1. 🧠 Step Away from the Laptop – It’s Good for Your Brain (and Your Soul)

Speaking of travel...

Last week I had the honour of attending the TravelPulse Canada Readers’ Choice Awards at the Four Seasons Toronto — arriving in style by train and warmly welcomed with dinner by my friends at AmaWaterways.

What a night! From train tracks to travel trophies, we celebrated the best in Canadian travel — and Ama went 4 for 4:
🏆 Best River Cruise Line
🏆 Best Culinary Program
🏆 Best Group Department
🏆 Best Sales Rep – congrats to my friend Neil Dudley!

I was also thrilled to see Oceania Cruises win Best Canadian Itinerary, and send kudos to Andrea Mendelsohn for her heartfelt write-in nomination. (Andrea — you were robbed!)

So this weekend, take a break. Your brain (and your future self) will thank you. And when you're ready to reset with a trip that inspires and restores — let’s plan something unforgettable, together.

— Sheila
Lush Life Travel
#AskSheila #WellnessTravel #TravelWithPurpose #ReadersChoiceAwards #LushLifeMoments #LuxuryTravelAdvisor #CanadianLongWeekend #TrainToToronto #AmaWaterways #NonnasOnNetflix #TravelSmartLiveWell

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 - 🚢 Ready to Rethink River Cruising?

I've set this up to be a two-week event on facebook - it's something new I'm trying as a way to share info with my clients and folks interested in learning more.

I started on May 15th, and it'll run for two weeks - with a LinkedIn Live coming to you on Saturday, May 24th at 2 pm eastern as well. You can register here for that: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7328826191077900289 

So far on the facebook event, I’ve covered:

✅ Welcome aboard – Why river cruising is one of the smartest and most elegant ways to explore
✅ Is it worth the price? – Breaking down what’s included (you’ll be surprised!)
✅ Why it feels effortless – The joy of unpacking once and waking up in a new postcard town
✅ Who it’s really for – Spoiler: it’s not just for retirees
✅ AMA vs Uniworld vs Viking – What each line does differently, and how to choose what fits you

And - I've be sharing a lot more over the two weeks. Join me online at facebook.

Speaking of Viking — if you love sleek Scandinavian design, cultural depth, and seamless luxury, Viking might just be your perfect match. As this Virtuoso feature puts it: “Get Closer in Modern Luxury” — Viking delivers comfort with purpose.

✨ A few standout itineraries I love:

Elegant Elbe – Berlin to Prague, full of castles and Cold War history

Rhine Getaway – Amsterdam to Basel, with storybook villages and vineyard views

This event is your chance to discover which river (and which cruise line) flows best with your travel style. I'm sharing behind-the-scenes insights, special offers, and personalized help if you're ready to explore.

Let’s make this your year to cruise beautifully.

— Sheila
#RiverCruiseExpert | #LushLifeTravel | #VirtuosoCruiseIcon 

3.Adventure Travel Corner- 🦘 Why Australia Should Be on Your Travel Radar (Again)

Some destinations get under your skin — and Australia is absolutely one of them.

It’s not just the jaw-dropping landscapes or the koalas (though I admit, those help). It’s the combination of world-class luxury and untamed nature, of ancient stories and modern design, of rugged Outback trails and rooftop bars in Sydney.

Whether you're craving a wine-soaked escape in the Barossa Valley, snorkeling the technicolour coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, or tracing Indigenous songlines in the Red Centre, Australia invites you to slow down, go deeper, and connect — to the land, to the people, and to yourself.

✨ Virtuoso’s latest feature captures it beautifully:
Get Closer to Australia – Virtuoso Collection
 

This curated collection showcases immersive luxury — from private island lodges to behind-the-scenes wildlife experiences. It's a reminder that Australia does things differently, with a deep respect for place and a uniquely warm welcome.

A few Australian journeys I love planning:

Uluru & the Outback – Explore the heart of Australia, staying at iconic Longitude 131°, where luxury tents overlook the sacred red rock

Tropical Queensland – Pair Daintree Rainforest explorations with barefoot-luxury on the Great Barrier Reef

City + Surf – Sydney’s harbor magic and Bondi’s laid-back buzz, followed by a stay at a world-class resort in Byron Bay or Noosa

Food & Wine Trails – South Australia’s wine country, paired with culinary experiences that rival any in Europe

And here’s the best part: When you plan with me, you're not just booking hotels and transfers — you're tapping into my network of on-the-ground experts, Virtuoso-exclusive perks, and insider access.

If Australia’s been on your someday list, maybe it’s time to move it to “soon.”

Ready when you are.

— Sheila
Lush Life Travel
#VirtuosoTravel #AustraliaAwaits #LuxuryWithDepth #AskSheila

4. Wellness Travel Corner- 🌿 Wellness That Travels With You: River Cruising with AmaWaterways

If you’re craving a vacation that leaves you feeling better — not just rested — wellness river cruising may be your perfect match.

With AmaWaterways’ Celebration of Wellness program, wellness isn’t an afterthought. It’s thoughtfully integrated into your entire journey — from early morning sun deck yoga and core classes, to guided hikes and bike rides through postcard towns, to nourishing cuisine and spa time onboard.

Their award-winning AmaMagna offers enhanced wellness features year-round, including a dedicated Zen Wellness Studio, pickleball court, massage rooms, and a juice and detox water bar — all while sailing the Danube in spacious style.

But for those wanting something even more immersive, two exclusive Celebration of Wellness cruises are set for August 2025:

🛳️ Paris & Normandy (Aug 9–16) aboard the elegant AmaDante

🛳️ Melodies of the Danube (Aug 2–9) aboard the lovely AmaLea

These two sailings include expanded wellness programming, special interest excursions, and limited-time promotions like:
✨ Triple Savings (fare discount, upgrade, and onboard credit), or
✨ Solo Supplement Waiver (ideal for independent travelers)

View full details on Ama’s wellness program here:
👉 AmaWaterways Wellness Cruises

Whether you want to stretch, sip, hike, or just exhale — this is wellness without compromise.
 

Let me know if you'd like to join one of these restorative and inspiring sailings.

— Sheila

✨ #AskSheila | sheila@lushlife.ca 

Sheila Gallant-Halloran (Lush Life Travel) – The Wellness Whisperer

How does someone go from calculating mortality rates to curating luxury safaris and Antarctic cruises? Meet Sheila Gallant-Halloran, founder of Lush Life Travel, a former actuary who swapped spreadsheets for ship decks and never looked back.

In 2006, after years working in financial risk management, she realized that life was too short to spend it forecasting loss. “I didn’t want to spend my life calculating the cost of death,” she says. “I wanted to help people focus on what makes life rich.”

That’s when she pivoted careers, founding a boutique travel business focused on high-touch, high-value journeys. Her goal? To help busy professionals and well-traveled couples make the most of their most precious resource: time.

Gallant-Halloran’s specialty is as refined as her itineraries: small ship cruising, river voyages, expedition travel, and custom wellness escapes.

“I bring the same precision I once used in actuarial modelling to designing unforgettable experiences,” she explains. And that she does—whether it's organizing a women-focused Normandy river cruise timed for Remembrance Day, planning expeditions to Antarctica or Greenland, designing a safari across South Africa and Botswana, or building a bike-themed cruise for cycling enthusiasts.

She’s not just an expert from behind a desk. In 2025 alone, she’s already sailed on two European river cruises, cruised to Antarctica, and toured a luxury icebreaker in Quebec. She regularly attends industry events, like the ASTA River Cruise Expo, ILTM and Virtuoso Travel Week. Not for show, but to maintain links with the suppliers and ships she recommends.

“I don’t just book trips,” says Gallant-Halloran. “I manage complexity, mitigate risk, and design unforgettable experiences. Luxury travel isn’t powered by algorithms—it’s powered by relationships.”

It’s no surprise Gallant-Halloran has earned accolades like Virtuoso Cruise Icon (2024 and 2025), placing her among the top one per cent of cruise sellers worldwide. She’s also been recognized with the Virtuoso’s Wellness Travel award and nominated for her leadership in sustainable travel. For clients, this means exclusive access, deep product knowledge, and insider connections that turn good trips into exceptional ones.

And while some rely on Google or AI to plan vacations, she’s quick to point out their limits. For example: AI doesn’t know that a 40-minute layover in Miami is a disaster waiting to happen, she says.

“AI can offer options—but it can’t flag what even a new travel advisor would know is a bad connection. I’m not competing with Google. I’m offering peace of mind, global support, and advocacy when it counts most,” she says.

How does she do it all? Gallant-Halloran batches her work, blocks her calendar, and breathes. She’s supported by a team who handles invoicing and itinerary-building, while she focuses on the client experience. Tools like Zoom and WhatsApp keep her connected across time zones, and she’s selective about new clients to protect her high-touch service.

“Balance is part of the luxury I sell, and I believe in modelling it myself,” she says.

Even her dog, a mini Goldendoodle, Tobi, is part of the brand, often stealing the spotlight in Instagram reels.

Originally from Newfoundland and now based in Ottawa, she’s equal parts spreadsheet and soul-searcher—someone who loves deck plans, stationery, and travel logistics as much as she loves the transformative power of a great trip.

A former softball star with a .747 batting average and a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, she brings that same discipline and passion to every journey she plans.

Her motto? “Luxury is what you don’t have to worry about.”

It’s not just a tagline—it’s a way of life. And for Gallant-Halloran’s clients, it’s the reason they keep coming back. Because she doesn’t just send them places. She helps them live better, travel deeper, and create the kind of memories that make a life rich.

Where will your Lush Life take you next?
✨ #AskSheila | sheila@lushlife.ca

If you're ready to experience stress-free, first-class travel, let's chat!

💬 Read more verified client reviews here.

6A. Travel with Sheila: Ready to Unlock the Secrets of Egypt? Travel With Sheila in 2026! 🏺🌍

Journey Back in Time Along the Nile with AmaWaterways

6B. Travel with Sheila: 🚨 Last Chance: Only 3 Cabins Left for Paris & Normandy River Cruise – Nov 2025!

If you’ve been waiting for a sign… this is it.

This is your LAST CHANCE to join my hosted, women-focused river cruise along the Seine — from Paris to Normandy, November 2025.
 

I’m holding just 3 Category A twin balcony cabins for a few more days — after that, they’ll be released.

✅ Current Availability – Twin Balcony Staterooms:

Category A – $6,276 CAD per person (double occupancy)

Solo Rate – $8,574 CAD

These are exclusive private sale rates — roughly $1,500 per person lower than public market pricing. (Cruise booking and management fees are additional.)

💫 Why This Cruise?

✨ Paris – Timeless, magical, and endlessly inspiring
✨ Normandy – Monet’s Giverny, Honfleur’s harbour, Joan of Arc’s Rouen, and the moving D-Day beaches
✨ Remembrance Day Tribute – Thoughtful guided visits to Canadian or American sites on November 11
✨ Château de Bizy – Known as the “Versailles of Normandy”

While this is a women-focused sailing, couples of all kinds are warmly welcome. The women’s theme centers around optional morning gatherings and community-building — but partners often join in for excursions, meals, and relaxation. (Yes, several husbands are already booked!)

🛳️ Cruise Snapshot:

Cruise Line: AMA Waterways – aboard the elegant AmaDante

Sailing Dates: November 8–15, 2025

Pre-Cruise Add-On: Optional 2 nights in Paris

Itinerary: Roundtrip from Paris, sailing the Seine

This journey blends culture, history, connection, and the good life — with solo-friendly pricing and very limited space left.
 

If you’ve been dreaming of France, this is a wonderful moment to say oui!

📍 Trip Details & Inclusions: visit: 2025 Women’s River Cruise Details.
📽️ Webinar Replay with AMA’s Neil Dudley: Cruise Presentation.

Would love to welcome you aboard! 

🗺️ 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.

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: 

Madeira - “The Island of Eternal Spring” https://www.virtuoso.com/travel/articles/heres-why-madeira-is-called-the-island-of-eternal-spring 

SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week:

Oceania - Finest Cuisine at Sea: https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/cruise/13430/Finest-Cuisine-at-Sea-with-Oceania-Cruises

RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week:

AMA Waterways - https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/cruise/15333/Exclusive-Savings-Offer-with-AmaWaterways 

EXPEDITION CRUISE (& Ocean) Partner of the week:

Lindblad Expeditions - Galapagos: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-cruises/cruise-lines/2364/national-geographic-lindblad-expeditions 

TOUR PARTNER of the Week: 

A&K Africa - https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/active/15358/Explore-Africa-in-Style-with-Abercrombie-Kent 

HOTEL of the week: 

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/promotions/18055157/virtuoso-stay-more-save-more 

LUXURY experience of the week: 

Silversea World Cruise - 133 Days - 05 Jan 2028 - 16 May 2028 https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/cruises/sailings/18073779/an-ode-to-the-moment-05jan2028-16may2028 

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