JustLuxe: Karin Leperi Articles / News

Keswick Hall: A Charlottesville Gem With a Storied Past

Karin Leperi — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:47:28 EDT

Keswick Hall at Monticello is a gem fit for royalty. The Tuscan-style luxury hotel is situated in the midst of rolling green hills and thoroughbred horse farms with the Blue Ridge Mountains serving as a scenic backdrop. It really doesn�t get any prettier than this. Not too far from the property are celebrated landmarks such as Thomas Jefferson�s Monticello and the University of Virginia, Montpelier (estate of President James Madison), and Ash Lawn-Highland (home of President James Monroe)....

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The Clifton Inn Mixes Boutique Charm with Esteemed Relais & Châteaux Touches

Karin Leperi — Tue, 07 May 2013 05:24:20 EDT

With the smoky Blue Ridge Mountains as a scenic backdrop and rolling verdant hills as a hallmark, it really doesn't get any prettier than the countryside around Charlottesville, Virginia. Thomas Jefferson knew that well when he decided to build and locate Monticello, his beloved neoclassical estate, in the area....

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Charming Town of Carlsbad an Unexpected Haven for Spa Enthusiasts

Karin Leperi — Thu, 02 May 2013 01:40:29 EDT

With warmer weather creeping around the corner, relaxing and rejuvenating trips to the spa are high on my list. So I choose Carlsbad, California � a quaint and charming coastal city that exudes boutique sophistication yet easily embraces West Coast casual luxury. Only 35 miles north of downtown San Diego and 87 miles south of Los Angeles, Carlsbad is a haven for wellness resorts and spas....

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10 One-of-a-Kind Things You Can Only Do in Galveston

Karin Leperi — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:38:58 EDT

Located in the Gulf of Mexico, about 50 miles south of Houston, Galveston Island in Texas offers a balmy almost tropical climate where you can do one-of-a-kind things to create memories of a lifetime. Though the island is only 32 miles long and tw...

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Chef Marc Quinones Tells Us What It's Like to Cook in The Matrix

Karin Leperi — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:10:04 EDT

It used to be that anyone who found themselves flying to the �Land of Enchantment� (aka New Mexico) would need to travel about an hour northeast of Albuquerque and head to Santa Fe in order to enjoy a sophisticated culinary scene. That is no longer true: Albuquerque is now home to arguably one of the best chefs in the state and at a restaurant that delivers volumes in terms of seductive atmosphere, culinary innovation, salivating taste, as well as the ultimate in professional table service. This is fabulous dining at its absolute best....

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Boutique Hotel in Hobart, Tasmania | Islington Hotel & Conservatory

Karin Leperi — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 06:50:08 EDT

Classical elegance with award-winning service defines Islington, an 11-room boutique accommodation located in one of the finest neighborhoods in Hobart, Tasmania. With a commanding view of Mt. Wellington, this five-star guesthouse was built in 1847 in the Regency architectural style. Today, it is an immaculately restored luxury urban hotel that has been updated to include modern amenities and showcase an eclectic collection of artwork and antiques from the owner�s many years of traveling the world....

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Where to Stay in Tasmania That's Trendy and Artsy

Karin Leperi — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 03:51:38 EDT

Way down in the southern hemisphere at the bottom of the world is a five-star hotel in Tasmania dedicated to showcasing the works of the area's finest artists. Located on the waterfront in Hobart, Australia�s smallest capital, the Henry Jones Art Hotel is an architectural success story�a story where old meets new, where history meets the present while paying homage to both....

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One of the Trendiest Hotels in Australia | Tasmania's Henry Jones Art Hotel

Karin Leperi — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 03:51:38 EDT

Downtown Melbourne Hotel with Spa and Casino

Karin Leperi — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 06:06:27 EDT

As the second largest city in Australia (second only to Sydney), Melbourne is known for its vibrant coffee culture, multi-cultural culinary scene, avant-garde street art, and sophisticated hotels. It�s a beautiful city that was well-planned and artfully designed. As one guide put it, �Melbourne had the luxury of being a planned city since it was not a convict state.� And as far as svelte hotels go, the Crown Towers stands in a class of its own as arguably one the best, if not the best hotel in Melbourne....

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One of the Best Places to Stay Near Downtown Melbourne | Crown Towers

Karin Leperi — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 06:06:27 EDT

Tasmania Luxury Hotel Focused on Art & Architecture

Karin Leperi — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 05:24:48 EDT

Once considered to be on the outskirts of civilization, Tasmania is still an island at the bottom of the world. But that hasn�t prevented Australia�s smallest and most remote state from taking center stage by being at the cutting edge of luxury hotels....

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Tasmania's MONA Pavilions | Cutting-Edge Technology, Architecture & Art

Karin Leperi — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 05:24:48 EDT

Wayward Wallace Discovers Silver Lining in Idaho

Karin Leperi — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 01:46:40 EDT

Billed as the �Silver Capital of the World,� Wallace is a living ghost town located in what is known as the Silver Valley of northern Idaho. Although the town has about 1,000 residents, Wallace packs a powerful punch for its small size. These days, Wallace has found its silver in the lucrative business of tourism, claiming to be the �Center of the Universe� and being the staging center for forays into a gilded past of the Wild West....

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Ice Hotel and Quebec Winter Carnival | Bucket List Thrills in Canada

Karin Leperi — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:45:59 EST

Whether we admit it or not, we all have them � bucket list items we'd like to check off and experience before we depart ways with mother Earth. Admittedly, one of mine is to embrace winter in a way that celebrates snow and ice and to...well, sleep on ice. Yes, there I said it....

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Hershey, Pennsylvania for Non-Chocolate Lovers | Things to Do, See & Taste

Karin Leperi — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:06:30 EST

I have never been a fan of chocolate. Where others crave chocolaty delights for dessert, I have always been one to shy away from such treats � preferring alternatives like key lime pie, cr?me brulee, and vintage bread pudding in its stead....

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Best Family Fun Shows in Las Vegas

Karin Leperi — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:05:11 EDT

Las Vegas has a lot in common with New York City � as it too is a city that never sleeps. And at night, and sometimes the afternoon, is when "sin" city rolls out some of the best theatrical entertainment geared toward families � go figure. (That means you don�t have to worry about nudity or vulgarity)....

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Charming Charleston Hotel: The Restoration at King

Karin Leperi — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:49:17 EDT

When traveling to places like India and Mexico, it is not uncommon to find some hotels and private home fronts intentionally understated so as not to advertise interior opulence and wealth. In Charleston, South Carolina, The Restoration on King definitely fits into this category. With an unpretentious and nondescript facing that leads to the lobby, it is easy to miss the hidden treasures that lie within: unknown architectural treats, unexpected luxury boutique suites, and of course, uncompromising southern hospitality and service.

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A Taste of Border Wales: A Culinary Traveler's Day in the Country

Karin Leperi — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:09:14 EDT

As far as culinary culture goes, I wasn�t quite sure what to expect on my recent trip to the border towns of Wales. Having never been there before, I imagined it would be a strong blend of British blandness and perhaps, a touch of country flavor. Turns out, I was only half right � right about the quality and freshness of Welsh cuisine; wrong about Welsh food as being branded insipid and lacking zest....

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Woodlands Inn of South Carolina Delivers True Southern Hospitality

Karin Leperi — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:43:51 EDT

I arrive at the gate to Woodlands Inn in Summerville, South Carolina - a small yet sophisticated town close to many of the states much heralded gardens. An understated sign marks the entrance to the property - totally belying the opulence and grandeur that lies ahead. Pines, palmettos, magnolias and Spanish moss-covered live oaks set the scene: This is 42-acres of wooded bliss sheltering one of the finest small hotels in the world....

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Destination Weddings in Mexico: An Insider's Guide

Karin Leperi — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:26:15 EDT

With an economy that continues to falter and no immediate relief in sight, many committed couples are looking for innovative ways to tie the knot. However, future brides and grooms still want the option to customize their nuptials. They also want luxury - albeit, luxury on a budget. An emerging trend has developed to meet those needs: the destination wedding....

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Fine Dining at The Inn at Furnace Creek in Death Valley

Karin Leperi — Wed, 25 May 2011 01:30:28 EDT

Known around the world to many as a blistering inferno and virtual "hell hole," Death Valley National Park in Southern California is a place of ungodly extremes: It is the hottest, lowest and driest place in North America. Perhaps that's why some say it is Satan's abode above ground....

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Indy 500 Centennial Celebration: Exclusive Interview with Mario Andretti

Karin Leperi — Wed, 11 May 2011 11:29:20 EDT

In the super competitive racing world of revved-up cars and adrenalin-fueled drivers, a world where speed rules supreme, it's no surprise that winning means everything. "Speed is what it is all about," says Mario Andretti, winner of the 1969 Indianapolis 500 and perhaps one of best known race car drivers in history. He was also the first driver to break the impenetrable 200 miles-per-hour barrier, and did so while practicing for the 1977 Indy 500....

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Where in the World is Whatcom?

Karin Leperi — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:42:57 EDT

Breathtaking scenery, outlandish outdoor recreation, and a heady culinary scene combine to make this place a great destination for a variety of travel itineraries. Add to this the convenience of easy accessibility by plane, train, car and boat, and it also becomes a winning combination for quick weekend getaways....

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