Sunday, December 14, 2025 Adventure Awaits: Why Australia Should Be Your Next Trip Melbourne, Hobart, Lizard Island, and more — see why my recent Aussie trips left me in awe (and how we can plan yours together).
✈️ Just Back from Down Under
I just returned from an epic journey through Australia, and let me tell you — it’s every bit as massive, wild, and magical as you’ve heard. I visited Melbourne (Victoria), Hobart (Tasmania), and previously the unforgettable Lizard Island in Queensland, and each destination offered something unforgettable. Here’s the thing most travelers don’t realize:
👉 Australia is the size of Canada.
You won’t see it all in 2 weeks — so let’s not even try. Instead, I’ll help you
curate 2–3 extraordinary regions, or even plan a cruise to take in the coastlines from a whole new perspective.
🎆 Bucket List Alert: Want to ring in New Year’s Eve in Sydney Harbour? Or maybe fly over the Great Barrier Reef in a small plane (see my video below). Let’s plan ahead — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment. As a certified Australia Specialist, I work with feet-on-the-ground partners to craft experiences most travelers will never know exist. Whether you're sipping Shiraz, snorkeling the Reef, or hiking the Red Centre — your journey will be seamless, enriching, and 100% you.
🧳 Let’s Design Your Aussie Adventure
🔹 Pre-Consultation Survey: 🔹 Schedule a Consult Or hit reply and tell me:
📍 Where do you want to go?
⏳ How much time do you have?
🧭 What kind of adventure are you craving? Warmly,
Sheila Gallant-Halloran
Virtuoso Cruise Icon | Aussie Specialist
www.lushlife.ca 🌍 This Week’s 4 Travel CornersEach week, we bring you insights from four inspiring corners of the travel world—designed to spark ideas, fuel your wanderlust, and keep you in the loop on what’s possible next: River Cruise Corner – Explore the best of river cruising with itinerary highlights, ship spotlights, and insider tips. Adventure Travel Corner
– From safaris to polar expeditions, get inspired by journeys that push the boundaries of exploration. Wellness Travel Corner – Discover retreats, resorts, and experiences that help you relax, recharge, and reconnect. Come Travel With Me Corner – Join one of my upcoming hosted group trips and experience the world with fellow curious, like-minded travelers—crafted and guided by me. Where will your next
corner of the world be? Let’s find out together. 1. River Cruise Corner - Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles (Basel to Amsterdam)Picture this: crisp November air, storybook castles perched above the Rhine, and the snow-dusted Swiss Alps as your backdrop — without the summer crowds. If you can travel
November 10–26, 2026, I’ve got an exclusive AmaWaterways offer you’ll want to jump on now. 🛳️ Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps | AmaWaterways
View Itinerary
✨ Why This Trip Is a Hidden Gem:🍷 Fewer crowds, better value, and warmer temps than a November in Ontario — yes, warmer in both Basel and Amsterdam. 🏰
Visit fairy-tale castles, sip wine in scenic vineyards, and glide through charming medieval towns without the peak-season rush.
💸 Why Book This Departure (Nov. 10–26, 2026):🔥 Limited-Time Perks (Lush Life Exclusive): ✅ $1,500 OFF per person ✅ Complimentary upgrade from French Balcony (Category C) to Twin Balcony (Category BB) — a stunning room with both a French and full step-out balcony ✅ Prepaid gratuities — covering your Cruise Manager, Crew, and local Guides ✅ $75 Onboard Credit per person from
me ✅ Past Guest Discount for returning AmaWaterways travelers ✅ AirPlus Promo: Roundtrip air from Canada at $1300 CAD/person, with upgrade options to Premium Economy or Business Class All in? That’s only $5,800 CAD/person for a Twin Balcony stateroom (before air)— with most everything included onboard.
🧳 Why Go in November?Enjoy comfortable fall weather without the heat or crowds Experience Europe dressed in the cozy
tones of autumn Ideal for castle lovers, wine enthusiasts, or anyone craving a scenic yet relaxed adventure It’s an elegant way to travel — perfect for couples, friends, or even a solo splurge
Ready to reserve your cabin — or learn more about river cruising
with AmaWaterways? 📩 Let’s talk soon — these upgraded cabins at this price won’t last long.
You’ll be cruising in style, with extra perks in your pocket.
—
Sheila. 2. Adventure Travel - Slow Travel, Sizzling Steaks & a Surprise Conga Line — Life Aboard Silver NovaSome trips check boxes.
Others? They rewire your soul. That’s exactly how I felt sailing aboard the ultra-luxurious Silver Nova through New Zealand — from the peaceful shores of Dunedin to the dramatic coastlines of Christchurch. And with Silversea's new-generation ship, the journey becomes the destination. 🌊 Video: Pure Peace from Dunedin to Christchurch
There’s something about watching the coastline melt into mist as the Silver Nova sails slowly, gently into open water. It’s the kind of serenity you feel in your bones.
▶️ Watch the moment unfold
🔥 Video: Grill Your Steak at Sea — with Live Piano!
Dinner becomes an experience aboard Silver Nova. At Marque Spaccanapoli Grill, we grilled our own steaks on sizzling hot lava rocks — all while the ocean shimmered around us. Then came dessert: a live piano concert at sea.
▶️ Watch the full experience This is luxury that engages all your senses — not just pampering, but participation.
🎂 Video: It Started as a Quiet Birthday Drink…
After dinner, I headed to the Panorama Lounge for what I thought would be a quiet nightcap. But a whisper to the DJ turned into the entire lounge singing Happy Birthday… and then? A full-blown conga line at sea.
▶️ See the magic unfold These are the unplanned, unscripted moments that make a cruise truly unforgettable.
✨ Why Silver Nova?Spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling views Butler service that remembers your preferences Thoughtful, personalized touches (like surprise celebrations) Culinary adventures at sea — including grill-your-own and fine dining Curated itineraries in breathtaking destinations like New Zealand
Silver Nova redefines luxury adventure — not just where you go, but how you feel while getting there. If you're looking for a cruise that delivers serenity, spontaneity, and soul, this is it. 🛎️ Thinking about a Silversea voyage for your next milestone? Let’s talk — I can help you choose the sailing (and suite) that fits your style. — Sheila 3. Wellness Corner - Longevity, Legacy… and Living Fully Like Dick Van Dyke This week, Dick Van
Dyke turns 100. Yes — 100! And if you’ve seen any of his recent interviews (or dance moves!), you know he’s still charming, funny, and full of life. It’s not just that he’s still here — it’s how he’s here: joyful, active, endlessly curious. A living reminder that wellness isn’t just about green juices and steps counted — it’s about a zest for living, a playful spirit, and keeping your passions alive. Wouldn’t you like to be around for your 100th birthday, dancing your way through it? Of course, not all of us will make it to the century mark. But here’s what matters even more than how long we live: how deeply we live. And that brings us to another icon — Jane Austen, whose 250th birthday is being celebrated this year. She didn’t live to see old age, but her impact? Still rippling through time. Her wit, wisdom, and fiercely independent characters continue to inspire generations. ✨ One lived long. One left a lasting mark in a short life.
Both remind us: Your best life is about longevity and legacy. 💫 So how do we live well, and leave well?Find joy in the little things. A walk. A story. A song. (Van Dyke would say: keep dancing.) Let your voice matter. Share your story. Live with intention. Be like Austen — speak boldly, even if softly. Take care of your body and your
soul. True wellness blends vitality and meaning. Leave a trail of joy, curiosity, and connection. That’s a legacy worth passing on. Whether you’re 39 or 93, the question isn’t how old are you? — but how alive do you feel? Here’s to living long, laughing loud, and leaving a legacy that lights the way for others. — Sheila 4. 🌟 Travel With Me: A Journey Home to Newfoundland — Fall 2026⚓ Windstar: Montréal → St. Pierre → Montréal | September 2026Next September, I’ll be hosting a small group with Windstar Cruises on a beautiful round-trip sailing from Montréal to
St. Pierre, exploring Canada’s East Coast before visiting France — yes, St. Pierre-et-Miquelon is technically part of France! 🇫🇷 This itinerary features no U.S. ports — just stunning scenery, local flavours, and Windstar’s signature blend of casual luxury and discovery. 🇨🇦✨ 👉 Learn More About the Sailing:
Windstar Québec–Newfoundland Adventure 🎶 Explore My Hosted Group –
Itinerary, Ship & Pricing Details:
Sheila’s Hosted Windstar Group Page
🛥️ Deck Plan & Suite Pricing Overview📄 View Deck Plan (PDF):
Windstar Breeze / Legend / Pride Deck Plan Below are current indicative fares (in CAD) for double and solo occupancy on this sailing.
Category |
Double
(pp) |
Solo
(pp) | |
|---|
SBS1
Star Balcony Suite | $13,340 | $26,587 | |
BS1
Balcony Suite | $12,986 | $25,879 | |
SBS
Star Balcony Suite | $12,504 | $24,915 | |
BS
Balcony Suite | $12,403 | $24,713 | |
S3
Ocean View Suite | $10,452 | $20,811 | |
S2
Ocean View Suite | $10,313 | $20,533 | |
SS1
Star Ocean View Suite | $10,224 | $20,355 | |
S1
Ocean View Suite | $10,098 | $20,103 | |
S
Ocean View Suite | $ 9,895 | $19,697 | |
SP
Star Porthole Suite | $ 9,338 | $18,583 | |
Prices are in CAD and include taxes, non-commissionable fares, and port charges. Solo pricing
reflects the full fare including the single supplement.
🍽️ Why WindstarWindstar’s boutique yachts carry just 148–342 guests, blending small-ship freedom with world-class culinary experiences and personal service. Discover What Makes Windstar
Unique In Partnership with the James Beard Foundation Culinary Excellence at Sea I don’t often get to invite clients to travel with me to my home province of Newfoundland — but this is that special chance. This itinerary is uniquely
meaningful to me: it takes us along Canada’s Atlantic coast, right to the rugged cliffs and colourful harbours where I grew up. Every stop tells a story, and I’d love to share those stories with you. And here’s the twist: while this cruise stays entirely in Canadian waters, it still whisks us to France. With a
stop in St. Pierre & Miquelon, you’ll step into a slice of French culture without ever crossing the Atlantic. (A rare treat, since maritime laws normally require a U.S. port on Canadian sailings.) We’ll be sailing on Windstar’s boutique-style Star Pride, where the atmosphere feels more like traveling with
friends than traditional cruising. On board, you’ll enjoy:
✨ Small-ship intimacy & personalized service
✨ Destination-inspired gourmet dining
✨ Open decks perfect for whale watching
✨ A warm, welcoming atmosphere 🌊 Itinerary HighlightsMontreal – vibrant culture & historic Old Port Saguenay
– dramatic fjords carved by ice Newfoundland – wild coastlines & fishing villages St. Pierre & Miquelon – authentic French charm right next door Golden autumn landscapes at every turn Let’s reserve your suite and create unforgettable memories together. ✨ Four Directions of Travel InspirationEach edition of our newsletter brings you four curated travel insights to spark your wanderlust and keep you in the know. Here’s what to expect: In the Spotlight - From client journeys to industry features, see how Lush Life Travel is creating memorable adventures—and making headlines along the way. Virtuoso Travel Inspiration –
Handpicked features from Virtuoso Life, Virtuoso Traveler, or Virtuoso Insight—ideas that transport you. Elevate Your Stay – A weekly look at standout hotels from our preferred partner network, plus the VIP perks you receive when booking with Lush Life Travel. Exclusive Offers – Special promotions and insider access available only through Lush Life Travel, a proud affiliate of Direct Travel and top Virtuoso producer. This section is your one-stop compass for ideas, upgrades, and exclusive opportunities—all designed to help you live your lushest travel life.
6. Virtuoso Travel Inspiration
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Enjoy this recent edition of Virtuoso Life, Insider's Guide, and Virtuoso Dispatch—packed with award-winning travel inspiration and insights—all complimentary from me to you. Happy exploring! Where Next: The Ten Best Places to Go in 2026This year, our annual list is
about making big memories.
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7.  𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒖𝒙𝒖𝒓𝒚? 𝑳𝒆𝒕’𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓
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Unlock Exclusive Perks for Your Luxury Hotel Stay When you check into one of the world’s finest hotels through me (or via my Virtuoso
self-booking site), you’re stepping into a stay filled with VIP perks like:  Daily breakfast for two Room upgrades (when available) Early check-in / late check-out (when available) A US$100+ food & beverage or spa credit (varies by property)  𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 & 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲? Just self-bookYou can browse and self-book many of my Virtuoso partner hotels (link in first comment) — booking this way still gets you those amazing perks, with no added fee. Browse & Book Hotels Online.  𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐬, 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: If you’re staying at a Four Seasons, let me handle the booking through my Four Seasons Preferred Partner status so you’ll get even more exclusive access and benefits beyond Virtuoso.  𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦?If you’d like full VIP treatment—think personalized concierge service, curated experiences, and extra-special touches—just hire me to manage the booking. I’ll take care of every detail so you can simply arrive and enjoy. Whether it’s part of a bigger trip I’m planning for you, or just a quick getaway, let’s make every hotel stay unforgettable. (While I specialize in river and expedition cruises, as well as bespoke trips to Africa and Australia, I’m happy to book luxury hotels for my clients. Hotel-only bookings are subject to my professional fees, outlined here: Fee Schedule.)  𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐕𝐈𝐏 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲.
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This week, we feature: Lizard Island As the most northern Island resort directly on the Great Barrier Reef offering natural privacy paired with personalized service, and a luxury
lodge of Australia, Lizard Island is truly… like nowhere else. Secluded within over 1000 hectares of National Park enriched with beautiful and diverse Australian wildlife, fauna and flora and bounded by 24 powdery private beaches, makes Lizard Island a unique holiday destination for you to discover. Featuring only 40 contemporary and spacious villas with picturesque ocean views, a private deck, your choice of a private pool, high end amenities and state of the art facilities with air-conditioning, plasma TV, B&O Sound System with Bluetooth connectivity, gourmet mini-bar stocked daily and evening turndown service. Virtuoso AmenitiesFor 2025: - Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (already included in property rates)
- $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not
combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/suppliers/4096/lizard-island 8. Exclusive Offers 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: Australia SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Silversea Auckland to Sydney RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: Ama Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week: Australia's Ancient West Coast TOUR PARTNER of the Week: Southern World Brisbane Hamilton Isle
HOTEL of the week: Lizard Island Australia
LUXURY experience of the week: Grand South Pacific Expedition I have some offers and information on all these weekly partners. Click the button to see more.
Unlock Your Lush Life through Travel
At Lush Life Travel, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re unlocking 20 years of travel expertise paired with 20 years in financial services. My focus on detail, risk management, and a network of trusted relationships ensures your journey is seamless, unforgettable, and uniquely yours. Here’s to creating defining moments and living your lush life through travel!
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