Travel advisors Rebecca Champagne and Wendy Graham-Madeira are the big winners of the Virgin Atlantic winter wonder contest for a trip to London
This month Travel Courier teamed up with Virgin Atlantic to give two lucky travel advisors the chance to experience a winter wonder in London in celebration of the carrier’s newly launched direct service between LHR and YYZ.
The winners of the grand prize draw were Rebecca Champagne of Marlin Travel in Brantford, Ont. and Wendy Graham-Madeira of TravelOnly in Kingsville, Ont., who won Premium flights, a stylish city stay and the opportunity to attend the launch night of Skate at Somerset House, one of the capital’s favourite winter experiences.
Already a big fan of the Virgin brand, Champagne said that she was absolutely thrilled to find out that she was one of the winners.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of the Virgin brand. It began with cellular and television, and then grew exponentially after my first Virgin Voyage. I couldn’t help but share the love—and have since become a Top 100 Canadian First Mate,” she told Travel Courier. “Experiencing the airline and London hotel firsthand to see whether they lived up to the standards I expect from Virgin was an absolute treat.”
Champagne for Champagne
Champagne described the Virgin Atlantic Premium service as exceptional.
“From the welcome glass of champagne, it felt like my holiday began the moment I boarded. Usually, a flight is just the journey to your vacation—but Virgin does it differently. Comfort, service, fun, and wonderful food came together to create a truly elevated experience. I arrived in London rested and ready to explore,” she shared, adding that the Virgin Shoreditch Hotel was perfectly situated in a trendy borough of London.
Notably, she said the rooms were beautiful, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, complete with warm and intuitive service.
“Exploring Shoreditch itself was a highlight,” she shared. “The street art was vibrant, impressive, and often awe-inspiring. The area buzzed with people enjoying the many shops and restaurants, and the energy was contagious.”
One of her personal highlights of the trip was the final evening at Skate at Somerset House in Central London, an area she knew well from past visits.
“The weather was typical London rain, but it didn’t dampen a thing. Walking the red carpet and being greeted with champagne made me feel like a celebrity for a moment. The food was delicious and abundant (mmm, oysters!), and the champagne never stopped flowing,” she shared. “A turn around the ice was exhilarating, even if short-lived—the rain sent me back into the clubhouse to dry off and enjoy more champagne!”
Champagne said the journey home was just as exceptional as the inbound flight, but this time around she stayed awake.
“High tea with scones and clotted cream was the perfect ending to this unforgettable experience,” she said. “I’m so happy to share my newfound enthusiasm for Virgin’s airline and hotels with my clients—and confident they will love their experiences just as much as I did.”
Upgrades fit for a princess
Meanwhile, the second winner Graham-Madeira was also already a big fan of Virgin Voyages, but had never travelled with Virgin Atlantic or stayed a Virgin Hotel before. After the adventure she said she’s now a customer for life.
“From the moment I boarded Virgin Atlantic until the time my feet were back on the ground I felt like a bit of a princess,” she revealed. “The atmosphere is so welcoming — just different than many of the airlines I have travelled to Britain on in the past. I was treated to Premium Economy on the flight from Toronto to Heathrow. The seats are spacious and comfortable with increased incline and a foot rest for comfort. I did not know the gentleman sitting next to me but it never felt crowded. The service was impeccable with cabin staff checking on us frequently to make sure we had everything we needed.
For other travel advisors considering the airline, she noted that the food was amazing and the entertainment offerings were loaded with programs, movies, games and music to occupy the time on the flight.
Notably, Graham-Madeira said she was upgraded to a King suite upon check in at the Virgin Hotel Shoreditch, which kicked off the adventure on a high note.
“From the moment we entered, we knew we were somewhere special. The intoxicating scent, the greeting with a smile saying ‘Oh, we knew we had arrivals from Canada! Welcome!’” she shared. “The hotel has an absolute luxurious feel.”
Graham-Madeira said the hotel features Virgin’s signature red with long corridors of bright red doors, elevators illuminated by red light and more.
“The bed was so comfortable with a large bathroom with a steam sauna and shower. Even the little touches like the coffee machine, Marshall Bluetooth speaker and thick crystal glassware — not the plastic you find most places anymore) really gave it a home-y feel,” she added. “We did enjoy breakfast one morning in the restaurant and ordered in the following morning. The food was fantastic and always served with a smile.”
Like Champagne, Graham-Madeira said arriving at SKATE at Somerset House was a highlight.
“It felt like something you see on television. Walking the red carpet, being welcomed with smiles and a glass of champagne. What a party atmosphere,” she said. “I did not skate but watched as many people took a spin around the rink. There were many choices for nibbles and drinks. The backdrop of Somerset House is stunning, particularly in lit up and decorated for Christmas. A great way to ring in the season.”
Her upgrade streak continued on the way home with a seat in Virgin’s Upper Class section.
“Now this is the way to travel! My own pod, lay flat bed, duvet and large pillow — talk about comfort,” she said. “A welcome surprise yet again was being served Afternoon Tea with a piping hot cuppa and a delicious selection of cakes and pastries.”
Graham-Madeira said she would never risk ordering fish on a flight but decided to give it a go this time and said the meal was delicious.
“Normally you don’t find anything about an airline that really makes it stand out against the crowd, but Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Hotels certainly do something right,” she said. “You truly feel as though they are so happy to have you there. Always greeted with a smile, tremendous service and impeccable style have left me wanting all of my clients to experience the same.”
She said she always wants her clients to feel appreciated and well taken care of — and is assured that will be the case when she books the brand.
“I will definitely be recommending them to all of my clients,” she said. “Thank you Virgin Atlantic for this amazing opportunity and making me a customer for life!”
