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Samantha Leal

Contributor

Bio:

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.

Recent Articles
  • Visit This Whisky Distillery and Gain a New Appreciation For The Spirit

    Visit This Whisky Distillery and Gain a New Appreciation For The Spirit

    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

  • Room Request! Dream Hollywood

    Room Request! Dream Hollywood

    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

  • Room Request! Huntington Hotel

    Room Request! Huntington Hotel

    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

  • Every Type of Wine Your Mom Will Love for Mother’s Day

    Every Type of Wine Your Mom Will Love for Mother’s Day

    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

  • The Weekender: Dubai

    The Weekender: Dubai

    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

  • Looking For a Candy-Colored Waterside Retreat?

    Looking For a Candy-Colored Waterside Retreat?

    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

  • Forget What You Know About Cognac, and Start with Rémy Martin

    Forget What You Know About Cognac, and Start with Rémy Martin

    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

  • This Laguna Beach Hotel Was Renovated This Year

    This Laguna Beach Hotel Was Renovated This Year

    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

  • The Weekender: Paso Robles, California

    The Weekender: Paso Robles, California

    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

  • This Casino Is Fun Even If You Don’t Gamble

    This Casino Is Fun Even If You Don’t Gamble

    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