1. Embracing the Chill (and the Culture) Before the Ultimate Adventure ❄️🚢 

Embracing the Chill (and the Culture) Before the Ultimate Adventure ❄️🚢

At Lush Life Travel, we believe in digging deep into Canadian winter travel—both figuratively and literally. Before setting off on an extraordinary expedition aboard Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot, what better way to embrace the cold than with a stay at some of Quebec’s most unique properties, paired with an immersive cultural experience?

First stop: Auberge Saint-Antoine, a boutique Relais & Châteaux hotel in Old Quebec that blends history, luxury, and cozy charm. Built on an archaeological site dating back to the 17th century, this former wharf and cannon battery now houses museum-worthy artifacts, seamlessly woven into its warm and stylish interiors. It’s the perfect spot to sip a rich café au lait, soak in Old World ambiance, and feel smug about staying somewhere that’s both historic and well-heated.

Next, we lean all the way into winter at Hôtel de Glace in Valcartier—Canada’s only ice hotel. Imagine sipping a cocktail from a glass made of ice, admiring stunning snow-carved suites, and wondering why on earth you thought sleeping in a room made of frozen water was a good idea. (Spoiler: It’s totally worth it.)

Of course, no visit to Quebec would be complete without experiencing the rich heritage of the Huron-Wendat Nation in Wendake. A visit to the Huron-Wendat Museum offers an incredible look at Indigenous history, traditions, and craftsmanship. And after taking it all in, warming up at La Traite Restaurant with a feast of game meats and foraged ingredients is an unforgettable way to connect with the land and its stories.

Then, just as we’ve proven our true Canadian credentials, it’s time to embark on Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant’s luxury icebreaker, and take winter travel to the next level. Because if you’re going to embrace the cold, you might as well do it in the most spectacular way possible!

Who else is ready to bundle up and make winter an adventure? 🌍❄️ hashtag#AskSheila sheila@lushlife.ca
 

Your Next Step: Luxury Travel, Booked Wisely

📩 Let’s curate your next unforgettable cruise experience:
🔹 Pre-Consultation Survey: https://tinyurl.com/LushLifeConsultSurvey
🔹 Schedule a Consult: https://tinyurl.com/LushLifeConsult

Exceptional journeys require expert planning. Let’s make your next luxury cruise experience truly extraordinary.

Sheila Gallant-Halloran | Lush Life Travel
🌍 www.lushlife.ca | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca

2. River Cruise Corner -  Viking River Cruises

Ahoy, Lush Life Travelers,

As you know, I’ll be attending the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna this March, where I’ll be hobnobbing with the top river cruise lines to bring back the latest insights and exclusive opportunities for all you river cruising aficionados. This week, I’m excited to spotlight Viking River Cruises—a name that truly sails above the rest.

As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon and river cruise specialist, I have access to VIP perks, priority reservations, and exclusive experiences that ensure every journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Next month, I’ll be putting my money where my mouth is by sailing with Viking River Cruises—and trust me, I’m beyond thrilled!

Viking is renowned as the small ship expert, delivering you right to your destination’s doorstep in absolute comfort. Whether you’re exploring Europe’s majestic rivers, the vibrant waterways of Southeast Asia and Egypt, or even cruising along the Mississippi, Viking’s itineraries offer both popular ports and hidden gems. And if you’re itching for an adventure beyond the ordinary, their under-1,000-guest ocean ships and Viking Expeditions now take you to all seven continents—from the icy wonders of Antarctica and the Arctic to the serene landscapes of The Great Lakes. Their small ships, reminiscent of a floating hotel with serene, light-filled spaces and understated elegance, are Viking’s signature take on modern luxury.

Don’t just take my word for it—Viking boasts over 450 awards, including being rated #1 for Rivers, Oceans, and Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards (for the second year running!) and “World’s Best” for all three categories by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has achieved such a stellar trifecta!

For a taste of the magic, consider itineraries like the Total Eclipse on the Nile, France’s Finest, or the Elegant Elbe. For more details, check out Viking’s profile here.

I can’t wait to share my Vienna adventures and more insider secrets soon. 

Until then, here’s to smooth sailing and a little witty banter on every voyage.

3.Adventure Travel Corner- Duvine Cycling

4. Wellness Travel Corner- 2025 Wellness Trends

Lush Life Travelers,

Get ready to lace up your sneakers and dive into a wellness adventure that’s as refreshing as a cool plunge and as contagious as your favorite laugh! Welcome to 2025—a year when wellness travel is about more than just spa days and smoothie bowls. It’s a vibrant blend of community, fun, and a dash of cheeky irreverence that leaves you both rejuvenated and grinning from ear to ear.

I’m tickled pink to share that I won the Virtuoso Leaders, Luminaries, and Legends award for wellness travel in 2022. And honestly, it’s no surprise—by happenstance, the holidays I book for my fabulous clientele naturally come sprinkled with wellness magic. Imagine enjoying a soothing spa day onboard the Lindblad Endurance in Antarctica, escaping to the serene Miraval Austin wellness resort for some serious R&R, or even experiencing a sound therapy wellness meditation while cruising the turquoise waters of Turkey with Explora Journeys. How about a yoga class onboard a river cruise (see my picture above on a Uniworld cruise.) Feeling extra cheeky? You could even indulge in a top-notch masseuse during your Vegas getaway!

But wait, there’s more wellness wizardry on the horizon. Picture yourself joining group hikes that blend scenic vistas with mindset coaching and vision boarding—proving that laughter and granola bars can indeed be the secret ingredients to longevity. Hydrotherapy circuits have evolved into a playful water ballet where hot tubs, cold plunges, and sensory showers (think colored lights and aromatherapy magic) turn your spa day into an aquatic adventure.

For our leading ladies, bespoke retreats now cater to every phase of life—from fertility enhancement programs in the mystical Himalayas to menopause makeovers that celebrate every twist and turn. And for the sporty at heart, 2025 is set to dazzle with athletic adventures like pickleball tournaments, wing foiling academies, and ski wellness programs that get you moving in the most fun way possible.

Not to be forgotten, the trend of “silent travel” is here to help you disconnect from the urban buzz and reconnect with your inner self—because sometimes, a little quiet (and maybe a few giggles) is the best therapy of all.

For more details on these fabulous trends, check out Condé Nast Traveler’s feature: The Biggest Wellness Trends of 2025.

At Lush Life Travel, I leverage my virtuoso connections to craft escapes that are as enriching as they are fun. Your next great wellness adventure is just a booking away!

6. Travel with Sheila: 2025 Women's River Cruise to Paris & Normandy

What are you waiting for? 

I’m thrilled to be hosting another incredible group journey, this time on a women-focused river cruise to Paris and Normandy in November 2025. While the spotlight will be on women’s themes, spouses and partners are welcome! They can skip the morning talks and still enjoy the shore excursions, dining, and everything else onboard. (Several husbands are booked too!)

Why Join This Cruise?
✨ Paris: Always enchanting and vibrant.
✨ Normandy: Stunning coastlines, artistic beauty, and rich history. Explore Monet’s Gardens, the charming harbor of Honfleur, Joan of Arc’s legacy, and the D-Day beaches, including a special Remembrance Day tour on November 11th (with tailored visits to Canadian or American beaches).
✨ Château de Bizy: Experience the grandeur of "the Versailles of Normandy."

Blend culture, art, architecture, and the good life as we sail the Seine together.

Cruise Details:
🚢 Line: AMA Waterways, aboard the luxurious AMA Dante
📅 When: November 8, 2025, for 7 nights (option to add a 2-night pre-cruise in Paris)
📍 Itinerary: Roundtrip Paris along the Seine

Special Offers: Reduced solo supplement cabins—grab them before they’re gone!

•  The latest edition of Travel with Sheila -Join Me: 2025 Women's River Cruise to Paris & Normandy

All category E, D, and C are now sold out. I still have some category A, B, and suites. If you've been considering joining me, now is the time to book. Would you like to join me?

For the category B twin balcony or category A twin balcony, let me know if you'd like updated pricing. The pricing promos changed as at Dec.31.24. So let me know if you'd like to book, and if you are solo or double occupancy, as that will impact pricing. 

🗺️ For full details, including itinerary, deck plans, and inclusions (kindly note - the pricing promos have changed as at Dec.31.24 - let me know if you'd like to confirm updated pricing), visit: 2025 Women’s River Cruise Details.

🎥 Watch a recording of my webinar with AMA Waterways BDM Neil Dudley: Cruise Presentation.

And there's also this presentation with Neil and me:

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. 

Ready to join us? Cabins are filling fast! Let me know if you’d like to secure your spot. 🌟

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 

9.  Special Offers from Lush Life Travel, a Direct Travel affiliate & top Virtuoso partner

As the owner of Lush Life Travel, a boutique travel agency affiliated with Direct Travel, I’m delighted to bring you access to exclusive offers through Direct Travel’s status as one of the largest Virtuoso luxury travel network partners.

Here are some fantastic opportunities from a few of our favorite travel supplier partners:  

DESTINATION of the week: 

Costa RIca - Nayara Gardens

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/hotels/11995748/nayara-gardens

SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week:

Sea Cloud - Sail the Wave 

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/current-news/supplier/sea-cloud-cruises/Sail-the-Wave-with-Sea-Cloud-Cruises

RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week:

Avalon Waterways - Coast into your next adventure https://e.virtuosoemail.com/coast-into-your-next-adventure?ecid=ACsprvuhS6YisXxjsyfJajT4fEQif-7U_VhKbAFbUpiyj8IH47gzsUDwkqDlLM1-SHpd9HcrxQcH

EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week:

Quark Expeditions: Spot ice-white glaciers and famed wildlife https://e.virtuosoemail.com/spot-ice-white-glaciers-and-famed-wildlife-1?ecid=ACsprvupjGgvmakLxst_tYhZyrIETEDmQacmMGyWuSKWrLyYLJvJgD96Fwm4u3v1ORu3izoB0ViS

TOUR PARTNER of the Week:

Collette Vacations https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/vacation/15007/Limited-Time-Savings-with-Collette

HOTEL of the week:

Cannes Calling: Exciting upgrades at the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/current-news/supplier/hotel-barriere-le-majestic/Cannes-Calling-Exciting-upgrades-at-the-legendary

LUXURY experience of the week:

Switzerland by Train - https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/articles/a-grand-tour-how-to-see-switzerland-by-train

Let me know if one of these holidays catches your eye—I’d love to help you plan your next unforgettable journey!