1.Luxury Travel is Powered by Relationships  

A Day in the Life of a Virtuoso Cruise Icon: Where Relationships Turn Into Results

Up before dawn to catch the 4 a.m. train to Toronto—all in the name of research, relationship-building, and keeping my finger on the pulse of luxury travel trends for my clients.

At Virtuoso On Tour, my days were packed with meaningful meetings, from supplier updates and future group planning to heartfelt catch-ups (and the occasional cocktail) with trusted travel partners. This is where the behind-the-scenes magic happens—so when you’re ready to plan your next unforgettable journey, I’m already several steps ahead.

Part Two of the event dove deeper: more face time with top partners in river, expedition, and small ocean cruises—my specialty. I met with hoteliers and destination experts in Lisbon, Paris, and Budapest to map out perfect pre- and post-cruise stays, and connected with partners in Anguilla, Turks & Caicos, Peru, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand to craft bespoke, immersive experiences.

I invest in these connections because they matter. They’re not just names on a spreadsheet—they’re the people I call to elevate your trip-of-a-lifetime or solve issues in real time, should they arise.

Google doesn’t have that. ChatGPT doesn’t have that.

But I do.

Because luxury travel isn’t powered by algorithms—it’s powered by relationships. And five-star travel deserves five-star support.

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 - Lush Life’s Private Sale with AmaWaterways 

Next week - new Travel with Sheila in 2026 to Egypt!

Private Sale Alert: Exclusive AmaWaterways River Cruise Offers!

Sheila here from Lush Life Travel—and I’ve got something special just for you.

As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon and river cruise specialist, I’ve secured an exclusive private sale with AmaWaterways for my clients:

Enjoy 10% off cruise fare on select 2025 sailings!

These are not public offers—just one of the perks of working with an advisor who knows the right people and has access to the right offers.

Standard cruise booking and management fees apply.

I’ll be featuring private sale details, trip inspiration, and sneak peeks in my Lush Life River Cruise Facebook Group. Join us here to stay in the know:

Join the Group

Top 10 Itineraries with Private Sale Access Today:

(Availability changes quickly—so let’s talk soon!)

1. Taste of Bordeaux – June 12, 2025
2. Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle – June 25, 2025
3. Enticing Douro – July 15, 2025
4. Melodies of the Danube – July 15, 2025
5. Romantic Danube – July 26, 2025
6. Flavours of Burgundy & Provence (Wine Cruise) – July 31, 2025
7. Melodies of the Danube (Wellness Cruise) – August 2, 2025
8. Charms of the Mekong – August 11, 2025
9. Impressions of the Seine & Paris – August 23, 2025
10. Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle – October 15, 2025

Important Notes:

• New bookings only
• Rates and availability subject to change without notice
• Explore itineraries here:
  Lush Life x AmaWaterways Itineraries

Let’s turn your river cruise dreams into a reality—luxuriously, of course.

3.Adventure Travel Corner- Discover Malta: Your Next Adventure Awaits

Looking for your next adventure? Consider Malta—a sun-drenched Mediterranean gem that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, Malta is one of Europe's sunniest destinations, making it an ideal year-round getaway 

Explore Rich History and Culture

Malta is a treasure trove of historical sites. Wander through the ancient streets of Mdina, the "Silent City," or explore Valletta, the 16th-century capital adorned with baroque architecture. Don't miss the megalithic temples, older than Stonehenge, and the catacombs that whisper tales of the past 

Bask in the Sun

Whether it's lounging on the golden sands of Golden Bay or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon, Malta's beaches are perfect for relaxation and water activities. The island's Mediterranean climate ensures warm temperatures and abundant sunshine throughout the year 

English-Speaking Ease

English is one of Malta's official languages, spoken by 88% of the population. This makes communication seamless for English-speaking travelers, enhancing your experience.

Long Stays Made Easy

For Canadians seeking an extended stay, Malta offers long-stay visas for purposes such as business, study, or cultural exchange . Compared to other European destinations, Malta's process is straightforward, making it an attractive option for those considering a longer stay abroad.

Recent Spotlight

Malta recently featured on CBS Sunday Morning, highlighting its allure and leading to an uptick in interest among travelers. This newfound attention has made it a sought-after destination for those looking to explore somewhere fresh and exciting. See https://www.cbs.com/shows/video/_6GJDL6q1RsiDsY6z2CrUEfMdLcxlvqf/ 

Ready to embark on your Maltese adventure? Reach out, and let's plan your unforgettable journey to this Mediterranean paradise.

4. Wellness Travel Corner-  ICS Indonesia: A Journey of Healing and Touch

ICS Travel Group offers transformative wellness experiences that blend ancient healing traditions with modern luxury. A standout feature of their offerings is the Balinese Healing Ritual—an immersive journey that takes guests to Bali's spiritual heart. This experience combines traditional 

Balinese practices with contemporary wellness therapies, where travelers begin their day by visiting sacred waterfalls in Sangeh. They then enjoy a healing session at Fivelements, an eco-conscious retreat along the Ayung River, followed by a nourishing plant-based meal. The session, led by skilled therapists, emphasizes the power of touch—a practice that takes on an even deeper meaning when experienced with blind or visually impaired masseuses, whose heightened sense of touch makes them exceptionally intuitive in identifying muscle tension and restoring balance.

In Bali, massage and wellness treatments have been an essential part of healing for centuries. Blind massage therapists are highly respected for their deep sensitivity to touch, offering personalized experiences that are not just physical but deeply therapeutic. This tradition is in line with ICS's commitment to providing holistic wellness experiences that focus on rejuvenating both body and mind.

For those seeking a more culturally enriching experience, ICS offers the Yogya Highlights with an Expert Guide tour, which delves into the rich history of Yogyakarta and its surrounding regions. Guests explore the iconic Borobudur and Prambanan temples, enjoying private, guided visits to understand the deep cultural and spiritual significance of these sacred sites.

In Ubud, the Ubud Wellness Escapade offers a serene retreat, complete with yoga, spa treatments, and tranquil visits to Bali's stunning rice terraces. https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/tours/16859992/ubud-wellness-escapade 

Here, visitors can unwind, relax, and rejuvenate in one of the world's most spiritually rich locations, benefiting from expert wellness treatments, including those by blind masseuses, whose intuitive touch enhances the overall experience.

Whether seeking relaxation, spiritual growth, or cultural immersion, ICS Indonesia offers a range of personalized wellness journeys that cater to every need. With their focus on exceptional healing, ICS ensures that each guest’s experience is one of profound transformation and well-being.

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

Next week - new Travel with Sheila in 2026 to Egypt!

Travel With Sheila: A Women’s River Cruise to Paris & Normandy – November 2025
Limited cabins just released at near-2024 pricing!

If you’ve been waiting for a sign… this is it.
I’m thrilled to be hosting another unforgettable women-focused river cruise, sailing the Seine from Paris to Normandy in November 2025—and I’ve just secured exclusive new pricing!

While 2025 fares had climbed, I’ve negotiated private sale savings of up to $1,500 per person, bringing rates nearly back to 2024 levels. Those already booked still hold the best pricing—but now, new bookings can get exceptional value too.

And good news: I may have a solo cabin or two available. These go fast, so don’t wait if you’ve been considering joining us.

What’s Already Sold Out:
    •    Categories D & E (fixed window cabins) – SOLD OUT
    •    Category C (French balcony) – Only one left!

Current Availability – French Balcony / Twin Balcony Staterooms:
    •    Category C – $5,801/person (double) or $7,993 (solo)
    •    Category B – $6,157/person (double) or $8,429 (solo)
    •    Category A – $6,276/person (double) or $8,574 (solo)

These are private sale rates—about $1,500/person less than public market pricing.

Why This Cruise?
✨ Paris – Timeless, magical, and endlessly inspiring
✨ Normandy – Home to Monet’s Giverny, Honfleur’s charm, Joan of Arc’s legacy, and the powerful D-Day beaches
✨ Remembrance Day Tribute – Thoughtfully guided tours to Canadian or American sites on November 11
✨ Château de Bizy – The Versailles of Normandy

While this is a women-focused sailing, couples—whether same-sex or mixed—are absolutely welcome. The women’s theme relates to optional morning gatherings focused on community-building, and many partners join in later for excursions, dining, and relaxation (yes, several husbands are already booked!).

Cruise Snapshot:
    •    Cruise Line: AMA Waterways (luxurious AmaDante)
    •    Sailing Dates: November 8–15, 2025
    •    Pre-Cruise Option: Add 2 nights in Paris
    •    Itinerary: Roundtrip from Paris along the Seine

For full itinerary, deck plans, and more:
2025 Women’s River Cruise Details

Watch the Recorded Presentation:
Webinar with Neil Dudley of AMA Waterways

This trip blends culture, history, connection, and the good life. With limited cabins and special solo offers, now’s the time to join me. Let’s make this your year to say oui! to France.

🗺️ 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: 

Lake Como - Andrea Bocelli concert at Villa d'Este

https://www.villadeste.com/summer-concert/ and https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/hotels/6163938/villa-deste

SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week:

Oceania Cruises - Canadian at Par offers  https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/cruise/15287/Canadian-Dollars-at-Par-with-Oceania-Cruises

RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week:

Uniworld - https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/river-cruising/apollo-funds-acquire-uniworld-parent-the-travel-corporation

EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week:

Swan Hellenic - Seychelles to Kenya

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/cruises/sailings/16798428/from-seychelles-to-kenya-19oct2025-29oct2025

TOUR PARTNER of the Week:

Artisans of Leisure - Best of New Zealand - Private Luxury New Zealand Tours

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/tours/15269749/best-of-new-zealand-private-luxury-new-zealand-tours

HOTEL of the week:

Hotel de Paris Saint Tropez - restaurant oversees the Grand Prix https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/hotels/16393431/hotel-de-paris-saint-tropez 

LUXURY experience of the week:

Four Seasons Yachts -Dalmatian Coast, Featuring Vis and Tivat

https://www.virtuoso.com/cruises/278586/dalmatian-coast-featuring-vis-and-tivat

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