, he is a pragmatic and commercially aware professional, with a keen eye for optimizing hotel revenue opportunities. Holger’s extensive international experience that ranges from Asia to the Middle East and Europe has helped him become a strong developer and leader of diverse teams.

At Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Holger has a strong focus on staff development, sales forecasting, and organizational leadership to improve the resorts’ efficiency and overall operations. With Zulal Wellness Resort’s unique experience, Holger has been instrumental in facilitating collaboration with the different operational departments of the resort, including Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, and PR & Marketing to develop and implement effective business strategies and programs to further strengthen the resort's positioning in the market.

During his time off, Holger likes to explore nature and spend quality time with the family.

What’s on your Bucket List?

“To explore the wonderful wildlife of the Serengeti in Tanzania”

What’s on your Bucket List?

“Explore Peru and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Machu Picchu. Additionally, I am eager to embark on tobacco tours in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua, followed by a captivating rum tour through Martinique, Costa Rica, Barbados, and the enchanting neighboring islands. Venturing on a Harley Davidson down the iconic Route 66 is another exhilarating goal”.

JOHNNY CONSIDINE CEO Cuba Private Travel

Johnny Considine is the CEO of Cuba Private Travel, a Havana based luxury travel company specializing in curated experiences in Cuba. Johnny has lived in Cuba for more than 20 years, guaranteeing his extensive knowledge and deep appreciation for the rich culture and history of Cuba. Johnny ensures that every trip organized by Cuba Private Travel is a unique and unforgettable experience. Under his leadership, the company has gained a reputation for excellence, offering exclusive access to the best accommodations, insider experiences, and expert guides. Johnny Considine's commitment to delivering unparalleled service has made Cuba

What’s on your Bucket List?

“Africa is finally on my Horizon. It’s a continent I have not visited much and can’t wait to create the perfect itinerary with the help of the many agents who we have been in contact with Throughout the years.”

MANOLIS MARIS General Manager, NANA Princess Resort, Crete Greece

Manolis Maris has joined in 2022 the Karatzis Group of Companies, as Hotel Manager of Nana Princess and since late 2023 holds the position of General Manager for Nana Hotels, both Nana Golden Beach and Nana Princess.

Over the years, Manolis’ passion for hospitality has been evolved through lifechanging experiences, determinative cooperations and experiences. With great passion and respect towards visiting guests within two decades of active and creative occupation in the tourism section field, great & sincere bonds with the guests has been created as part of an important course in the tourism section that has been developed, within all sections of the hospitality field. With a genuine devotion for hospitality, top level services and exceptional social finesse, Manolis has sparked a love for Crete in thousands of guests. His meticulous attention to detail ensures that both properties operate smoothly at all times, providing guests with an exceptional lifetime experience.

He is a graduate of what is now the Hellenic Mediterranean University, with a degree in Business Management, Finance and Administration, with a Master degree of the Hellenic University in the Hotel Business & Administration.

Manolis is frequently representing Nana Hotels at international hospitality exhibitions & gatherings, roadshows and other kinds’ of interest events, promoting the unique Cretan hospitality experience with his exceptional communication skills.

EDWARD

Born February 24, 1947, East Los Angeles, at The First Japanese Hospital to Pedro Olmos and Eleanor Huizar. Raised on Cheesebrough's Lane, he attended Greenwood Elementary and Montebello Junior High. He then graduated from Montebello High School in 1964. After which he received an Associative Arts Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice at East Los Angeles College in 1966. Olmos since then has gone on to receive many accolades from the City of Montebello, including the Alumni of The Year from Montebello High School in 2014, and Man of the Year Award from The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation in 2015.

He has achieved extraordinary success as an actor, producer and humanitarian. The Tony, Emmy and Academy Award® Nominated actor, is probably best known to young audiences for his work on the SYFY television series " Battlestar Galatica " as Admiral William Adama. Although the series kept the actor busy during its run from 2003 through 2009, it didn't stop him from directing the HBO movie "Walkout" in 2007, for which he earned a DGA Nomination in the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television category.

Olmos' career in entertainment spans over 30 years. In that time he created a signature style and aesthetic that he applies to every artist endeavor, often grounding his characters in reality and gravitas. His dedication to his craft has brought him attention across the industry, and with audiences worldwide.

Biography By: Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival Official Site Bio

Photo Credits

Nashville - Music and More Page 7-17

Tim Wildsmith * Mana *

Gabriel Tovar *

Blake Gidry *

Dillan Mullins *

Scott Greer *

Cody Lannom *

Matthew Lejune *

William King *

Mana *

Katy Anne *

Brandon Jean *

Kortney Musselman *

Magnificent Venice Page 18-31

Ricardo Gomez-Angel *

Herique Ferreira *

Francesco Lacorte *

Damiano Baschiera *

Juan Martin Lopez *

Igor Oliyarnik *

Damiano Baschiera *

Ricardo Gomez-Angel *

Lukas Blaskevicius *

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways

Toledo - The Imperial City Page 40-47

Karis Sori-Au *

Deniz Demirci *

Nick Haupt *

Robert Katzki *

Ray Donnelly *

Disney’s 100 Page 48-62

Disney

Lydia Turner *

Joseph Stalin *

Erick McLean *

Disney

Disney

Disney

Disney

Kenrick Mills *

Disney

Victor Servan *

Brian McGowan *

Bastien Nvs-Lmd *

Kin Li EGJ*

Jayme McColgan*

Brian McGowan *

Regos Kornyei *

Brian McGowan*

Photo Credits

Cartagena - City of Colors Page 68-79

Jorge Gardner *

Jorge Gardner *

Jorge Gardner *

Ricardo GomezAngel *

Roberto Nickson *

Ricardo GomezAngel *

Empire State Building Page 80-84

Ben Drummond *

Empire State Building

Lo Sarno*

Eva Joseph *

Empire State Building Stock

King Kong

Osman Rana * Finn *

FIJI Page 86-95

Nikita Dhuleka *

Denys Nevozhai *

Nem Malosi*

Nem Malis *

Dean McQuade *

Josaia Cakacaka *

Vies Datt * Sacha Hrefoire *

Design Destinations Magazine is a publication of Buchhalter International Group