Virtuoso Designs Dream Honeymoon to Turks & Caicos for 'Today' Show Wedding Couple

September 30, 2010 By: Staff

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The TODAY show’s ever-popular “TODAY Throws A Wedding” series has an 11-year history of joining happy couples in holy matrimony.  For 10 of those years, NBC has turned exclusively to luxury travel network Virtuoso and its expert travel advisors to plan the dream honeymoons it presents to its newlyweds.  TODAY’s viewers determined every aspect of the September 30 wedding, from the winning couple to the wedding attire and the honeymoon destination, which was announced following this morning’s vows.

Viewers had four spectacular choices from which to choose for Missouri couple Melissa McMillin and Jeremy Gebhardt: Brazil, Thailand, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Portugal. After a nationwide vote, Turks and Caicos Islands emerged as the honeymoon destination for the newlyweds. Created by Virtuoso travel advisor Kathy Burns Lamphier of Posh Travel, this Caribbean stay offers the couple an unforgettable honeymoon.

Turks and Caicos Islands – Presented by Kathy Burns Lamphier of Posh Travel

For their honeymoon at Parrot Cay & COMO Shambhala Retreat, part of COMO Hotels and Resorts, Melissa and Jeremy will arrive at this private island paradise by private boat, where they will be greeted with Champagne. While spending seven nights in their own villa, a personal butler tends to all their needs throughout the stay. A number of activities await, including a four-hour Day Dream Getaway to Iguana Island for exploring, snorkeling the pristine barrier reef and a sumptuous lunch on the island’s stunning beach; a private guided snorkeling experience to discover Parrot Cay’s underwater life another day; and a private tour of the island of Parrot Cay. The couple will enjoy all the resort has to offer, including the world-class spa, a private poolside dinner at Lotus restaurant, a dinner in their villa prepared by a private chef, an evening at the resort’s Spa cottage which includes a massage and dinner, and a beach barbeque with bonfire.

The three other Virtuoso itineraries presented for consideration also highlighted amazing destinations, with once-in-a-lifetime adventures and sites included.

Brazil - Created by Leah Katz of Power Travel

With flights provided by LAN Airlines, the trip begins at Ponta dos Ganchos in Santa Catarina, situated on a small point nestled between two charming fishing villages, surrounded on three sides by the sea of the Emerald Coast. Honeymooners will enjoy an intimate Emerald Villa, complete with dry sauna, spa bathroom, private deck with plunge pool and amazing sea view. Highlights: A romantic private dinner on the island; SPA by Christian Dior; and the best scuba diving in South Brazil. The second half of the trip brings travelers to Iguassu Falls, a two-mile wide curtain of water (275 waterfalls in all) crashing 300 feet over a series of precipices into a gorge. At Hotel das Cataratas, the only hotel located within the Iguassu National Park, guests are just a two-minute stroll from the falls and will be the first to take in the sights every morning before the park opens to the public. Highlights: A private guide and walking tour of the Brazil side of the falls; and an excursion to Argentina for a private guided tour of the Argentine Iguazu Park to see the largest waterfall, Devil’s Throat, and the rainforest, followed by a boat tour through the Canyon of the Iguassu River.

Thailand - Created by Anne Scully of McCabe World Travel

Flying aboard Etihad Airways, honeymooners arrive at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve set on the shores of the Andaman Sea, offering unspoiled views of the naturally rugged shoreline and dramatic limestone karsts which make up this beautiful part of southern Thailand. During the five-night stay in a Royal Beach Villa with a couple pavilion bathtub and private pool overlooking the Andaman Sea, the couple will be treated to a private BBQ dinner by the beach, 10 hours of spa rituals by ESPA Destination Spa and a day trip of luxury yacht cruising to a paradise island where a private butler serves a gourmet picnic. The couple will have a selection of daily tailor-made activities to explore and discover Krabi’s magnificent natural beauty – including a ride on a native elephant.

Portugal – Presented by Virtuoso

Via Lufthansa German Airlines, the couple will arrive in the beautiful Portuguese capital, Lisbon. Located in the heart of the city, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon rises from one of the city’s seven hills and is one of the most prominent landmarks in the city. The iconic hotel, with Four Seasons’ service, is walking distance from the historic old town. Honeymooners can explore this beautiful city at their leisure, before indulging in a spa treatment. The last leg of the trip brings the couple to the island of Madeira (less than a two-hour flight from Lisbon), for a stay at Reid’s Palace. Built in the grand tradition of Edwardian hotels, set in 10 acres of lush gardens on its own private headland, Reid’s Palace has been the hotel of choice for discerning visitors to Madeira for more than 110 years. Highlights include: water sports; hiking; Madeira wine tasting; Portuguese language and dance classes; one moonlight dinner; and a massage for two in the couple’s suite at the Spa with Jacuzzi and fantastic sea view.

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