The TODAY Show votes are in and the winner is….North Island, the Seychelles!

On September 26th, The TODAY Show revealed four incredible honeymoon itineraries for Jessica and Cody to enjoy, all of which were created by talented Virtuoso travel advisors, who are renowned for creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for their clients.

After receiving thousands of votes on honeymoon destination choices including North Island, the Seychelles, Turkey, India and Argentina/Uruguay, North Island, the Seychelles won as the honeymoon of preference. And on October 6th, the newlyweds will depart for one of the world’s most romantic destinations, courtesy of North Island and British Airways.

Congratulations to Virtuoso member travel consultant and Africa specialist Phoebe Weinberg, President of Greatways Travel, Inc. who in collaboration with Wilderness Safaris, coordinated “The Ultimate Island Honeymoon” to North Island.

Thanks to Ann Morgan Scully, President of McCabe World Travel and Becky Theisen, an associate of Strong Travel Services. Both ladies are responsible for arranging extraordinary trips to Turkey, India and Argentina/Uruguay, giving America some amazing itineraries from which to select.

1.    North Island, the Seychelles – “The Ultimate Island Honeymoon” from Wilderness Safaris Created by Phoebe Weinberg, CTC – President of Greatways Travel, Inc

Known for their secluded, sugar-sand beaches and lush, tropical surroundings of abundant flora and fauna, the Seychelles is one of the most romantic destinations in the world, and North Island is the premier island! North Island is widely recognized for its conservation efforts, especially preservation of the island’s giant tortoises. They have also re-introduced more than 110,000 species of plants

Upon arriving in Mahe, the capital of the Seychelles, Cody and Jessica will fly by private helicopter to North Island, an exclusive, destination resort that is designed to be open, natural and pure relaxation. They will enjoy their own private villa, complete with personal plunge pool and dedicated butler to cater to every whim. Cody and Jessica will enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, sunset cruises or simply basking, spa-ing and dining on world-class cuisine.

Cody and Jessica will fly roundtrip British Airways to Mauritius in “Club World Business-Class.”

2.      Tango for Two in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Carmelo, Uruguay Created by Becky Theisen, an associate of Strong Travel Services

Jessica and Cody will arrive in the thriving city of Buenos Aires, one of the hottest destinations around right now. Their stay begins at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel, located in the upscale Recoleta neighborhood. While there, Abercrombie & Kent Argentina will arrange for the couple to explore Buenos Aires’ colorful neighborhoods and rich culture, including a full-day visit to an estancia (working ranch). No visit to Buenos Aires is complete with the tango, the dance of love. Not only will Jessica and Cody enjoy a dance performance over dinner, they will take lessons themselves!

From Buenos Aires, the couple will take the high-speed ferry to the quiet village of Carmelo, Uruguay for a stay at the Four Seasons Resort. This quaint area has been unaffected by the world, choosing to maintain its heritage. They will enjoy a visit to the neighboring village of Colonia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a local winery during their stay.

Jessica and Cody will fly “Premium Business-Class” provided by LAN Airlines.

3.    “India in Luxury” with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts Created by Anne Morgan Scully, CTC – President, McCabe World Travel

Cody and Jessica arrive in bustling New Delhi, where a private car will whisk them away to The Oberoi New Delhi for a night. The next day, the couple will go by private car to Amarvilas, recently rated #10 on TRAVEL+LEISURE’s “World’s Best” list, where they will enjoy one of the world’s best spas and be able to gaze upon the Taj Mahal from their private terrace. As a special treat, Cody and Jessica will enjoy private sunrise and sunset visits to the Taj Mahal.

From there, our honeymooners will fly by private jet to Udaipur for a 3-night stay at The Oberoi Udaivilas, rated #10 on TRAVEL+LEISURE’s “World’s Best” list. The couple will arrive by boat on Lake Pichola, where they’ll be greeted and taken to this Mewari palace-inspired resort.

Jessica and Cody will fly “Club World Business-Class” on British Airways, in addition to the Oberoi King private jet.

Jessica and Cody’s visas will be turned around in a mere five days, courtesy by CIBT, the world’s leading travel document and expediting service.

4.    “Private Adventures in Turkey” with Sea Song Tours Created by Anne Morgan Scully, CTC – President, McCabe World Travel

Cody and Jessica will arrive in Istanbul, where their personal guide will greet them and escort them through customs. A private car will take them to Ciragan Palace for their 3-night stay. From the hotel, a private yacht awaits for a short cruise on the Bosphorus Sea to dinner. While in Istanbul, Cody and Jessica will visit the famed Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and other Turkish sites with their own personal guide.

From Istanbul, Jessica and Cody will fly to Cappadocia, an area known for its awe-inspiring, and lunar-like, volcanic formations that date back thousands of years. While in Cappadocia, they will spend two nights at the Anatolian Houses, a wonderful cave hotel built into the formations. To fully explore the area, Cody and Jessica will also take a morning hot-air balloon ride over the vast landscape and pick fresh apricots from the balloon as they float over the valley.

Cody and Jessica will return to Istanbul for a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel, where they’ll have two more days to explore the surrounding villages and sites with their private guide.

Business-Class roundtrip air is provided by Lufthansa German Airlines.

Many of Virtuoso’s members competed for these four spots, all creating beautiful honeymoons. For more information on these honeymoons or to reach a “Honeymoon Specialist,” please contact us at 1-866-401-7974 or travel@virtuoso.com.

About Phoebe Weinberg, CTC – President, Greatways Travel
When most kids were first learning to read, Phoebe was seeing the world…beginning at the young age of six with a trip to England! She has since spent more than 35 years planning dream trips for her clients, while living out her own dream as well…owning her own agency, Greatways Travel. Phoebe has been named a “Top Travel Specialist” by Condé Nast Traveler for the past eight years and currently serves on advisory boards for Orient Express, Greaves Travel and Condé Nast Traveler. She is a Southern African Specialist, including Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, as well as a specialist in Kenya, Namibia, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. Phoebe has been a Virtuoso member for more than 15 years.

“I am proud to be part of the most professional organization in the travel industry,” says Phoebe. “The friendships that have ensued with other members whose integrity and knowledge I value, as well as that of our superlative and extraordinary preferred suppliers who support us each and every day, make it an honor to be part of Virtuoso.”

About Becky Theisen
With nearly 30 years of experience as a travel consultant, Becky’s career began in Indiana handwriting tickets and typing itineraries. This now-Texas resident is certified by The Travel Institute as a Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Specialist and is a Destination Specialist graduate of Ke Kula O Hawaii (The School of Hawaii.). She has also received top honors from TRAVEL+LEISURE magazine, named as one of their top “A-List” travel agents. Becky’s favorite destinations include Italy, France, Turks & Caicos and Tahiti. She enjoys cruising, snorkeling and historical/religious sightseeing. Becky’s professional goal is to make each client feel as though she’s made their dreams come true.

“Joining Virtuoso was the smartest thing I ever did,” says Becky.

About Anne Morgan Scully, CTC – President, McCabe World Travel
Listed as one of the Top 100 Agents by TRAVEL+LEISURE for seven consecutive years, Anne is renowned for her ability to exceed the expectations of the most discerning clientele. In addition to serving as President of McCabe World Travel, Anne sits on several industry advisory boards including President’s Round Table of Ritz-Carlton, Starwood Luxury Collection, Preferred Hotel Group and Virtuoso’s Hotel and Resort committee. Anne was also selected and trained as a Virtuoso’s ‘Accredited Space Agent,’ making her one of the few travel consultants in North America who can book a ticket aboard Virgin Galactic’s suborbital space flights. Her favorite destination is the one she is packing for!

“I think it is important that Virtuoso member consultants create the ultimate honeymoon trip for The TODAY Show,” says Anne. “It is an opportunity for us to highlight not only our Virtuoso brand, but our partners who deserve it. It's the best ‘Thank You’ I know!”