1. Arctic Adventures Aboard Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot

Arctic Adventures Aboard Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot

My niece Sandy and I kicked off our adventure aboard Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot, a stunning luxury expedition vessel designed for polar exploration. 

Our journey began in Quebec City, where we enjoyed a slow morning onboard, savoring a leisurely breakfast after our ice-skating plans—quite literally—melted away.

Instead, we wandered through the Plains of Abraham, soaking up the history and scenic views before making the most important stop of the day: poutine tasting. 

With Ashton crowned “Best Poutine in Quebec,” I had to investigate. Mini on a large plate, extra cheese, and sous piquant, s’il vous plaît. Verdict? 10/10. Who’s up for a Quebec poutine tour? 🚀

In the afternoon, we meandered through Old Quebec’s charming cobblestone streets, stopping at a hand-painted silk scarf shop and testing our nerves on the iconic toboggan run beside Château Frontenac. 

Think exhilarating speeds, winter magic, and scream-laughing all the way down.

Back aboard Le Commandant Charcot, we started the evening with cocktails in the Observation Lounge, then headed to the theater for our official introduction to the crew. The night culminated with a five-star Captain’s Gala dinner, a truly luxurious way to wrap up our first full day.

Dogsledding in Saguenay: A Comedy in Four Acts

The next day, after a leisurely breakfast and ship tour (plus a must-do photo shoot), we set off for a dogsledding adventure in Saguenay. Sounds dreamy, right? Huskies, fresh snow, mushing through the wild? Well, let’s just say our four-legged teammates had other plans.

The moment we gave the go command—silence. Other sleds took off effortlessly, while Sandy and I were running behind ours, pushing, cajoling, and questioning our life choices. These huskies were either deep in existential thought or on an unofficial break.

By the time we finally got moving, I had a newfound respect for mushers, winter boots, and bribery (next time, I’m packing treats). At the finish line? Spiked hot chocolate. Would I do it again? Absolutely. But I’d be better prepared.

Ice Fishing on the Saguenay Fjord: A Lesson in Patience (and Snacks)

We snowmobiled across the frozen Saguenay Fjord, arriving at cozy fishing huts, lines in hand, ready to test our angling skills. Our technique? Flawless. The fish? Rudely uninterested.

Luckily, our guide Sophie kept us entertained, ensuring we hadn’t abandoned fishing for fishing for compliments. Despite the lack of bites, the beer-battered fried sea bass (paired with sriracha mayo and a splash of amaretto-laced coffee) made up for our zero-catch day.

More adventures ahead! Stay tuned next week as I share stories from Sept-Îles, Gaspé, the Magdalen Islands, and St. Pierre & Miquelon.

Who’s ready for an Arctic expedition of their own? ⬇️

Ready to plan your next trip? 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 -  

As you know, I’ll be attending the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna this March, where I’ll be touring and networking with the top river cruise lines. My goal? To bring back the latest insights and exclusive opportunities for my clients who love river cruising.

And - I'll be sailing on an Avalon Waterways ship while I'm in Europe as well.

So, here's a special sailing with Avalon to the Amazon that I thought I'd get you to consider.

Embarking on an Amazon River cruise with Avalon Waterways offers an unparalleled journey into one of the world's most biodiverse regions. Partnering with me, Sheila Gallant-Halloran of Lush Life Travel ensures this adventure is tailored to your desires, combining luxury, expertise, and personalized service.

Discover the Amazon with Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways provides an intimate exploration of the Peruvian Amazon aboard the luxurious Delfin III. This 22-suite ship boasts floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the surrounding rainforest while enjoying modern comforts. Onboard amenities include an open-air sun deck, plunge pool, indoor lounge, and a spa offering treatments with Amazonian elixirs. Culinary experiences feature Peruvian cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients, complemented by free-flowing wine during dinner. 

Daily excursions led by expert naturalists guide you through Amazon tributaries, flooded forests, and jungle villages. Wildlife sightings may include pink river dolphins, three-toed sloths, and a myriad of bird species. Cultural interactions with local communities provide insight into life along the Amazon, enriching your travel experience. 

Seamless Planning with Lush Life Travel

As founder of Lush Life Travel and a Virtuoso member, I specialize in curating bespoke travel experiences. My affiliation with Direct Travel and Virtuoso enables her to offer exclusive benefits and insider access, ensuring your Amazon cruise is both luxurious and personalized. 

My extensive knowledge of Avalon Waterways and the Amazon region allows me to customize your itinerary, catering to your interests and preferences. Whether you're keen on wildlife photography, cultural immersion, or simply relaxing amidst nature, I will craft a journey that exceeds your expectations.

Why Choose an Amazon River Cruise?

The Amazon River, spanning over 4,000 miles, is the world's second-longest river and a haven for biodiversity. Cruising this mighty river offers a unique perspective, granting access to remote areas teeming with wildlife and lush landscapes. From exploring the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve to visiting indigenous communities, an Amazon cruise is both an adventure and an education. 

Embark on Your Amazon Adventure

By choosing Avalon Waterways for your Amazon River cruise and entrusting me with your travel planning, you're set for an unforgettable journey. 

Experience the wonders of the Amazon in luxury and comfort, with every detail meticulously arranged to ensure a seamless adventure.

Ready to explore the Amazon? Contact Sheila at Lush Life Travel to begin planning your bespoke cruise experience.

3.Adventure Travel Corner- Explore Authentically with A&K Expedition Cruises

4. Wellness Travel Corner- Savor & Soothe: A Culinary Wellness Adventure in Catalonia

Savor & Soothe: A Culinary Wellness Adventure in Catalonia

Imagine waking up in a charming Catalonian villa, surrounded by rolling vineyards and the scent of fresh Mediterranean herbs. Your day begins with sunrise yoga overlooking the Costa Brava, followed by a gourmet breakfast featuring local cheeses, vine-ripened tomatoes, and just-baked pan con tomate.

A culinary wellness escape to Catalonia blends indulgence with nourishment—because wellness isn’t just about green juices and spa days; it’s about slow food, mindful movement, and connecting with the land.

Savor the Flavors of Catalonia

From Michelin-starred restaurants to rustic countryside bodegas, Catalonia is a food lover’s paradise. 

Here, you’ll:
🍷 Tour world-renowned wineries in Penedès and Priorat, tasting organic and biodynamic Cava.
🍴 Learn from top Catalonian chefs, preparing farm-to-table dishes inspired by centuries-old traditions.
🧀 Explore local markets, gathering artisanal cheeses, fresh seafood, and fragrant saffron.

Wellness in Every Sense

Balance indulgence with rejuvenation:
🧘 Private spa retreats in ancient monasteries and seaside wellness resorts.
🚴 Cycling through olive groves, breathing in the crisp Mediterranean air.
🌊 Thermal baths & Thalassotherapy, where seawater treatments soothe body and soul.

Why Book with Lush Life Travel?

I curate immersive, luxury experiences where you don’t have to choose between culinary delight and holistic wellness—you get both. Let’s craft a Catalonian escape that’s as indulgent as it is restorative.

📩 Let’s plan your perfect balance of food, wine, and wellness in Catalonia!

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: 

New Zealand by Train : https://youtu.be/4o2wXkJWDRA?si=E_4UU3DFc1Mq6Zzk

SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week:

Windstar : How will you upgrade your experience? https://e.virtuosoemail.com/how-will-you-upgrade-your-experience?ecid=ACsprvu2k1_Rk6l544mzIPlGwKoThkY0wiWf3RLi0tS5gyua6RvE50KUqgyCV2ujpAZiPfxREBpI

RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week:

Aqua Expeditions - Amazon

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/cruises/sailings/16585571/amazon-09aug2025-16aug2025

EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week:

Silversea Expeditions - Galapagos

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-cruises/sailings/16440891/galapagos-22feb2025-01mar2025

TOUR PARTNER of the Week:

African Travel - Best of Tanzania https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/tours/16913584/best-of-tanzania-escorted

HOTEL of the week:

One&Only Palmilla Adds Luxury Yacht and More Curated Villa One Experiences https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/current-news/supplier/oneonly-palmilla/OneOnly-Palmilla-Adds-Luxury-Yacht-and-More-Curate

LUXURY experience of the week:

Prive Jets - Private Jet Charters

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/services/17901797/private-jet-charter

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