1. Paris is Always a Good Idea

Travel with Sheila to Paris & Normandy – November 2025

Ah, Paris – the City of Light. Audrey Hepburn once said, "Paris is always a good idea," and who are we to argue? Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, the allure of Paris never fades. With the excitement from last year’s Paris Olympics still in the air and the city’s starring role in pop culture hits like Emily in Paris, there’s never been a better time to visit. Anthony Bourdain once remarked, "You can’t help but fall in love with Paris." And when you add in the breathtaking charm of Normandy, with its storied past and picturesque countryside, you have the makings of an unforgettable journey.

In November 2025, join me, Sheila Gallant-Halloran, on an expertly curated luxury adventure through two of France’s most beloved regions. As a Virtuoso luxury travel advisor, I’ve meticulously planned every detail, leveraging my global network to ensure exclusive experiences, seamless logistics, and those special touches that elevate a trip from ordinary to extraordinary.

Why November? November is a hidden gem for visiting Paris. According to Condé Nast Traveler, it’s one of the best times to experience the city’s cultural richness without the crowds. Enjoy crisp autumn air, cozy sidewalk cafes with the perfect croissant in hand, and holiday lights beginning to twinkle along the Champs-Élysées. Plus, you’ll benefit from fewer crowds at iconic sites like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. And with the recent reopening of the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, now is the perfect opportunity to experience this beloved landmark in all its restored glory.

What’s in Store? Our journey kicks off in Paris, where we’ll indulge in the city’s finest offerings—luxury accommodations, world-class dining, and exclusive experiences tailored to our group. Whether it’s an intimate food tour through Saint-Germain, an insider’s look at the Louvre, or a private cruise along the Seine, I’ll make sure you experience the magic of Paris like never before. And, of course, we’ll take inspiration from Julia Child's time in Paris, experiencing the French culinary delights that fueled her love of cooking.

There's a two-day option we can add with the river cruise company. Or, through my Virtuoso network, I have access to other top-tier partner hotels such as Le Meurice, The Peninsula Paris, and Hôtel Plaza Athénée as well —where I can VIP you with exclusive perks such as complimentary breakfasts, resort credits, and special experiences you won’t find elsewhere. For more details on Paris and the exclusive benefits available through Virtuoso, visit my private label site here.

From Paris, we’ll venture to the heart of Normandy, home to stunning landscapes and rich history. We’ll explore the iconic D-Day beaches, the charming town of Honfleur with its picturesque harbor, and the city of Rouen, known for its medieval architecture and the historic site where Joan of Arc was martyred. Expect moments that will stay with you forever.

Planning Your Stay If you're thinking of extending your trip, Paris offers plenty of family-friendly hotel options and fantastic day trips. Need recommendations? Check out Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the best family-friendly hotels in Paris and top day trips, including the stunning Château de Versailles and the quaint village of Giverny.

And if you’ve ever wondered, "Do I need to tip in Paris?", the answer is—it's complicated! France has a service charge included in most bills, but a little extra for exceptional service is always appreciated. Check out this tipping guide for more details.

Interested? Let’s Talk Pricing If this trip sounds like your cup of café au lait, click below to learn more about pricing and reserve your spot. As with all my journeys, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks, unparalleled service, and peace of mind knowing that every detail has been thoughtfully considered.

If you can't make the November trip, let me know—through my Virtuoso partners, I can arrange an exquisite hotel stay, a customized journey through the Champagne region, an escorted tour, or even a river cruise that suits your preferences.

A trip to Paris is always a good idea—let’s make it happen together in November 2025!

(Two solo supplement reductions available - see article section 6.) below.)

And let me know if you would like to schedule that bucket list consultation!

2. River Cruise Corner -  Venice & The Jewels of Veneto

Italy’s Veneto region is a daydream come to life. Its highlight? The romantic city of Venice, whose famous canals meander their way to a gorgeous blue lagoon studded with hidden gem islands. As one of the few cruise ships small enough to dock in town, and the only hotel in Venice that floats, the S.S. La Venezia is the perfect home for your Venetian vacation.  

This ultimate Venetian vacation is perfected by one unique quality: your stay onboard Uniworld's floating boutique hotel. Not only will you benefit from an enviable location in Venice, you’ll also find that your hotel transports you to hidden gem towns nearby. Explore the waterfront shops, colorful facades and peaceful canals unique to Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. Farther south, discover Chioggia—a charming southern port loved by fishermen. And savor the spectacular wine and cuisines of this region every step of the way. 

S.S. La Venezia

See itinerary details https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/cruises/277713/venice-and-the-jewels-of-veneto

And let me know if you'd like to go!

3.Adventure Travel Corner- Discover the Margaret River

Discover the Margaret River - Australia's premium wine region

Few of the world’s wine regions bear such a striking combination of treasures. Tall tree forests tower over clusters of vibrantly colored wildflowers. Fragrant scrub edges a coastline of pale sandy beaches, rounded boulders and glass-clear ocean. Inland, vines frame cellar doors, barrels of wine and some of Western Australia’s best dining experiences. At the heart of it all, is Margaret River town.

The Margaret River region’s main airport is at Busselton (Undalup), which is a 45-minute drive from Margaret River town. Your clients can now fly direct from Sydney into Bussleton with Australia's jetstar airline. The region sits about three-and-a-half hours’ drive south from Perth with daily coach services.

Margaret River town has a relaxed, nature-loving, artistic vibe. Its main street is dotted with diverse galleries, characterful cafes, surf shops, a pub with a 600-bottle wine list and an excellent local ice-creamery. Most residents are deeply passionate about surfing, or wine – usually both! See many of them at the popular Saturday Farmers Markets.

Some of the region’s top surf breaks are only a 10-minute drive away; the World Surf League championships are held at Surfer’s Point each year. It’s reached by turning off Caves Road, something you’ll do if you’re visiting the premium wineries. The drive gives way to heritage winemakers Cullen, Vasse Felix and Moss Wood, as well as the newer and lesser-known Cherubino, Mr Barval Fine Wines and Passel Estate. In all, the region bears more than 200 vineyards.

A world-renowned wine destination, the region’s 100 cellar doors, gourmet culinary experiences, stunning nature and spirited arts scene attracts over 1.5 million overnight visitors per year. It’s also a world-class big-wave surfing destination, and draws many top-rated chefs with its incredible variety of fine produce.

Take a little time to meet the makers, and sample their unique community life in the vineyards. Then pair your chosen wine with a stunning view, artisanal local produce and good company to share your stories after a full day of adventure. Whatever your tastes, a premium local wine makes the perfect accompaniment to your Margaret River experience.

The Margaret River region’s coastline enjoys a long whale watching season, with humpbacks leaping from June to December. In the bush, wildflowers bloom on either side of the Cape to Cape Track and the local’s secret, the Wadandi Track, from August to November. The South West corner of Western Australia, where Margaret River lies, is one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots.

Beneath the region’s terracotta soils, limestone caves bear remarkable stalactites and stalagmites – walk or do a guided cave crawl through the cool, dim environments. Above ground, a variety of polished accommodation, from high end retreats to tipi glamping ensure peaceful nights.

Walk into Luxury – Cape to Cape Track

Walk into Luxury is one of the Great Walks of Australia, a collection of 10 signature collection walks showcasing the best that Australia has to offer. This is the perfect choice for active vacationers seeking a bespoke luxury wellness experience set against a stunning oceanside milieu. These one- to six-day tours seamlessly link physical exercise, revitalizing spa treatments, fine dining, and outdoor exploration.

Guests can select guided or self-guided walking options along the Cape to Cape Track. There are five distinct tours that explore the 135-kilometer (85 miles) coastal stretch between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. Walks typically cover three to six kilometers (2 to 4 miles) per day, with the option to adjust activity levels from ‘easy’ to ‘difficult.’ Along their journey, travelers discover a treasure trove of natural wonders including Willyabrup Cliffs, Quininup Falls, Hamelin Bay, and Boranup Forest.

See https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/current-news/supplier/tourism-western-australia/Discover-the-Margaret-River-Australias-premium-(1) 

4. Wellness Travel Corner- "Wicked"

Do yourself your heart and soul a favour this week, go see the movie "Wicked." 

Ariana Grande is obviously quite a talented and wonderful singer with a four-octave vocal range - but Cynthia Erivo steals the show.

The movie is like the Broadway show: "Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths."

The Broadway stars were magnificent, of course (and Idina and Kristin make an appearance in the movie), but Cynthia Erivo takes this to a whole new level.

I was fortunate enough to be in Vegas at Virtuoso Travel Week in August, and she performed at our gala dinner. I was blown away. As someone who used to sing, I couldn't believe this woman's magnificent instrument, and the power and control she had over her voice. See a brief post I'd made when I saw her on the Golden Globes in January.  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CfyyJn41J/

The movie is 2.5 hours long, but you get immersed in the story and the performances. Honestly, the whole 2.5 hours is worth sitting in your seat to watch and hear Cynthia Erivo sing, "Defying Gravity."

Watch the clip: 

Something has changed within mе
Something is not the same
I’m through with playing by
The rules of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap

It's time to try defying gravity
I think I’ll try defying gravity
And you can't pull me down

Go see it! 

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

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.

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

LIMITED OFFER - I have:

>>>one category C >>> 

>>>one category D >>>

that just became available this week as clients are upgrading cabins

The reduced solo supplement is gone after these cabins sell.

For the category C French Balcony, 

• the solo occupancy pricing, cruise only, would be C$7,993.00 that includes a C$2,796.00 discount for solo. (Paris add on would be $1873/p for 2 night package.)  
• the double-occupancy pricing, the pricing would be C$7,295.00, but would include $1,293/person Paris complimentary 2 nights land package.)

For the category D fixed window

• the solo occupancy pricing, cruise only, would be C$6,735.00 that includes a C$1,286.00 discount for solo.(Paris add on would be $1873/p for 2 night package.)  
• this is on tentative hold until end of day Monday, but may be available after that

Otherwise, 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.  Lush Life Travel Special Offers - an affiliate of Direct Travel & 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:  

Vikings' Explorers' Sale Is Here!https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/cruise/15033/Vikings-Explorers-Sale-Is-Here

Linger Longer with an AmaWaterways Grand River Cruise https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/cruise/15194/Linger-Longer-with-an-AmaWaterways-Grand-River-Cruise 

Best of the Best hotel offers: England, Japan, and beyond https://e.virtuosoemail.com/best-of-the-best-hotel-offers-england-japan-and-more?ecid=ACsprvtdKqxP3FZfHiVXLAPS0BnMlhLkn4pialINow7pciArkw1MYiIXmQptVHKpzxQJJ-wW4aSN 

Are you feeling the Bahamas, Jamaica, or Turks and Caicos? https://e.virtuosoemail.com/are-you-feeling-the-bahamas-jamaica-or-turks-and-caicos?ecid=ACsprvtA30absHFyNqd3wn7gUG5dqBFP0fRHMoX9s7hjqHivFcmmYWyilSsMv2A9VEh5Jlag3HMk

Bioluminescent bays, white-sand beaches, and luxe stays https://e.virtuosoemail.com/bioluminescent-bays-white-sand-beaches-and-luxe-stays?ecid=ACsprvsE4xqjcrIM3KKpITmmoL9mC5gVurHwITEsYRYYGZATx70DochWs6DQMxR8Uf3Hfyol9gES

Crystal Cruises https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-cruises/cruise-lines/16579516/crystal 

Sea Cloud Cruises

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-cruises/cruise-lines/16873666/sea-cloud-cruises

Silversea Cruises

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-cruises/cruise-lines/3451/silversea

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