A Whirlwind Adventure in Buenos Aires
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Hello, ! Welcome to Lush Life Travel's weekly newsletter. This week, I'm sharing the following info and offers: 1. A Whirlwind Adventure in Buenos Aires 2.
River Cruise Corner - Magnificent Europe 3. Adventure Travel Corner- Antarctica with Lindblad 4. Wellness Travel Corner - Windstar Cruises & Exclusive Lush
Life Discount 5. Testimonial of Week- Top Notch 6. Join Me - Women's
Cruise 2025 - Paris & Normandy 7. Virtuoso Life - Some Recent Issues & Newsletters 8. Preferred Hotel Programs- VIP You & The Big Hotel Report 9. Special Offers from Lush Life~ Direct Affiliate & Virtuoso Partner Let me know if you'd like to schedule a complimentary consultation!
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1. A Whirlwind Adventure in Buenos Aires
With just a day and a half in Buenos Aires, we packed in as much as possible while savoring the charm of this vibrant city.
Our early arrival allowed us to explore beyond our riverside hotel in Puerto Madero and venture into the lively Palermo neighborhood.
At CasSur Palermo, we witnessed a touching tribute to Liam Payne of One Direction, where fan dedications were carefully preserved.
After checking in at the Alvear Icon Hotel, we capped off the day with a spectacular steak dinner and a captivating tango performance at Rojo Tango, located in the luxurious Faena Hotel.
The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast with a panoramic view of the city from the 31st floor before embarking on a walking tour of the Puerto Madero neighborhood. The iconic bridge, designed to resemble a stiletto heel, was a visual highlight.
After a sunny courtyard lunch, our Lindblad guide led us on a fantastic bus tour. We visited the El Zanjón de Granados museum, admired the pink Casa Rosada at Plaza de Mayo (where Evita Perón made history),
and wandered through the famous Recoleta Cemetery to see Evita’s resting place and other fascinating monuments.
The day wrapped up with a Lindblad welcome cocktail back at the hotel, followed by a quick supper at Villegas and an early night to prepare for the Antarctic adventure ahead.
2. River Cruise Corner - Magnificent Europe Here's a five minute feature on AmaWaterways marks the return of one of our GRAND 14 night journeys from Amsterdam to Budapest on the Rhine and Danube river in
2025.. Friday's Five Minute Feature highlights their Magnificent Europe. To reserve your spot on this cruise please get in touch with me for available dates and the best promotions. See details of the itinerary here - https://www.amawaterways.ca/agent/lushlife/destination/europe-river-cruises/2025/magnificent-europe And, I can extend to you an offer for new bookings only if made this week with me. I can extend a 5% off the voyage fare (for the cruise, before port fees) to either one couple, or one solo passenger. (Kindly note, you have to call me to get this private sale. You cannot book on my AMA website or through AMA directly.) My normal cruise booking and management fees would still apply. Get in touch with me to get on this cruise and get all of the best prices and promotions. #AskSheila sheila@lushlife.ca
3.Adventure Travel Corner- Antarctica w Lindblad
I'm just still dreaming of ice and penguins.
To say it was a magical experience is an understatement.
To be so remote, and in such a unique part of the world was mind-blowing.
I will say, I had no idea how being so remote, surrounded by ice and penguins, and fellow adventure-seekers, could seep into your soul.
Here I am in Neko Harbour during a magical evening excursion to see a penguin colony. I proudly hold my flag to have my picture taken by Sonia.
4. Wellness Travel Corner- Windstar Cruises & Exclusive Lush Life Discount There are two wonderful cruises with Windstar that focus on wellness that I'd like to share with
you.
The first is Windstar's Mind, Body, & Spirit Collection: Europe's Winter Riviera on Feb.23, 2025. This sails on the Star Legend . And it also has a reduced solo supplement for single travelers.
https://www.windstarcruises.com/cruise/overview/themed/rome-to-barcelona/mbs-europe-winter-riviera/?pkgid=1001098 Join Debbie Dixon, author, yoga teacher, life coach, and inspirational speaker, as she guides you on a transformative journey while you cruise through Italy, southern France, and Spain. Throughout this voyage, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in daily meditation, breathwork, and yoga sessions designed to rejuvenate your mind and body, while participating in Debbie’s inspirational and
transformational talks focused on mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Her sessions will provide you with valuable tools to elevate your overall health, helping you reconnect with your highest potential. You can also refresh yourself at the Elixir Bar Pop-Up, where a specially crafted menu of mind-body elixirs supports your wellness. With time onboard for one-on-one coaching and group connections, this journey offers a unique opportunity to reflect and grow, alongside a community of
like-minded individuals. As you explore the Mediterranean at an unhurried pace, you’ll visit exclusive off-season coastal destinations favored by reclusive celebrities, savvy travelers, and welcoming locals. Begin your adventure in Livorno, where you can extend your overnight port stay to indulge in uncrowded visits to iconic
landmarks and charming towns such as Florence, Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano, where intimate cafes and artisan shops offer a quieter, more authentic experience. This is a rare chance to enjoy unobstructed views of Renaissance masterpieces in serene settings. Continue your journey with a visit to Genoa, where you’ll explore the city’s maritime heritage, stunning architecture, and proximity to Milan. In Barcelona, take in expansive city views from Montjuïc Hill and stroll through the labyrinthine
Gothic Quarter, home to the impressive Sant Maria del Mar Basilica. Every step of the way, you’ll be immersed in rich culture and local charm, while nourishing your soul with the guidance of Debbie and the wellness offerings onboard. See https://www.windstarcruises.com/cruise/overview/themed/rome-to-barcelona/mbs-europe-winter-riviera/?pkgid=1001098
The second is the National Health Association Plant-Based Culinary Extravaganza: Dreams of Tahiti on Feb.16, 2025 on the Star Breeze. And it also has a reduced solo supplement for single
travelers. This is blissful and delectable exclusively plant-based dining throughout 6 islands in French Polynesia. After snorkeling in crystal clear lagoon or touring a family-owned vanilla plantation, come back to your yacht for enticing dishes like veggie enchiladas, crispy kefta of lentil and beet and chocolate cake. The menu rotates
daily with each meal and offers plenty of choices, including gluten, salt, oil, and sugar free options (SOS free) as you sail the seas of French Polynesia. From shore excursions catering to a plant-based diet to a special Destination Discovery Event featuring local plant-based cuisine, you’ll not only experience the culture of Tahiti, but do so in a health-conscious and environmentally friendly way. Come – absorb the lifegiving mana of Tahiti and celebrate a healthy, plant-based lifestyle on
this very special themed voyage. NOTE: Only plant-based cuisine will be served on this voyage. See https://www.windstarcruises.com/cruise/overview/themed/papeete-to-papeete/nha-dreams-of-tahiti/?pkgid=342240
With both of these cruises, and, in fact, any Windstar cruise, I can offer a 10% discount
for bookings made through me before December 31, 2024, as part of my Virtuoso Cruise Icon status. Regular cruise booking and management fees would apply. Let me know if you'd like to book a Windstar cruise!
5. Testimonial of the Week - Top Notch
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It’s so rewarding to receive wonderful client testimonials, such as this one from my client, Don.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Top Notch!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ By:
Don "Awesome Very informative Attention to detail Always available "🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠 Thank you, Don for taking the time to leave some wonderful and kind comments on my @virtuosoltd verified client feedback site. I truly appreciate it.
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6. Join Me - 2025 Women's River Cruise - Paris & Normandy I'm happy to share I'm taking another group on a river cruise to
Paris in November 2025. This will be a woman-focused river cruise, but spouses and partners are still welcome - they might want to skip any woman-themed talks in the morning, but can still participate in all the regular shore-excursions, dining, etc. onboard. Cruise: AMA Waterways river cruise. Sailing: Roundtrip Paris on the Seine River. Sailing on: AMA Dante When:
November 8, 2025 for a 7 night cruise Option: 2 night pre-cruise in Paris. Kindly see https://lush-life-travel.optin.com/newsletter/awlist4876745/MjU0OTcyOTI=/2025-women-s-river-cruise-paris-normandy-from-sheila-of-lush-life-travel.htm for details on: Itinerary, Map, Video, Info about AMA ,
Deck Plan, Inclusions. Pricing. Sheila Promos. Land Package in Paris. Air Promo. Here's a recording of a presentation my BDM Neil Dudley of AMA Waterways did with me this week. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/6151619566877289387 Give it a watch, and let me know if you'd like to join us!
Roundtrip Paris Paris always sizzles while Normandy beckons with its stunning coastline, incredible food and artistic beauty. Monet’s Gardens and the charming harbor town of Honfleur, will inspire you the same way as they inspired the great Impressionists. For
inspiration of a different kind, witness the site of Joan of Arc’s historic martyrdom, or travel to the unforgettable beaches of Normandy where Allied forces landed during WWII’s D-Day invasion. Relive the grandeur of royalty at Château de Bizy, once referred to as “the Versailles of Normandy.” Blend a passion for the good life with culture, art, architecture and timeless landscape in Northern France. And yes - we will be visiting the Normandy Beaches for a 1/2 day tour (Canadian guests will visit the Canadian Beaches. Americans can visit the American beaches.) In fact, we’ll be in Normandy on November 11th next year! See: https://www.amawaterways.ca/agent/lushlife/destination/europe-river-cruises/2025/paris-normandy
Want to join me? Cabins are booking, especially the reduced solo supplement ones. Let me know if you'd like to secure your spot!
8. Preferred Hotels - VIP You &The Big Hotel Report
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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/
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See some additional detail on these preferred HOTEL PROGRAMS And if you're wondering, here are some blog posts about why you should book with an advisor, rather than book by yourself, see here: 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.)
My partners at Virtuoso have checked into enough parklike resorts, boutique retreats, and urban aeries over the years to confidently call ourselves hotel experts. And we’re calling this too: More and more frequently, hotels aren’t just the accessory of a trip – they’re often the main event. They’re the social centerpieces, the design
muses, the experience makers, the martini whisperers, the keepers of the Michelin stars. And 2024 has been a banner year in luxury hotel land: Demand is high, and properties are booking up months in advance, even as new spots pop up everywhere. (Have you seen the crush of hotel openings in London this year?) With more than 1,800 hotels (and counting) in Virtuoso’s global network, our editorial team’s inboxes are a perpetual news feed of villa openings, designer collabs, spa innovations, and other big-deal announcements. Let our collective obsession guide you: For Virtuoso, The Magazine’s
first-ever Big Hotel Report, we’ve rounded up the year’s biggest hotel trends, chased down the next White Lotus, professed our love for the modern kids’ club, and so
much more. Packed with expert insight from our editors, our contributors around the world, and Virtuoso travel advisors, this dispatch is your guide to all things hotel, from the bell desk to the penthouse and everything in between. Read on, dust off your suitcase, and we’ll see you at the lobby bar See https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/articles/the-big-hotel-report-2024
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. 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 . Diriyah, the City of Earth Italian Countryside
Seclusion - Five new Private Estates in this legendary wine region
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 19 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,
Sheila Gallant-Halloran
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