Welcome to Lush
Life Travel's newsletter. This week's newsletter will focus on:
1. Indulge
2. River Cruise Corner - #WhyRiverCruising
3. Adventure Travel Corner- Maybourne Stories
4. Wellness Travel Corner - Canyon
Ranch
5. Testimonial of Week- "I Found My Travel Consultant"
6. Women's River Cruise - Wellness on Water
7.
Virtuoso Life - Some Recent Issues & Newsletters
8. Preferred Hotel Programs- Can You VIP Me?
9. Special Offers from Lush Life~ Direct affiliate & Virtuoso partner
Let me know if you'd like to schedule a complimentary consultation!
1. Indulge
Happy Mother’s Day today to all we celebrate with, and all we miss.
I hope whether you have your mom and/or loved ones close, you take time to indulge - and celebrate you. Whether your a mom or child, we all know the joy and celebration that we want to bestow
and recognize upon our mothers. Especially those of us who honour her if she's no longer with us.
I'm taking some time to Indulge this weekend.
Yesterday, I went to see the
tulips.
I am taking a break from the hustle and bustle of a busy couple of weeks to admire the stunning display of colors at the #ottawatulipfestival. The
tulips are at their peak beauty, and the festival organizers have done a fantastic job in showcasing #ottawa to the world.
Tourists and locals alike are enjoying the sights, and we feel fortunate to have seen the flowers before the crowds arrive and the rain comes.
Don't miss out on this spectacular event! Go visit the #ottawatulipfestival and experience the beauty for yourself.
I was spoiled by breakfast in bed, and a manicure today. Plus some lovely gifts and flowers.
Taking time for ourselves is something that's really hard to do for some of us.
Beloved actress and New York Times bestselling author Valerie Bertinelli returns with her most indulgent cookbook yet; a collection of 100 recipes to nourish the body and the soul.
in·dulge: to allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of.
When Valerie Bertinelli turned 60, she said “Enough already!” and ended her battle with the scale for good. She stopped counting calories. She stopped thinking of certain foods as good or bad. She quit saying no and began saying yes, finally learning how to enjoy the pure pleasure of being alive – starting in the kitchen.
In short, she learned how to indulge.
It's time for you too, n'est pas?
2. River Cruise Corner - #WhyRiverCruising
Set sail for adventure! ⛴ 🏞 ⛰
If you're on social media (facebook,
instagram, or linked in), I invite you to join me for the next 30-days as I share my expertise as to why you should consider taking a river cruise.
Today marks day 20, and I've been posting something every day.
But don't worry - you can play catch up. I'm also posting something
new every day. hashtag#WhyRiverCruising
Follow me (and feel free to invite me to connect) on:
Don’t just take our word for it! Hear what clients of Lush Life Travel have to say about their unforgettable river cruise experiences, and working with me.
Step outside and witness the world unfold before your eyes. Every turn brings a new breathtaking view on a river cruise. #WhyRiverCruising
``` Are you looking for a luxurious way to explore the world? Look no further than a river cruise! Our partners at Virtuoso Travel and Cruise Icon offer breathtaking views and
unforgettable experiences.
On Day 13 of 30, Sheila from Lush Life Travel shares her journey through Bratislava, Slovakia, and beyond. From the beauty of the Danube to the rich culture of Europe, a river cruise is the perfect way to take in all the world has to offer.
Immerse yourself in the enriching cultural and foodie experiences during both shore excursions and free time as you explore charming villages and historic landmarks along the riverbanks.
Like the famous sachertorte at the Hotel Sacher in Salzburg.
River cruising always presents an opportunity to celebrate!
Whether you are travelling with your honey, your family, or solo ; there is always something for you to do to celebrate life, and travel rolling through Europe.
A sample of cultural experiences on a river cruise - from a concert in Vienna, to a Wachau Valley singer and accordion player, to beer and pretzels at an Oktoberfest tent, to learning the Viennese waltz, to a Bavarian Oompa band, to folk dancing in Budapest.
You get immersed in the
culture on a river cruise.
On this day 17 of 30 hashtag#whyrivercruising , I thought I’d share a little about cabin categories on a river cruise ship.
The entry level or lead in category (I.e., the most economical) is called a “fixed window.”
What is
a “fixed window” cabin on a river cruise?
The fixed windows cabins are on the lower deck (and note, elevators don’t always go to the lower floor).
Fixed window cabins have a window that is 4.5’ - 5’ off the ground.
An entry level, or fixed window, cabin has a window that lets in light, but the window does not open. So, there is no fresh air access.
Given the height of the window from the ground, you have to stand up to look out the window, and it’s a little like
having a basement window in your house (although a river cruise fixed window is about 5’ off the ground, while a basement window might be 7’ off the ground.)
This fixed window cabin category is sometimes called a “swan view” because when you look out the window (standing up), you are looking at the water level- so if there are swans on the river, you will see them go by.
With a fixed window cabin, when you stand up, you are looking out at the water, but when you lie in bed, you are
lying underneath the water line.
The attached reel shows video of a fixed window on the Ama Magna, as we are “double docked” (tied up) to another ship; as well as a fixed window on the Scenic Amber, when we are not tied up to another ship.
A sample of balcony cabins on river cruises for Day 18 of 30 of #WhyRiverCruising
There are a couple of types of balcony cabins. Typically, there is a French balcony, which is sometimes called a Juliette window. Think of it like being a sliding door to a deck you might have in your home. A French
balcony extends the space of the cabin, in the sense that you can fully open it, look outside, and get fresh air. You can pull your cabin chair up to the door and have the feeling of outside at the doorway. But with the French, there is nowhere to sit outside or stand outside the coach . There is a steel guardrail to prevent you from falling in the water, but you can peek your head outside to look around.
The second type of balcony is a twin balcony with a French balcony portion and an
exterior balcony.
This
week, I caught up with my hotelier partners at the Maybourne group of hotels. It made me think about the adventure of going to visit the different Maybourne partners, so I thought I'd share with you as well.
The Maybourne group talks about "stories that last a lifetime."
Each Maybourne hotel is distinctive. Yet all are connected by a common thread, woven together through an artful craft, a progressive mindset and unrivalled locations that span across the French Riviera, London and Los Angeles.
A warm welcome and cool spirit define The Maybourne Beverly Hills. Blending signature service style with the energy of Beverly Hills, expect culinary creativity and contemporary comfort, all wrapped up in a landmark location. The Maybourne Beverly Hills is California, through and through.
An exquisite blend of superlative design and contemporary comfort, our new luxury rooms and suites are a sanctuary from which to discover a city steeped in Hollywood history and cultural cachet. Wide, floor-to-ceiling windows welcome the subtle glow of the same technicolor skies that inspired the formidable filmmakers of the Golden Age. From the armchairs to the ottomans, luxurious takes on
mid-century classic furniture hark back to L.A.’s rich design heritage—after all this was the home of such pioneers as Charles and Ray Eames and Richard Neutra, who worked prolifically in the shadow of these very hills. Highly collectible artworks, sumptuous marble bathrooms and 600-thread count linens provide the most exquiste finishing touches to the finest of stays.
The striking modernist architecture of The Maybourne Riviera emerges from the rocky peninsula of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin as if
forging its way into the glistening Mediterranean Sea. Perfectly positioned near Monaco, enjoy plunging views out to the azure waters. Explore the surrounding Côte d'Azur, a landscape wild with promise and discover the coastline dotted with quaint villages perched on cliff edges with winding pathways leading you through pine forests and maquis. Dramatic views across warm terracotta rooftops, olive groves and citrus trees, expanding out to the azure horizon, the verdant coastlines of Cap Martin
and Italy to the East, Monte Carlo to the West.
Unique spaces created by celebrated designers and architects, inspired by the movement of the sea, the verdant landscape and the spectacular views beyond. Step out onto your private terrace as the sun slowly sets over the glittering Mediterranean Sea.
While the glittering principality of Monaco plays host to glamorous events and boasts a fleet of high-end casinos and restaurants, there is more to be discovered in this luxurious destination than meets the eye. A hotel deeply rooted in place, inspired by the rich culture of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and the sweeping brushstrokes of artistic legacy, from Cézanne to Coco Chanel to Le Corbusier.
Unrivalled service that allows you the freedom to define your own unique experience.
A gastronomic destination with Michelin-star dining that follows the rhythms of the land and sea, led by world-renowned chef Mauro Colagreco.
Swim through infinite blue in the tranquil pool that merges seamlessly with the sea and sky.
They are proud and honoured to be ranked the best hotel in France and ranked in the 26th position in the world at The World's 50 Best Hotels 2023 awards.
There are 4 exquisite Maybourne hotels in London, but we'll just mention the Berkeley today. (But obviously, Connaught, Claridges, and the Emory are fabulous.)
The Berkeley experience begins with the
perfect location in London, England. Your front lawn is the green splendour of Hyde Park and your corner store the singular shopping of Knightsbridge. Once through the stunning new entrance, both may have to wait, as there is so much to entice inside. From the famed Blue Bar and The Berkeley Bar & Terrace, The Berkeley offers experiences found nowhere else. No two rooms and suites are alike, created as they have been by a handful of the world’s most brilliant interior designers – André Fu,
Robert Angell, Helen Green Studio and John Heah among them. The Berkeley excels at everything you’d expect, while offering enchanting surprises you never anticipated.
Join the ‘10am Club’ to enjoy an early hotel check-in – and make the most of every moment at The Berkeley. Guests making a reservation via our Virtuoso partners like Sheila, simply
need to provide their estimated arrival time at least 48 hours in advance. And then we’ll then have your suite or room ready and waiting, for an effortless start to your stay. The doors are also now open to Surrenne, our new wellness club that promises a new era in wellbeing. Guests of The Berkeley enjoy membership here for the duration of their stay – perfect for spa days in sense-stirring saunas and aromatic steam rooms, or laps of luxury in the serene pool. Treatment room are home to
signature rituals, designed by wellness experts from around the world. And in the dedicated fitness studios – including the first from sculpting pioneer Tracy Anderson – state-of-the-art technologies meet cocooning, contemporary design.
Discover your good life at Canyon Ranch all-inclusive wellness resorts. We
broke ground in Arizona, and created the luxury health spa category in 1979 and have been leading the way ever since. We are more than just a vacation. This is the getaway your soul craves. Unwind in the heart of the Sonoran Desert at our flagship in Tucson. Escape to the legendary Berkshires at our resort in Lenox, Massachusetts. Canyon Ranch is integrated health and wholeness, a getaway that goes beyond relaxation. So you can live your fullest life. Become stronger. Healthier. Truly
well.
5. Testimonial of the Week - "I Found My Travel Consultant"
I Found My Travel Consultant - woohoo!
“Awesome, very helpful, communication was perfect between all parties involved in the planning of this trip - I will definitely be contacting Sheila again to book our next trip - we want to do another river cruise in the future - Thank you Sheila 🤗” Lucy
Thank you, Lucy! It was my honour!
6. Women's River Cruise - Wellness on Water
Imagine a getaway that's all about you! Sheila's Women's Wellness Cruise is not just a trip; it's a radical act of self-care amidst the
beaty of Europe, from Budapest to Prague in October 2024. Dive into a world of luxury, connection, and rejuvenation with award-winning Virtuoso luxury wellness travel advisor, Sheila Gallant-Halloran of Lush Life Travel.
Thanks Candace Sampson and "What She Said" for terrific blog post about my Women's Wellness Cruise. And see https://lushlife.ca/what-she-said/
Check out this ad appearing in PostMedia newspapers across Canada.
And check out this Daytime Ottawa TV appearance. Here's my interview talking with Derek Fage .
Just remember, there are three steps to Embrace “Your Grace”:
STEP 1.) STEP ON UP - savour, sip,
self-care
STEP 2.) STEP ONBOARDyour moving boutique hotel room
STEP 3.) STEP ONSHOREto cities and towns along the Danube River
Let me know if you'd like to secure your spot. (And yes, there are some husbands coming. At least 3 are booked thus far!)
This will be a 7-night Danube River cruise, that sets sail from Budapest on Oct. 4, 2024, and heads to Nuremberg, before finishing its voyage with 2 nights in Prague on Oct. 13, 2024. See all the details : https://tinyulr.com/LushWellCruise
Self-care is not a luxury. It's a necessity!
7. Virtuoso Life Issues
Here are some recent Virtuoso Life issues for you to peruse.
A Dispatch from the Editors: Spring GetawaysOn the Move
A Dispatch from the Editors: A Happy Return A Happy
Return
A Dispatch from the Editors: Island GoalsIsland Goals
8. Preferred Hotel Programs - Can You VIP Me?
Travel advisors, like me, often have access to a range of exclusive perks and amenities when booking luxury hotels. Here are some special perks I may be able to provide when you book your hotel stay through me:
Room Upgrades: I often have relationships with hotel management (particularly luxury hotels), allowing me to secure room upgrades at the time of booking, ensuring a better view, larger room, or added amenities.
Complimentary Breakfast or Credits: I can negotiate special perks like complimentary breakfast, spa credits, dining credits, or
other perks that enhance the overall stay.
Early Check-In and Late Check-Out: Through my connections, I may be able to negotiate early check-in or late check-out times, providing more flexibility with your schedule.
Special Amenities: I may be able to arrange for special
amenities in the room upon arrival, such as welcome gifts, champagne, or personalized touches to make the stay more memorable.
Priority Access and VIP Treatment: I can secure priority access to facilities like spas, restaurants, or events within the hotel, ensuring a more exclusive and VIP-like experience.
Customized
Experiences: I can arrange unique experiences tailored to your interests, such as private tours, exclusive excursions, or special events within the hotel premises.
Concierge Services: I can often offer personalized concierge services, ensuring your preferences are noted and catered to throughout your stay, from restaurant
reservations to special requests.
Flexible Booking and Cancellation Policies: I may be able to negotiate more flexible booking terms or cancellation policies, providing peace of mind in case plans change unexpectedly.
These perks often go beyond what is
available through standard booking channels, adding significant value to the overall luxury hotel experience.
I am a Virtuoso luxury advisor, Four Seasons preferred partner, and member of preferred hotel programs like Belmond Bellini, Rosewood Elite, Accor Luxury Step and Fairmont Famous Agent, Leading
Hotels, etc., etc.
I rarely book hotel only reservations for clients (I specialize in river and expedition cruises, customized trips to Australia and Africa), I have ways to leverage my relationships to benefit my clients. Hotel only bookings are subject to my normal professional fees. https://lushlife.ca/2022-fee-schedule/
See some additional detail on these preferred HOTEL PROGRAMS
Note: There is a stop gap measure if you are planning a last minute trip, and you only need a hotel stay. If you do not require my assistance, or VIP'ing, or add ons like transfers, concierge service, etc., you can self-book luxury properties on my Virtuoso
website. You can now browse and book hotels online https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-hotels at your convenience. (If you self-book hotels, I will waive
normal booking and management fees. But if you need additional assistance after the booking, VIP'ing, transfers, concierge assistance, etc., and/or the hotel stay is part of a larger holiday, normal professional fees will apply.)
9. Special Offers from Lush Life, a Direct affiliate & Virtuoso
partner
I run my boutique travel agency, Lush Life Travel, as an affiliate of Direct Travel (formerly called Vision Travel). As Direct is one of the largest Virtuoso luxury travel network partners, I get access to some terrific offers for my clients.
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
Ready to go? Explore these offers and trip ideas.
Destination Vancouver - British Columbia, Canada There are few places in the world where you can ski down slopes, cycle through tree-lined trails, and swim in the sea, all on the same day!
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess -Arizona, United States Imagine having an entire spa to yourself. With Twilight Tranquility at
Well & Being Spa, get private, after-hours access to your personal sanctuary.
Soneva Jani - Noonu Atoll, Maldives Reset with a 3-day holistic journey that combines naturopathy, Chinese medicine, and Ayurveda with the latest innovations in integrative medicine.
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa - Tucson, Arizona, United
States Enjoy a 5th night free, a US$175 nightly resort credit, healthful cuisine, innovative spa treatments, complimentary daily wellness activities, and more.
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya - Tulum, Mexico Make it “me” time in Mexico with a free 3rd night and round-trip airport transfers. Indulge in sea-to-table cuisine and herb-infused spa experiences. Book by
Jun 30.
When you work with Sheila at Lush Life Travel, you get access to our in-depth knowledge, honed over 18 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.
Discover your good life at Canyon Ranch all-inclusive wellness resorts. We
broke ground in Arizona, and created the luxury health spa category in 1979 and have been leading the way ever since. We are more than just a vacation. This is the getaway your soul craves. Unwind in the heart of the Sonoran Desert at our flagship in Tucson. Escape to the legendary Berkshires at our resort in Lenox, Massachusetts. Canyon Ranch is integrated health and wholeness, a getaway that goes beyond relaxation. So you can live your fullest life. Become stronger. Healthier. Truly
well.
