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Hello, ! Welcome to Lush Life Travel's Sunday morning newsletter. This week's newsletter will focus on: 1. Virtuoso Travel Week 2. River Cruise Corner- Aqua Expeditions & Song Saa 3. Adventure Corner- Australis Patagonia Explorer 4. Wellness Corner - Schloss Elmau- Luxury Spa 5. Virtuoso Life - Some Recent Issues &
Newsletters 6. Preferred Hotel Programs- Accor Step & Fairmont 7. Special Offers from Lush Life, Vision/ Direct, Virtuoso Let me know if you'd like to schedule a complimentary consultation!
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In last week's newsletter, I let you know about my first day in Vegas for Virtuoso Travel Week - Globetrotting! I'd spent the day Saturday visiting community travel supplier partners in their elaborately designed and thought out travel show booths - and they were organized in pavilions for Adventure Travel, Cruise Travel, and Wellness Travel (as well as Family & Celebration
Travel, Culinary Travel, and Ultraluxe Travel) with each travel supplier partner giving a 10 minute presentation about what’s new with their products and luxury travel offerings. I was learning and shopping for you, my client, so you can travel the world better. And, of course, I was constantly moving between the Bellagio, Vdara, and Aria hotels for various meetings. Sunday marked a day of professional development meetings, followed by some Direct Travel team meetings, and the opening session of Virtuoso Travel Week. And then the full on
meetings began for Monday- Thursday sessions. Monday was the first day at the tracks "speed-dating" appointments, and I had 26 six -minute meetings with various travel supplier partners (including Four Seasons Philadelphia, Enchantment Resort, Joali Maldives, Fairmont
Pacific Rim, A&K Morocco, Tahiti Legends, and more) . This was followed by a business lunch with Australia and New Zealand Tourism boards (and a pop in to the “Under One Sky” sustainability tourism lunch). And then 10 ten-minute matched appointments with travel supplier partners I’d requested to meet (including a villa in Greece, a hotel in Amsterdam, a tour operator in Mongolia, a destination management company in France, a resort in Newport Beach and
another in Palm Beach - plus Uniworld, Paul Gauguin, Australis, and more). I had some other meetings with travel supplier partners at the Cruise Cafe, as well as Preferred Partner Lounge. And then “Cruise Night Out” - an exclusive “by invitation only” (with invites extended only to those advisors who had at least $350,000 usd in preferred partner cruise sales.) And there were awards extended to my cruise partners at Uniworld, Quark, and Silversea win! Tuesday had another 26 six-minute speed-dating meetings (including Natural Habitat, Switzerland Tourism, AndBeyond Botswana, Cheval Blanc St-Tropez, Montage Big Sky, and the Retreat Costa
Rica) , followed by a business lunch with Windstar cruises. The afternoon had another 10 ten-minute matched appointments where I met with suppliers more aligned with my business (including Malliouhana in Anguilla, Norwegian Adventures, South World Australia, SHA Wellness, AndBeyond Childe); and then I had some appointments at Cruise Cafe and Preferred Partner lounge with my partners that I work closely with. The evening kicked off with Quark Expeditions and
AndBeyond transporting us via Vegas party bus to the main event of Culture Night at the Cosmopolitan with Virtuoso Travel Partners displaying food stations, cocktails, and music from around the world - including an African dance troupe, Chinese dragons,
balancing acts, and more. And - I was working with clients (including solving a couple of pretty major client issues) along the way when there was a few minutes of time between events. Each day had me walking in excess of 15,000 steps each day. Wednesday at Virtuoso Travel Week featured another 26 speed- dating meetings (including Raffles Dubai, Singita Tanzania, Tierra Patagonia, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Made for Spain, Austrian Tourism, Nobu Hotel San Sebastian, and more); 10 more matched appointments (including Coral Expeditions, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collecition, A&K Italy, Southern World NZ, and more), with a half dozen cruise cafe and preferred
partner meetings. Throw in a fantastic meeting with Ama Waterways, a business luncheon with Lush Experiences hotel reps (including Jade Mountain, Cap Maison, Hermitage Bay, and more), a cocktail/ spa party with my Canadian Virtuoso travel partners, some serious business planning over drinks with Uniworld River cruises, and a few other business meetings too. Virtuoso Travel Week is where serious work intersects with fun while building
relationships. What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas. Thursday was the wrap up day for Virtuoso Travel Week 2023 in Las Vegas . Another full day with 26 speed- dating meetings (including
Lafayette Travel France, Four Seasons Kyoto, Conrad Punta de Mita, One& Only Rwanda Necker Island, St. Regis Deer Valley, and Tourism NZ); cruise cafe meetings, 10 more matched appointments (including Big Five Tours, andBeyond South Africa, Silversea Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, and more); a business lunch with Island Luxe hotels and my friends at Jade Mountain, Cap Maison, Hermitage Bay, and more - followed by the top off - the wonderful
Gala evening, where I dined with Explora Lodges Patagonia, and enjoyed cheering for my table mates from Leonida’s Travel from Croatia . I made it home safely, exhausted but energized. Hope the rest of my friends can leave Las Vegas safely too (many flight delays and
cancellations), and beat the storms . As always, I took oodles of pictures at VTW in Vegas at the Bellagio, Aria, and Vdara hotels. It was so wonderful to see all my friends and colleagues
from around the world, and such an important week for my luxury travel business in terms of furthering relationships and building business ventures; plus gathering new ideas for my clients to travel the world. See https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=vacay&set=a.10222991557927841 I'm excited for the year of travel planning ahead, and eager to share with you. Let me know where you’d like to go next!
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2. River Cruise Corner - Aqua Expeditions & Song Saa Aqua Expeditions, in partnership with Song Saa Private Island, is pleased to announce 30% off savings in Vietnam and Cambodia! Embark on a cultural odyssey through Cambodia and Vietnam aboard the award-winning Aqua Mekong for a truly immersive, meaningful and personalized luxury experience. Continue your journey to a carefree paradise, an intimate escape, crafted
with love, at Song Saa Private Island. Enjoy luxury, serenity and a deep connection with the environment. Applies to 2023, 2024 and 2025 departure dates. Applies to select cabins on all Aqua Mekong departure dates. Book by October 31,
2023. 3. Adventure Corner - Australis Patagonia Explorer The new luxury adventure is now escaping on a holiday
where there is no wifi. And my Virtuoso Travel partners at Australis proudly boast that there is no wifi on their ships. Australis' new ship, the Ventus Australis launched in January 2018 with 4 night, one-way itineraries between Punta Arenas and Ushuaia. The 100 cabin ship is designed to give Ventus Australis the extreme maneuverability necessary to the navigate narrow fjords and channels of Tierra del Fuego. Australis, a Chilean company with 31 years experience in operating expedition cruises and named amongst the 2017 Best Small-Ship Ocean Cruises by Travel + Leisure. Born on the waterways of Patagonia and sailing out of Punta Arenas, Chile & Ushuaia, Argentina; The Ventus Australis joined its sister ship Stella Australis as the only passenger vessels that
can venture through the narrow fjords of Tierra del Fuego and disembark at fabled Cape Horn. We are the only cruise line who’s passengers get to walk on Cape Horn (weather permitting) on a regular basis. In 2021, the World Cruise Awards chose Australis as Best Expedition Cruise in the World. See https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/cruises/sailings/16497300/patagonian-explorer-31mar2024-04apr2024 Lemme know if you wanna go! 4.
Wellness - Schloss Elmau- Luxury Spa Experience the sounds of silence and rushing streams just 62 miles south of Munich in a magical sanctuary in the Bavarian Alps. Discover a luxury spa retreat and cultural hideaway beyond
compare. Relax in six separate spas for adults and families, offering calm and serenity. Enjoy spa treatments and traditional Chinese medicine. Practice yoga, tai chi, qigong, and Pilates. Reenergize with unlimited sports in winter and summer. Kids can roam free or participate in edutainment and soccer camps. Feast on outstanding gourmet food, and listen as time is suspended time during classical and jazz concerts with the great artists of our time. Schloss Elmau- Luxury Spa & Cultural Hideway is located 100 km south of Munich and 1000 m above sea level in probably the most beautiful sanctuary of the Bavarian Alps offering traveling aesthetes and families not only the ultimate contemporary spa experience, but also food for
thought and a unique cultural tradition with some of the greatest artists and authors of our time. Nestled into the Bavarian Alps, Schloss Elmau offers a unique spa and cultural experience in a nature sanctuary. The castle is also a perfect base for
year-round sports and to discover all of the fairy tale castles of King Ludwig II, his favorite being only a three-hour hike away. The hotel celebrates the luxury of space and privacy in five restaurants, several lounges and four separate spas for adults and families as well as regular classical music and jazz concerts with some of the greatest artists of our time. Grand yet intimate interiors of the 94-year-old castle, which was rebuilt in 2007, blend subtle Oriental influences with the beauty
of the pristine surroundings. Feel thoroughly at home, without limitation. In luxuriously designed rooms & suites offering a liberating sense of space & privacy. Enjoy restful sleep, serene tranquility & stunning views of peaks and valleys connecting
ultimate comfort to the beauty of the surroundings. Relax in intimate interiors, blending cosmopolitan design with precious natural materials, sophisticated lighting and flowers everywhere.The 70 Deluxe Rooms and Suites facing West and South feature Natural Stone Bathrooms and Schramm Mattresses.The 35 Generously Appointed Suites and Junior Suites in the West Wing offer yet another dimension of living with Floor to Ceiling Windows that open up to breathtaking views of the Wetterstein Mountain
Range. Schloss Elmau Retreat - Luxury Suites & Spa is located on a sunny hill 150m west of the castle and offers traveling Spa Aesthetes yet another dimension of space and privacy with spectacular views of the monumental Wetterstein mountain and roaring
Ferchenbach Creek. Enjoy outstanding food from the around the world and the region in restaurants designed to inspire, including the gourmet restaurant Luce d‘ Oro, which was awarded with 2 Michelin stars in February 2019.
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Here are some recent Virtuoso Life issues for you to peruse. A Dispatch from the Editors: Vegas, Baby https://e.virtuosoemail.com/a-dispatch-from-the-editors-vegas-baby-1691164301787?ecid=ACsprvv3T75R6uq5JmEaMjYD-vlbJaHrckl9yUXZMy39PLLarXMkRy-_DSmZdYBxZPGNC-wsYmnj A
Dispatch from the Editors: The Arts Issue https://e.virtuosoemail.com/a-dispatch-from-the-editors-the-arts-issue-5?ecid=ACsprvvUW_9OabEpgmd6L791-jD2fvNxUQ4fIjDw-fNbW61oqBWuniH-8I4Ls53BIw4jU1M4fW22
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6. Preferred Hotel Programs - Accor Step & Fairmont
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One of the things we love most about what we do is matching our clients tastes' with the greatest hotels in the world. And with our preferred status with these industry leading hotel brands it means our clients are instant VIP's with upgrades and special perks that you only get working with an elite
partner. So, not only do we have the best rates, but more importantly you get an exceptional experience over and above what you would booking direct or with a credit card. See the special programs I'm affiliated with below,
and let me know if you’d like to discuss a specific hotel stay. Such as at a Accor Steph & Fairmont hotel partner around the world - see Accor Step & Fairmont For specific articles about why you should book with an
advisor, rather than book by yourself, see here: Why Wouldn't You Do It Yourself Booking a Cruise Yourself vs With Advisor Booking Hawaii Yourself vs Through Advisor Booking Rocky Mountaineer Yourself vs With Advisor See some additional detail on these preferred HOTEL PROGRAMS A&K 100 Club ; Accor Step & Fairmont , Belmond Bellini Club Program ; Couture by Langham; Dorchester Diamond Club; Four Seasons Preferred, Hilton Impresario; Hyatt Privé Program; IHG Hotel Program ; Jumeirah’s Passport to Luxury , Kempinski Club 1897; Luminous Hotel Program , Mandarin Oriental Fan Club; Marriott Stars & Luminous , Pearl Partner Oetker; Peninsula Fan Club , Preferred Hotel Program ; Rocco Forte Knights Program Rosewood Elite ; Small Luxury Hotels And - I wanted to let you know about a new way for you to book hotels online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week... You can now browse and book hotels online https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-hotels at your convenience – and what’s more, you’ll still receive all the usual benefits you get when I book your
travel - including full service, preferred rates, and exclusive amenities. And once you make a booking, the information comes directly to me so I can follow up with you about additional services or whatever else you may need!
It’s perfect for last minute getaways, weekend breaks, or other short trips! I’m sure once you try it you’ll agree you get the best of both worlds; the ease and convenience of online booking – plus the value and VIP
treatment I know you love. As long as you don't need me to provide any additional services or assistance, you can book hotels yourself with my Virtuoso partners, and I will waive normal booking and management fees. (If you need additional assistance after the booking, normal fees will apply.)
One point, though - if you're looking to stay at week at a Four Seasons partner around the world, say, having me book your holiday through my Four
Seasons preferred partners directly (rather than you self-booking through the Virtuoso.com booking engine link above) will bestow additional benefits that I can leverage as a preferred Four Seasons partner. So, let me know if you want to book a Four Seasons, but I can get some extra benefits and "love" for you. Of course, this Virtuoso.com booking link and the benefits of you booking yourself, if you choose, doesn’t change any of the
services I already offer. I’m still available in person to book hotels and take care of your other travel needs. Just know you now have access to this VIP online hotel booking option now, too.
I'm here when you need me.
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7. Some Special Travel Offers
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I run my boutique travel agency, Lush Life Travel, as an affiliate of Vision / Direct Travel. As Vision/ Direct is one of the largest Virtuoso luxury travel network partners, I get access to some terrific offers for my clients. And if you click some of the marketing links I have in this offers section,
you'll notice the migration over to a Direct Travel (rather than Vision Travel) link as well. (See section 2 above for the rebranding note.) Here are some offers from a few of our favourite travel supplier partners. Let me know if you'd like to book one of these
holidays Soar. Explore. Save. with Atlas Ocean Voyages Private Sale with Silversea Hurtigruten's Norway So many suite escapes in Europe
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When You Work with Lush Life
When you work with Sheila at Lush Life Travel, you get access to our in-depth knowledge, honed over 17 years experience in travel (with another 20 years in financial services). Atop our foundation of financial risk management skills; we have layered the bricks to build a wall of travel knowledge and relationships. We leverage all of our expertise to help you live your lush life through travel. So, schedule a consultation - and - don't forget to complete this Pre-consultation Survey The call can't be confirmed without it.
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Live a Lush Life - Travel!
Lush regards,
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