Design Destinations Magazine Winter 2026pages

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

2026 has arrived, and we find ourselves nearly two months into this promising year, brimming with countless new places to discover and savor. The world is calling us to embark on our next adventure. Almost 14 years ago, we launched this magazine with a vision to provide our partners a noncommercial platform to showcase their hotels, resorts, and DMCs. Shortly after our first issue, we began sharing destinations that ignite our passion for exploration. Throughout our publication journey, we have celebrated not only our partners but also many beloved locations around the globe.

This issue continues that inspiring tradition. We are delighted to showcase Croatia, a breathtaking Mediterranean gem teeming with history and mesmerizing landscapes. In Argentina, our article "A Day in the Life of a Gaucho" invites you to experience the essence of the Argentinian cowboy through our partner, 5 Senses Lifestyle DMC, who can craft an unforgettable journey steeped in gaucho tradition. We also highlight the magnificent Machu Picchu, an iconic destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list, with 5 Senses Lifestyle DMC curating the perfect tour.

In addition, we present three insightful articles from our contributors: Scotty Graham, Jeremy Mason McGraw, and newcomer Yósel Villanueva Gómezortigoza, who shares "A Mirror of Sand in Namibia". Lastly, we proudly introduce a new partner, Kwetu Nairobi, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, elevating hospitality in Kenya's vibrant capital.

Enjoy this issue, and as always, let us embrace the wonders the world has to offer!

Franz Buchhalter Editor In Chief

Design Destinations Magazine

Franz E Buchhalter Editor In Chief

Buchhalter International Group Atlanta, Georgia

CONTRIBUTORS

Jeremy Mason McGraw Jeremy is an international photographer known, for creating enticing and evocative images for some of the world’s finest hotels and travel destinations. Drawing on his experience as a theatrical set and lighting designer, Jeremy's work is noted for its story-telling quality and its striking, warm and inviting light.

A Day At Sea In Sardinia Page 22

Yósel

Villanueva Gómezortigoza Yósel grew up surrounded by maps, airports, and passionate discussions about travel. He learned early that traveling is a way of life, not just an occasional activity. Today, Yósel connects travelers with transformative destinations and creates experiences that tell unique stories. For him, traveling is a path to self-discovery. In every story he writes, he strives to transport readers to new places while igniting their own inner journeys. He believes that sometimes, getting lost in the world is the most powerful way to find oneself!

A Mirror Of Sand in Namibia Page 6

Scotty Graham is an American photographer. Before becoming a professional photographer, he worked as a Helicopter Pilot, a SCUBA Instructor and a mathematics teacher. Teaching is one of his passions and currently Scotty also works as a full time High School photography teacher at Jakarta Intercultural School, but also works as a freelance photographer, most recently for the Olympic Committee Asia capturing the Asian Games.

The Art of Scotty Graham Page 48

MACHU PICCHU

WHAT’S INSIDE

NAMIBIA A MIRROR OF SAND

A MIRROR OF SAND IN NAMIBIA

By Yosel Villanueva

In the heart of Namibia lies the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts on the planet. Here, time is measured not in hours or days, but in eras. The dunes began to form over five million years ago, sculpted by the wind carrying sand from the Orange River, creating reddish dunes stained with oxidized iron—waves frozen in motion. Among them stands Big Daddy, a towering dune at 325 meters high, reaching for the sky. From below, everything looks incredible, but once you take your first step, you begin to truly understand what it means to be here. The sand is soft and fine; each step sinks you in a little deeper. What you gain in height, you lose in effort. The sun is relentless, the heat radiates from the ground, and there is no shade or relief. At first, it appears to be a physical challenge... and it is. Your heart races, your breathing becomes heavy, and your body pleads for you to stop. Every step is an internal struggle. The weight begins to feel overwhelming—not just the weight of your body, but the weight of your mind. You reach a point where progress seems elusive, and effort feels too much. With each step, that inner voice whispers: stop, give up, nobody is forcing you to continue. It mirrors life itself. That's when I began to grasp what Big Daddy was teaching me: the dune is not merely made of sand; it embodies my fears, my doubts, and every "I can't" I have ever believed.

Every meter conquered feels like an internal war. I stop repeatedly, breathe deeply, and in this moment, there are no spectators, no competitors, and no sound except the wind caressing the sand and my shadow trembling on the dune. In that solitude, I realize that Big Daddy isn’t just a mountain of sand; it’s a mirror reflecting my

journey. Stopping would mean accepting that my limit lies before the summit. After what felt like an eternity, I finally reached the top. There, everything transforms. The effort, the fatigue, the sweat—they suddenly make sense. From above, I see a vast red sea of dunes stretching endlessly. Below lies a unique place in the world: Deadvlei. Once a lake almost a thousand years ago, it dried up, leaving behind a white, hard, cracked ground and petrified trees preserved by aridity. In this moment, I understand how much I’ve learned; the climb can be just as meaningful as reaching the summit. The ascent was a challenge, but the descent was pure adrenaline. With one step, the sand begins to give way. I run, almost flying, as gravity does the rest. In seconds, I forget fatigue; all that remains is joy and excitement. The desert, which moments ago felt like a trial, now delivers the ultimate sense of freedom. As I reached the bottom and walked among the trees of Deadvlei, it felt like strolling on another planet. Climbing Big Daddy was about confronting myself, listening to my inner voice, challenging my limits, and exploring within.

Every grain of sand I moved on Big Daddy stirred something deep within me. I didn’t just climb a dune; I found myself.

What I cherish about traveling is the way it touches your soul more than any map ever could. It invites you to close your eyes—not to escape, but to discover who you truly are. It’s an experience that can't be captured in a photo or measured by likes. It changes your voice when you share your story, and it turns you into a legend, even if no one knows it—except you.

INTRODUCING KWETU NAIROBI

Curio Collection by Hilton

A DAY AT SEA IN SARDINIA

PHOTOS BY JEREMY MASON MCCRAW

“This land resembles no other place. Sardinia is something else. Enchanting spaces and distances to travel-nothing finished, nothing definitive. It is like freedom itself”.

David Herbert Lawrence, Sea and Sardinia, 1921

CROATIA Crescent Shape

Croatia's breathtaking beauty captivates the senses with its stunning contrasts, where the deep azure of the Adriatic Sea merges seamlessly with the rugged, forested hills of the inland regions. This enchanting country boasts over 1,200 sun-drenched islands, each offering a unique combination of unspoiled nature and rich cultural heritage, inviting endless exploration and tranquil relaxation. Along the picturesque coastline, historic towns like Dubrovnik beckon with their medieval charm. Here, terracotta roofs and ancient stone walls tell tales of a glorious past, allowing visitors to wander through cobbled streets steeped in history, where every corner reveals a captivating story. Inland, the majestic waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park create a breathtaking spectacle, where cascading waters fl ow through vibrant landscapes filled with lush greenery and crystal-clear lakes. This natural wonder is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers, who find inspiration in its stunning beauty at every turn. As a premier European destination, Croatia harmoniously blends vibrant, clear waters with a rich tapestry of ancient Roman and Venetian in fl uences, o ff ering an unforgettable experience that resonates with the heart and soul of every traveler.

SCOTTY GRAHAM

Scotty Graham is an American photographer living in Indonesia with his wife and daughters. Scotty has been a contributor to Design Destinations Magazine since the beginning and images of his beautiful photography have graced the covers of our magazine. His images are captivating, beautiful and transport the viewer. We reached out to Scotty and asked him to provide us with ten of his favorite images for this article and his response was “I have over a hundred thousand photos from all over the world. How in the world does one choose their favorite ten shots?? I am sure I left out so many good shots, but I wanted to give you a variety of shots....I couldn't narrow these down to just 10”.

Like Scotty, we found that choosing ten images was very difficult, so we went with a selection that stood out from the many that we saw and we hope that you enjoy them.

The Art of Scotty Graham

Photos

and Descriptions by

Scotty Graham

Myanmar. “These young monks were watching their friends play a quick game of cricket outside of their dormitory in the monastery. I like the robe draping out of the window”.

Myanmar. “How can you get a bad shot with light like that?”.

Flatiron Building, New York: “This is my favorite building in NYC. The clouds that afternoon really complete the shot”.

Bodie: A ghost town in Northern California.

” I love old abandoned buildings. The stormy clouds behind this old ghost town house is icing on the cake”.

Sorido Sunset: Raja Ampat - West Papua Indonesia

”I don’t know how many hours I have sat in a bean bag chair looking at this scene. Every day and night it looks different. This was one of my favorite sunsets”.

Flower Market: Guatemala. “I just loved the atmosphere, colors and people in this market”.

Ladakh: “One of the most spectacular long treks I have done. On most days, we experienced the four seasons in one day. This shot was coming down from a 5000 meter pass”.

Jakarta: “I like this shot because it is so typically Jakarta (where I live). The textures, bird cages, and the guy eating his Mie Goreng make the photo”.

Pulau Padar in Komodo, Indonesia. “From the water, it looks like just a small hill...nothing special...but when you climb the trail to the top, the view is like no other view in the world. The guy in the photo was about to step down from the rock, but I yelled down to him to stay as it gave the photo more scale”.

Bogor, Indonesia. “I just really like this shot”.

MACHU PICCHU

Machu Picchu, a breathtaking 15th-century Inca citadel, majestically rises in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, perched on a rugged mountain ridge that soars 7,970 feet above sea level. Located in the enchanting Cusco Region, within the Urubamba Province and Machu Picchu District, it commands a spectacular view over the verdant Sacred Valley, just 50 miles northwest of Cuzco. The Urubamba River winds through this stunning valley, slicing through the Cordillera and forming a dramatic canyon adorned with lush vegetation and a tropical mountain climate. This magnificent site is believed to have been constructed as a lavish estate for the visionary Inca Emperor Pachacuti, who reigned from 1438 to 1472. Often mistakenly labeled as the "Lost City of the Incas"—a title better suited for Vilcabamba—Machu Picchu stands as the most revered symbol of Inca civilization. Built around the year 1450, this architectural marvel was abandoned a century later during the tumultuous Spanish Conquest. While known locally, its grandeur remained hidden from the world until the adventurous American historian Hiram Bingham unveiled its secrets to the international stage in 1911. Crafted in the classical Inca style, Machu Picchu features exquisitely polished dry-stone walls that harmonize beautifully with the natural landscape. Its three principal structures— the Intihuatana stone, a ritualistic centerpiece, the majestic Temple of the Sun, and the stunning Room of the Three Windows—invite awe and admiration. Many of the surrounding buildings have been meticulously reconstructed, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the splendor of their original glory. By 1976, thirty percent of Machu Picchu had undergone restoration, and ongoing efforts continue to preserve its historical signi fi cance and breathtaking beauty. Designated a Peruvian Historic Sanctuary in 1981 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, Machu Picchu’s legacy has only grown more illustrious. In 2007, it was celebrated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, inspiring countless travelers to experience its extraordinary charm and cultural depth firsthand.

“In the variety of its charms and the power of its spell, I know of no other place in the weld which can compare with it.”

-Hiram Bingham, ‘Discoverer’ of Machu

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A “GAUCHO”

SUSAN SARANDON AN AMERICAN LEGEND

Susan Sarandon, is a celebrated American actress and dedicated activist renowned for her remarkable versatility and her ability to embody intelligent, strong-willed women across various genres. Over an illustrious career spanning fi ve decades, she has captivated audiences with her dynamic performances that not only entertain but provoke thought and inspire change. Sarandon's career reached a pivotal moment when she won the prestigious Academy Award for her compelling role in "Dead Man Walking" ( 1995), in which she portrayed a nun who forms a profound connection with a death row inmate, ultimately exploring themes of redemption and morality. This performance not only showcased her exceptional talent but also highlighted her commitment to meaningful storytelling. In addition to her Oscar win, Sarandon has garnered four further nominations for her standout performances in critically acclaimed films. In "Atlantic City," she navigates the complexities of aspiration and loss; "Thelma & Louise" features her in a groundbreaking role that reshaped the portrayal of female friendship and rebellion against oppression; "Lorenzo's Oil" allows her to brilliantly convey a mother’s unwavering love and fierce determination in the face of adversity; and "The Client" demonstrates her skill in a gripping legal drama where she embodies a savvy and resourceful attorney. Other notable films include: Pretty Baby, The Witches of Eastwick, Little Women, and Enchanted. Throughout her journey, Sarandon has seamlessly blended her artistic endeavors with her passionate advocacy for various social causes, using her platform to raise awareness about issues such as human rights, environmentalism, and women's empowerment. Her resilience and commitment to both her craft and her beliefs continue to inspire countless individuals around the world.

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