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Tuesday, June 2, 2009

ClassicTravel.com's second submission for NBC's "Today Throws a Wedding"

Our second submission for NBC's "Today Throws a Wedding" is a City experience and spiritual retreat to Bhutan with a taste of Bangkok. Virtuoso Travel Agent here at ClassicTravel.com, Ken Lewis called on his friends at Cox and Kings, an onsite concierge and planning service to coordinate the ultimate spiritual and luxurious Asian honeymoon. 

It all starts in the United States as the lucky couple is whisked away by Limousine to the airport. They will arrive in Bangkok, where they will be greeted by a Cox & Kings representative who will bring them fresh flowers! From here everything is easily facilitated with VIP fast customs & immigration as well as baggage claim. They will be treated like royalty as a private limo takes them to the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, an oasis of relaxation in this bustling metropolis. There they will stay in a Deluxe Suite which overlooks the scenic Chao Phraya River. Writers such as Norman Mailer and Gore Vidal have used this suite as a creative retreat. The couple will be treated to silk bathrobes, Hermes amenities and personalized butler service! They will receive romantic chocolates and champagne upon their arrival.


As part of the couple's unique Bangkok experience, they will enjoy a 90 minute spa treatment at one of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok's Spas. They will learn some secrets of Thai cuisine with a private cooking class. Finally, they will get to relax with a High Tea in the Author's Lounge. For dinner, the couple will enjoy a one of a kind experience aboard a rice barge cruise which goes up and down the Chao Phraya River. They will be serenaded by live music, and have the unique opportunity to see the wondrous temples and architecture of Bangkok by night.

After just one night in Bangkok, the couple will fly to Bhutan where a Cox & Kings Guide will greet them upon arrival and they will be escorted to The Amankora, in Paro, Bhutan. Following will be a "peaceful pilgramage" to 5 Amankara lodges throughout the scenic Bhutan Himalayas. Here the newlyweds will witness amazingly gorgeous scenery and have a one of a kind spiritual Buddhist marriage ceremony. While staying for 2 nights at The Amankora, Paro, the couple will stay in a suite,
 with views of 17th century ruins and snow capped mountains. Here they will experience a Bhutanese Wedding Ceremony at a 7th century temple, where a life-long blessing will be bestowed upon the couple. This ceremony is a once in a lifetime spiritual experience, where the newlyweds will be blessed by buddhist monks. After, the couple will take an afternoon hike to "Tiger Nest" where there is a monastery (it is closed to tourists but the views are amazing.)
A monastery in Punakha

After two nights in Paro, the couple will be driven to Amankora Punakha, which is one of the lowest lying valleys in Bhutan, and enjoys a more temperate climate than the rest of the country. After their arrival, the couple will receive a cleansing and spiritual spa treatment. The next day, the newlyweds will hike past rice patties and other fields to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, an enormous monument which contains paintings by the Queen of Bhutan. this will be followed by a walk past royal residences to an ancient fortress still used for monastic purposes, where a picnic lunch will be served. Then they will visit the village of Lobesa, home to a fertility monastery.

The Royal Palace at Thimphu

The next day will see even more unique experiences. The couple will move on to Amankora Thimphu where they will spend another two amazing nights. In this city, which is the nation's capitol, visits to many museums and local shopping can be arranged. On their second night here, the couple will have a romantic candle lit dinner at the foot of a hill, under a starry sky. This is a one of a kind experience that will never be forgotten. 

Then it is back to the Amankora, Paro for one more night of relaxation in Bhutan. The next day, the couple will fly back to Bangkok and board a relatively private flight (8 seats!) to the tropical island of Koh Kood, Thailand where they will stay at Six Senses Soneva Kiri, a boutique resort with ocean view villas. The couple will have their own personal butler, and will enjoy a private outdoor screening of Cinema Paradiso, a classic and beautiful Italian Film, with the added amenities of cocktails and popcorn, followed by a gourmet candle lit dinner. On the couple's last night at Soneva Kiri, they will dine in a "tree pod," high in the treetops. 

The next day it's time for the couple to leave their incredible spiritual and luxurious retreat, and time to return to reality, and enjoy their married lives together!

For more information on any of the properties or activities mentioned here, or on other Virtuoso Properties found on ClassicTravel.com, please contact Virtuoso Travel Agent Ken Lewis at Ken@classictravel.com or by phone at 212-404-6731.

ClassicTravel.com submits two luxury honeymoon itineraries for NBC's "Today Throws a Wedding"

NBC asked Virtuoso Travel Agencies to submit possible honeymoon itineraries for The Today Show's annual "Today Throws A Wedding" where one lucky couple will win a wedding and honeymoon. ClassicTravel.com is submitting two amazing itineraries. 
The first is a dream honeymoon to St. Barts. First, the couple will arrive in St. Barts and be chauffered to Hotel Le Toiny, a Relais & Chateaux property. This boutique resort, with just 15 bungalows, offers the privacy and personalized service that the perfect honeymoon deserves. The lucky winners will stay in a one bedroom villa suite complete with a private pool and unforgettable views of the Caribbean. Decorated in the French Colonial style, the small touches, such as the italian tiles in the bathroom, make this villa an incredibly luxurious retreat.
We were happy to collaborate with Janine Cifelli,who works with Le Toiny, to create one of a kind daily experiences for the duration of the 5 night stay. When the couple arrives at this amazing and luxurious villa, they will be greeted with champagne and flowers. One evening, the couple will enjoy a private candle lit dinner in their villa, prepared specially by the chef. Another night, they will receive an a la carte three course dinner in the dining room which overlooks the pool. They will relax during the day with a couples massage in their villa or in the spa. In addition, the groom will receive a men's shave, and the bride will receive a one of a kind facial both with products by Ligne St. Barth's, a line of products that are manufactured locally. The newlyweds will share a romantic, gourmet picnic on a private beach. Another afternoon, the couple will receive a guided private hike to view the amazing natural beauty of the area. Our favorite one of a kind experience that we have planned for this honeymoon is the half day photo shoot to make sure the memories of their stay will never be forgotten. In addition, the couple will get the use of a convertible during their stay, as well as breakfast daily, either in their villa or in the dining room. 

One would think this would be enough. But there is more! After five nights at Hotel Le Toiny, the couple will go to Hotel St. Barth Isle de France for another luxurious 5 night experience. Hotel St. Barts Isle de France is another luxurious, private & small property with just 33 rooms, and is regarded as the best beach resort on St. Bart's. 
While at Isle de France, the newlyweds will stay in a beach suite, right on the ocean. They will be treated like royalty as they are greeted with champagne, chocolate, flowers and fruit as well as a mini bar and canapes.  Each morning the couple will awake to a champagne breakfast. In addition they will enjoy lunch and dinner at the hotel's outdoor restaurant La Case d'Isle, which serves contemporary French cuisine. Best of all, they will get cocktails for two at the hotel's bar daily and a 4 day car rental, perfect for visiting St. Barth's exclusive and luxurious beaches! Our favorites are Gouverner Beach and Saline Beach. Last but not least, they will receive a couples massage at the Hotel's renowned Molton Brown Spa.


We are glad to have been able to use our personal relationships here at ClassicTravel.com with Virtuoso suppliers to make this happen! That is what luxury is all about, personalized service and great relationships that ensure everything is the best it possibly can be.

Stay tuned for information on our other submission, which is a spiritual retreat to Bhutan!

For more information on Hotel St. Barth Isle de France, Le Toiny or other Virtuoso Properties found on ClassicTravel.com, please contact your Virtuoso Travel Agent at info@classictravel.com or by phone at 212-843-2900.