Samantha Leal (you can call her Sam) is a travel, drinks, and beauty/style writer with a love and knack for finding the best places to eat and drink in any location (that’s what makes a vacation, right?). She has a thing for classic cars, and can wax poetic about the history of your favorite cocktail. You can find her everywhere @samanthajoleal.
Set your sights just outside of Louisville to partake in a piece of American history (and sip some stellar whisky)
You can’t think Kentucky without thinking whisky (and in particular, bourbon). The state is one of the leading producers of American whiskeys/whiskies, and features 73 distilleries—producing 95 percent of the world’s bourbon. But you’d be remiss to not go 60 miles outside of Louisville (and 70 miles outside ... More
Get to know the modern hotspot that has a crazy rooftop and is connected to Tao and Beauty & Essex.
In the center of it all and among the Hollywood Hills, the Dream Hollywood is a chic and glam getaway boasting 178 rooms and amazing views of the city. Not only that, but you’re steps away from TAO Group’s restaurants including TAO and Beauty & Essex. ... More
Get to know this historic Nob Hill hotel in San Francisco, built in 1924
Checking into the Huntington Hotel is checking into a bit of history. Built as an apartment building in 1924, the building was the first steel and brick high-rise west of the Mississippi. Today, it operates as a hotel—and a bold one at that, with awesome, eye-catching ... More
And don't forget to pour yourself a glass, too
Mother's Day might be different this year—because of social distancing, you may not be able to be with or visit your mom, but that doesn’t mean celebrations have to end. Fire up the FaceTime or Zoom, order two bottles of wine (one for you, and one for mom, naturally), ... More
Haven’t been to Dubai just yet? Put it on the list—here’s your guide
Dubai is a place of two personas—on one hand, the city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a rich history, and on the other hand, it’s a true Middle Eastern modern marvel, with tourism being a huge boon (and major industry) for it. When I landed, it felt ... More
The Confidante in Miami Beach is for you
If you mention you’re going to Miami, people have a lot of opinions about where to stay. But let’s get one thing straight: if you’re looking for the seaside getaway of your dreams (and the perfect ‘gram to go along with it), you want to stay at More
Teaming up for excellence is in the brand’s DNA
If you know cognac, you know Rémy Martin. If you don’t know cognac, you probably still know Rémy Martin. The liquor has been referenced by Dr. Dre, Ja Rule, Biggie, and many other cultural icons—including Fetty Wap, who mentioned 1738 nearly 51 times on his debut album. It’s a ... More
The Montage Laguna Beach should be on your travel bucket list for 2020
If you need inspiration for your next getaway, look no further. Montage Laguna Beach, set on a coastal bluff above the Pacific, is a scenic getaway that’s been welcoming guests for 16 years. But the resort has gotten a complete refresh, making it prime time to ... More
Swap Napa for this weekend-worthy California city and wine country
First thing’s first, if you’re not familiar, people in Paso Robles pronounce it “Paso Row-bulls.” It’s wrong, but I guess we don’t pronounce Los Angeles correctly either, so I’ll move on. The city is located along California’s central coast–halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles–and it’s ... More
The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa has more to offer, with serious culinary gems to boot
Let’s face it — casinos are not everyone’s cup of tea. The name of the game is gambling (literally), and if you don’t do it, well, what else is there to do? Turns out at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, the answer is ... More