Sunday, September 7, 2025 French Luxury Meets the Great Lakes: On Board Le Champlain When most travellers think of expedition
cruising, their minds immediately go to Antarctica, the Arctic, or the Galápagos. But did you know you can enjoy the same small-ship luxury and immersive exploration — right here in North America’s Great Lakes? I recently toured Ponant’s Le Champlain, one of their sleek Explorers-class vessels. Currently chartered by Tauck for culturally rich Great Lakes itineraries, she brings together French elegance
and intimate expedition design in a way that few ships can. Here’s what stood out to me on board: 92 staterooms & suites — all designed with modern,
understated French style Maximum 184 guests — an intimate size that ensures a personal, uncrowded experience 1:1.5
crew-to-guest ratio — delivering attentive service without formality The iconic Blue Eye lounge — an underwater observation space where you can connect with the aquatic world in a completely unique way Ponant is best known for its polar
fleet. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of sailing on their flagship Le Commandant Charcot — the world’s only luxury icebreaker — for a transformative expedition to Canada’s boreal forest. ❄️🌲 That voyage showcased Ponant’s pioneering spirit and commitment to exploration in some of the planet’s most remote environments. What makes Le Champlain so fascinating is how she channels that same expedition DNA into other regions. In the Great Lakes, you don’t just see the sights — you experience cultural immersion through curated shore excursions, local guides, and intimate encounters with the history and spirit of each port. For travellers seeking luxury without crowds and discovery without compromise, ships like Le Champlain redefine what it means to cruise close to home. Whether you dream of polar frontiers or North American waterways, Ponant offers a fleet designed to connect you deeply with the
world. 🌍 Which would you choose? French luxury in the Great Lakes, or an expedition to the ends of the Earth? 💡 Insider Note: I have a special offer
for Ponant that I can’t share publicly on social media. If you’d like to try an expedition cruise — whether to Antarctica, the Great Lakes, or beyond — let me know and I’d be delighted to share the details. 🌍 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 - Scenic Amber River Cruise | Sun Lounge Balcony Overview & Luxury HighlightsEver wondered what it’s really like to have a sun lounge balcony on a river cruise? Step inside Scenic Amber, where the design blends indoor comfort with open-air
views. With the push of a button, the floor-to-ceiling window lowers — leaving a wood ledge at eye level so you can rest a drink, lean out for fresh air, and still enjoy the comfort of your stateroom. On this tour, I’ll give you a quick overview of: 🌟 How Scenic’s sun lounge balcony works 🍷 All-inclusive dining, fine wines & premium drinks 🛶 Immersive excursions and cultural experiences 💆♀️ Wellness & relaxation spaces on board I’m a river cruise expert who has sailed and toured ships across Europe, and I’ve helped countless clients match their travel style to the perfect itinerary. As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon (top 1% of cruise advisors worldwide), I also bring insider knowledge and connections that
ensure you get the most value from your journey. 👉 Ready to plan your river cruise? Let’s create your perfect journey: www.lushlife.ca — Sheila 2. Adventure Travel - World-Class Icebreaker, French EleganceChampagne and caviar in the middle of the Arctic? 🥂🐧❄️ That’s the magic of Ponant, just named Top Expedition Cruise Line at the Virtuoso Gala. I recently sailed aboard Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant’s world-class luxury icebreaker — and the experience was unlike anything else. ✨ Here’s what makes Ponant extraordinary: • 🚢 True polar exploration — sailing where few ships can, from Quebec City to St. Pierre & Miquelon, all the way to the North Pole. • 🐧 Wildlife encounters — penguins, polar bears, and whales in their natural habitat. • 🥂 French indulgence onboard — champagne & caviar, foie gras & truffles, warm French baguettes. • 🌍 Adventures ashore — dog sledding, snowshoe hiking in Saguenay and the Magdalen Islands, ice
fishing on frozen lakes. • 🌿 Sustainability at heart — hybrid-powered ships designed to protect fragile ecosystems. • 🪶 Cultural immersion — Mi’kmaq traditions, ending the journey
in France itself. Ponant is where expedition meets elegance — and as a Virtuoso Cruise Icon (top 1% of advisors worldwide), I can unlock exclusive perks, insider offers, and curated experiences for my clients. 📍 Would your dream expedition be the Arctic, Antarctica… or beyond? — 👩💼 I’m Sheila Gallant-Halloran, founder of Lush Life Travel in Ottawa, Canada. I specialize in river and expedition cruises, small ship journeys, safaris, and customized luxury travel worldwide. 👉 Want to try Ponant? I have a special offer that
I can't share on social media. Let me know if you'd like details. 3. Wellness Corner - The BodyHoliday: Wellness Your Way + September SolosIf you’ve ever dreamed of a holiday that blends luxury, rest, and renewal, St. Lucia’s BodyHoliday is the ultimate reset button. Their famous promise says it all:
“Give us your body for a week, and we’ll give you back your mind.” What sets BodyHoliday apart is their year-round dedication to wellness travel, paired with special Feature Months that spotlight unique themes — from yoga and dance to healthy aging and adventure. Each month brings world-class guest practitioners,
curated programs, and opportunities to go deeper into your personal wellness journey. 🌿 Why September Is Extra Special: September SolosBodyHoliday’s most popular theme month, September Solos, was created for solo travellers seeking connection, balance, and fun. You don’t need to travel with a partner to feel at home here — in fact, the entire program is designed to welcome
individuals and create a sense of community. Highlights include: Hosted dinners and communal tables so you’ll never feel alone unless you want to. Daily spa treatments
included in your stay. Group fitness, yoga, and adventure classes tailored to all levels. Evening socials and excursions — from dance classes to St. Lucian cultural outings. A warm, supportive environment that makes solo travel not just
comfortable, but joyful. 🌍 Why I Recommend ItAs someone who specializes in wellness and experiential travel, I love how BodyHoliday delivers more than just a beach getaway. It’s a chance to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally, with the freedom to choose solitude when you need it and community when you crave it. For my solo travellers, September is hands-down the best time to go. You’ll meet like-minded people, try new activities, and return home refreshed, confident, and inspired. ✨ Insider Note: I also have access to exclusive Virtuoso perks when booking BodyHoliday — so your stay can include VIP touches you won’t
find online. 📩 Interested in experiencing BodyHoliday’s September Solos — or another theme month that speaks to you? Let’s design your ultimate wellness escape. 4. Come Travel with Me Corner 🌟 Travel With Sheila: AUSTRALIA/ NEW ZEALAND - November- December 2025 Sail
with me on a luxury voyage through two of the world’s most breathtaking destinations—Australia and New Zealand. Sail With Me on Silver Nova: Virtuoso Cruise Icon Celebration This November, I’m deeply honored to be
recognized once again as a Virtuoso Cruise Icon for 2025—a distinction reserved for the top 1% of cruise travel advisors worldwide. To mark this occasion, Silversea and Virtuoso are hosting a special Cruise Icon Celebration aboard the spectacular Silver Nova, and my husband and I will be sailing from November 30 to December 12, 2025. The best part? You’re invited to join us. Together, we’ll depart from Melbourne and cross the Tasman Sea to explore New Zealand’s legendary landscapes and vibrant cities. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in
Silversea’s all-inclusive ultra-luxury experience:
✨ Spacious suites with sweeping ocean views
✨ Exceptional dining and wine experiences
✨ Personalized, intuitive service
✨ A warm, elegant onboard atmosphere This isn’t just a cruise—it’s a chance to celebrate alongside some of the most accomplished Virtuoso
advisors in the world, while exploring one of the planet’s most breathtaking regions. Voyage Highlights: Melbourne’s laneways, galleries & buzzing food scene Scenic
cruising through pristine coastal wonders New Zealand’s charming ports, wine regions & dramatic fjords Exclusive onboard events for the Virtuoso Cruise Icon Celebration With Silver Nova’s
intimate size, every port feels personal, every experience curated, and every moment tailored to you. 📅 View the full itinerary here: Melbourne to Auckland – Silver Nova Itinerary Melbourne to Auckland – Silver Nova Itinerary Space is limited for this rare sailing. Let’s reserve your suite now and make this a once-in-a-lifetime South Pacific
celebration together. 🌟 Travel With Sheila: Quebec & Newfoundland Adventure — Fall 2026🍁 Montreal to Montreal | September 25 – October 9, 2026🛳 14 Nights Aboard Windstar’s Elegant Star Pride Explore Canada’s Wild Atlantic Coast—A Rare Voyage This fall, I’m inviting you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Canada’s untamed Atlantic coast—a sailing that Windstar is offering only once. On the
Quebec & Newfoundland Adventure, we’ll journey from cosmopolitan Montreal into towering fjords, colorful fishing villages, and rugged northern coastlines—just as autumn’s golden colors are at their peak. This itinerary is especially meaningful to me—it brings us right to my home province of Newfoundland, where dramatic cliffs meet the endless ocean and every harbor tells a story. And here’s the twist: though the cruise never leaves Atlantic Canada, it does
whisk us to France. With a stop in St. Pierre & Miquelon, you’ll step into a little slice of French culture—without crossing the ocean. (A rare treat, since maritime laws usually require cruises here to include a U.S. port.) Aboard the boutique-style Star Pride, you’ll enjoy:
✨ Small-ship intimacy & personalized service
✨ Destination-inspired gourmet
dining
✨ Open decks perfect for whale watching
✨ A warm, welcoming atmosphere—more like traveling with friends than cruising Itinerary Highlights: Montreal’s vibrant culture & historic Old Port The dramatic fjords of Saguenay Newfoundland’s wild coastlines & fishing villages The French charm of St. Pierre & Miquelon Golden autumn landscapes at every turn 📅 View full itinerary & group pricing here:
Windstar Quebec & Newfoundland Adventure – Details & Booking (If that link gives you trouble, simply copy & paste into your browser. My group receives an exclusive 5% discount on this sailing.) ➡ More details from Windstar here: Quebec & Newfoundland Adventure Itinerary Space is limited, and
demand is high for this one-time voyage. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Canada’s Atlantic coast in style, this is the year to make it happen. 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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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: The Bisha Hotel in Toronto 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: Turks & Caicos - Book a private 6-bedroom Villa at the rate of a 3-bedroom at The Shore Club! SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the
week: Four Seasons Yachts RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: Avalon EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week: Silversea TOUR PARTNER of the Week: Grand Tour of Switzerland HOTEL of the week: LXR Hotels LUXURY experience of the
week: Orient Express Corinthian 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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