Susmita Baral

Travel + Leisure

This Historic Waterfront Hotel on New York's Shelter Island Feels Like Summer in a Bygone Era

By: Susmita Baral

The Pridwin Hotel & Cottages offers a mix of charming guest rooms and standalone cottages with stunning Peconic Bay views.

Travel + Leisure

Getting to the Cook Islands Just Became Easier Thanks to a New Airline Partnership—and I Tried the Route Myself

By: Susmita Baral

Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti now let travelers book eligible flights on a single itinerary, simplifying the journey to one of the South Pacific's most remote destinations.

Travel + Leisure

I Traveled to Iceland for a Total Solar Eclipse Hidden by Clouds—Here's Why I'd Do It All Over Again

By: Susmita Baral

Seeing the Northern Lights has long been near the top of my travel wish list. Despite two trips to Iceland , I'd never been lucky enough to see them.

AOL, Inc.

A Luxury Hotel Concierge Reveals the Florence Attractions Tourists Overlook—and Where Locals Really Go Instead

By: Susmita Baral

Susmita Baral As the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence has no shortage of world-famous landmarks.

Successful Meetings

Hotels to Watch: 10 Properties Opening in 2021

By: Susmita Baral

The U.S. hotel industry has been hit hard by the global pandemic, but the pipeline still is packed with exciting projects.

AOL, Inc.

One of the World's Most Innovative Seafood Chefs Opened a Glamorous Cape Town Restaurant With a 7-course Tasting Menu

By: Susmita Baral

Susmita Baral In early 2026, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town welcomed Amura by Ángel León , the celebrated Spanish chef's first restaurant in Africa.

Travel + Leisure

Chef Eric Ripert Shares His Favorite Places to Eat in South Korea—and the Unexpected Cooking Lesson He Learned at a Temple

By: Susmita Baral

The acclaimed chef reveals how Korean temple cuisine inspired his new book, Mindful Cooking, and shares his favorite restaurants, markets, and cultural experiences in Korea.

Travel + Leisure

This Palace Hotel in Florence Is One of The Best in the City—With a Michelin-starred Restaurant, a Swimming Pool, and Opulent Suites

By: Susmita Baral

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze combines centuries-old palazzos, Michelin-starred dining, and one of the city's largest private gardens.

Travel + Leisure

This Destination Has the Highest Per Capita of Restaurants in the U.S.—and a Chef Just Told Us Where to Eat Beyond His Michelin Restaurant

By: Susmita Baral

Chez Noir's Jonny Black shares his go-to spots in and around Carmel-by-the-Sea, including where to find the best breakfast, seafood, pastries, and affordable meals.

AOL, Inc.

Andrew Zimmern Has Eaten Around the World—and Says His 20 Best Food Experiences Had 1 Thing in Common

By: Susmita Baral

Susmita Baral In Cayey, Puerto Rico , there's a small mountain neighborhood called Guavate where weekends turn into an all-day party.