✨ Ready to Dream Bigger? Join Me for Inspiring Travel Events in Ottawa! ✨
Published: Sun, 01/25/26
Updated: Sun, 01/25/26
Live Your Lush Life
Travel Newsletter
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Ready to Dream Bigger? Join Me in Ottawa!
✨ Ready to Dream Bigger? Join Me for Inspiring Travel Events in Ottawa!✨
.If you’re already booked on a fabulous cruise — or still dreaming about your next great escape — I’ve got some exciting opportunities to help spark your wanderlust.
This February and March,
I’m hosting a series of intimate, in-person travel presentations right here in Ottawa, featuring some of my most trusted travel partners — all of whom are coming in from Toronto to meet you!
Whether you’re dipping your toes into river cruising, curious about small-ship sailing, or craving a nature-rich expedition, these events are designed to help you discover what style of travel speaks to you most —
especially for your 2026–2027 plans.
🗓️ Upcoming Events You Won’t Want to Miss:
📍 Wednesday, Feb. 4 | 12:30–2:00 PM Travel Insights Live: Windstar Cruises & AMA Waterways Shenkman Arts Centre, Orleans
Sail away with Windstar’s small-ship experiences — including routes from Montreal to Newfoundland,
Tahiti, Iceland, and the Mediterranean. Plus, learn about AMA Waterways’ award-winning river cruises through Europe, Egypt, and Colombia. I’ll also be sharing updates on my hosted AMA groups for 2026 and 2027!
Perfect for nature lovers and bold explorers — learn how to visit some of the planet’s most remote places through Lindblad’s partnership with National
Geographic.
📍 Tuesday, Mar. 3 | 6:30–8:00 PM Adventure Canada – From Wild Horses to Icebergs: Exploring Canada’s Remote Edges Café Amore, Orleans
I’m also planning an
additional event on Sunday, February 22 (2:00–4:00 PM) at Shenkman Arts Centre — I’ll confirm the supplier on Monday, but if you’re curious, pencil it in now. It promises to be another enriching afternoon of travel ideas and connection.
Want to join us? Let me know which event(s) you’re
interested in — I’ll happily save you a seat.
Each 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 - 🚢✨ Confirmed — and Counting Down! ✨🚢
I’m officially booked to attend the 2026 ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam this March — and I couldn’t be more excited to return!
✨ I’m booked aboard Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ brand-new S.S. Emilie,
launching March 2026 in Amsterdam — just in time for ASTA!
This stunning new ship is inspired by the art of Gustav Klimt — rich golds, bold design, curated interiors, and that unmistakable Uniworld boutique elegance. Huge thanks to Pollo for helping me step into the lobby (virtually!) before the ship has even debuted. 👀🎨
Following the conference, I’ll also be sailing on Riverside Debussy, part of the stylish and luxurious Riverside Luxury Cruises collection.
🚢 What Makes the ASTA River Cruise Expo So Unique?
✅ Tour 15 river ships docked right in Amsterdam ✅ Connect with top cruise executives and suppliers
face-to-face ✅ Dive into exclusive training — so I can better match you to your perfect cruise ✅ Get insider previews of 2026–2027 itineraries before they’re released
As a river cruise expert, I take my role seriously — which means getting on board, experiencing the ships for myself, and learning what sets each brand apart. That
firsthand knowledge is what allows me to pair you with the right ship, sailing, and style — no guesswork.
🌍 Is a river cruise on your 2026 bucket list?
Drop a ❤️ or email me at sheila@lushlife.ca — I’d love to help you find the perfect fit.
2. Adventure Travel - Chase Wonder: Your Front-Row Seat to the 2026 Solar Eclipse
There’s adventure — and then there’s once‑in‑a‑lifetime adventure.
On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the skies over Greenland, Iceland, and Spain — a rare celestial event that transforms broad daylight into an unforgettable moment of awe.
✨ This is not just a trip. It’s the kind of journey
that reminds us why we travel — to witness beauty, to feel wonder, and to experience the extraordinary.
✨ Why Make an Eclipse Trip an Adventure Journey?
🌘 It’s nature’s rarest spectacle. The moon aligns perfectly between Earth and the sun — creating a fleeting moment of darkness that only a few ever see in person.
🌍 It happens in breathtaking places. Greenland’s stark Arctic beauty, Iceland’s fjords and volcanoes, and Spain’s sun-drenched coast all sit in the path of totality.
🌟 It’s not just a viewing — it’s an experience. Think trekking, small-ship cruising, stargazing, cultural immersion, local food, and storytelling — all wrapped into one epic
journey.
🧭 Planning Your Eclipse Adventure
✔️ Choose your viewing spot wisely. The eclipse path is narrow — and Iceland, Greenland, and northern Spain offer some of the best vantage points. ✔️ Book early. Eclipse travel is in high demand — the best cabins, tours, and hotels fill quickly. ✔️ Make it more than a moment. Extend your trip before and after the
eclipse to explore local culture and landscapes. ✔️ Pack your certified eclipse glasses. Safety matters — especially when watching the skies!
🧠 Fun fact: Passionate eclipse chasers even have a name — umbraphiles (lovers of the shadow).
🛳️ Lush Life’s Top Eclipse Cruises for 2026:
🔭
Ponant: Solar Eclipse in the Arctic Sail from Reykjavik to Greenland alongside glaciologists and NASA experts. View the eclipse over icy fjords — all in refined, expedition-style luxury.
🌅 Windstar: Spain & the Eclipse at Sea Cruise the Mediterranean coast on a
boutique yacht as the eclipse casts its shadow over cities like Valencia and Barcelona — intimate, immersive, and uncrowded.
🧊 Silversea: Iceland Expedition with Eclipse Viewing Expedition-style luxury meets Iceland’s dramatic coastline and volcanic beauty — all with expert guides and prime positioning for totality.
Whether your ideal eclipse adventure includes a glass of wine on deck, a glacier hike in Greenland, or a flamenco performance in Spain, this
is a rare opportunity to build a journey around one of the universe’s most incredible shows.
📩 Let’s craft your eclipse journey together. Email me at sheila@lushlife.ca — I’ll help you find the perfect experience, ship,
or destination to witness the magic of totality.
3. Wellness Corner - Finding Balance in the Modern Travel Experience
These days, travel isn’t just about the destination — it’s about how we feel along the way. From cramped cabins to rising fees and evolving airline policies, many of us are noticing that flying economy isn’t quite what it used to be.
Recent news shows this trend in action: a major Canadian carrier reversed a planned redesign of its economy cabins after passengers posted viral videos of cramped seating and discomfort. The airline had proposed tighter seat spacing and non‑reclining seats to make room for more premium seats, but quickly backtracked amid public outcry — a clear sign that travellers still value comfort and wellbeing in the skies.
This isn’t an isolated moment. Journalists and travellers alike have noted how flying economy has shifted over the years — what once felt comfortable now can feel squeezed, expensive, or less inclusive of basics we once took for granted such as seat choice and adequate personal space. (See https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/westjet-legroom-viral-video-9.7037586 )
So how can we preserve our travel wellbeing even when the industry pushes harder on revenues and leaner
cabins?
🌿 Wellness on the Move: Tips for Better Travel Comfort
1. Prioritize Your Comfort Early If you’re sensitive to tight seating or long haul flights, booking ahead for extra legroom or premium economy can make a noticeable difference in your comfort and overall trip experience.
2. Move Often During a flight, stand up every hour if possible. Gentle stretches in the aisle or walking to the restroom can help circulation and reduce stiffness.
3. Hydrate Airplane cabins are notoriously dehydrating. Keep a reusable water bottle with you and drink frequently — it’s one of the simplest ways to feel better mid‑flight and on arrival.
4. Pack Smart for Well‑Being A small travel pillow, resistance bands, compression socks, and a light blanket can all add a sense of wellbeing when airline amenities fall short.
5. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Seat Sometimes travel discomfort becomes part of the story — a curbside lesson in patience, adaptability, and gratitude when
we finally arrive. This mindset shift can reduce stress and help you stay grounded even at 30,000 feet.
🧠 Why Comfort Matters for Wellness Travel
Travel is meant to broaden our horizons — not erode our wellbeing. When we pay attention to how we travel, not just where, we enjoy:
✨ Better overall energy
on arrival ✨ Lower stress levels ✨ Deeper connection to the places we visit ✨ More joy in the travel experience itself
Wellness while travelling doesn’t require luxury — it simply requires awareness, preparation, and a commitment to making choices that respect your body and your peace of mind.
📩 If you’d like personalized tips on how to make your next flight more comfortable — or to explore premium travel options that prioritize your wellbeing — email me atsheila@lushlife.ca.
Here’s to healthier
travels — from takeoff to touchdown! 🚀
Windstar Star Pride: Montréal → St. Pierre
→ Montréal | September 2026
This 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. 🇨🇦✨
Limited cabins
remain - there are only 6 SBS1, 3 BS1, 4 S3, 2 S2, 1 SP.
Let me know if you'd
like to go!
AMA Waterways - Secrets of Egypt & the Nile - November 18-28, 2026
🇪🇬 Secrets of Egypt & the Nile — November 2026 (SOLD OUT)
I’m thrilled to be personally escorting a group to Egypt this November with AmaWaterways on their Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary — an extraordinary journey through Cairo, Luxor, and beyond.
This departure, beginning November 18, 2026 in
Cairo, is now completely sold out — including our roundtrip Nile River cruise from Luxor starting November 21.
I do have a few clients waitlisted for possible cancellations, but if this journey is on your wish list, don’t worry — I’d be happy to help you secure a cabin on another 2026 or 2027 departure
(unescorted by me). Trust me, this is a bucket list trip worth planning ahead for.
Here's a 5 minute feature video my sales manager at AMA, Neil, did for me.
Want to go to Eygpt, even if group space doesn't open for you to travel with me?! Of course, I can book you on another AMA departure date! Just let me know!
📩 Interested in joining a future group or other sailing? Email me at sheila@lushlife.ca to start planning.
AMA Waterways - Festive Delights on the Rhine - November 23, 2027
Last week, I shared the early idea for a 2027 Christmas Markets cruise—and I’ve been thrilled by🎄 Lush Life River Cruise Corner — Festive Delights on the Rhine!
I’m thrilled to announce my newest hosted group — and I’d love for you to consider joining us for a magical kickoff to the holiday season in 2027!
We’ll be sailing AmaWaterways’ Festive
Delights itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam aboard the beautiful AmaSerena, departing November 23, 2027. This unique sailing blends twinkling lights, cozy winter villages, and early holiday cheer along the Rhine.
✨ What is “Festive Delights”? It’s not a full “Christmas Markets” cruise, as not all markets may be open just yet — but many are, especially in Germany and France, and you’ll still enjoy rich seasonal ambiance, winter charm, and onboard celebrations. Here’s a helpful guide to Christmas market openings.
🌟 Why This Sailing Is Special • Excellent availability across all stateroom categories • One of the only Festive
Delights dates still offering a promotion • Choose your bonus: o C$1,800 off per person, or o FREE 4-night land extension in Lake Como & Milan → View Cruise + Land Extension
📌 Important Note: These promotional offers are capacity-controlled and can be withdrawn at any time. Although this is a 2027 sailing, Festive Delights itineraries are booking up quickly — and this is one of the few with a promotion still
available.
More than 85% of Festive Delights & Christmas Markets sailings in 2026 are already sold out, and many travelers are shifting to 2027 due to limited upgraded staterooms (French Balconies and above) remaining for 2026.
If this experience is on your radar, don’t wait to secure your spot.
🛎 Interested? I’d be happy to place a courtesy hold for you while we explore your options. Just reply to this note — I’d
love to help you experience this unforgettable holiday journey. Let's get you booked this week!
Of course, couples, friends, and solos are welcome to join me. This will not be a special solo departure, with mostly solo women - however, I am still working on another idea.
Let’s reserve your special holiday, and come travel with me. It'd be my pleasure to work with you to secure your spot, and create unforgettable memories together.
Each 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.
5.🌟 Client Spotlight: Wonderful! 🌟
It's always such a joy to receive testimonials by my clients. Here's one submitted to Virtuoso (so verified as one of my clients), submitted by: CatLady
📅 Travel End Date: November 15, 2025
“Sheila was very helpful, supportive and friendly. She gave us lots of
information. She took lots of pictures and made everyone feel very special.”
—
Reviewed December 16, 2025
✨ Ready to experience your own stress-free journey?
Let’s make your next escape effortless and extraordinary.
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!
Embrace the spirit of discovery and seek out novel, off-the-radar destinations to explore, such as the Solomon Islands and central Asia’s Silk Roads, ride a rickshaw through Kyoto's bamboo forest, or kayak among icebergs in Antarctica. You can also find new ways to experience perennial favorites,
whether it be the Mediterranean under billowing white sails or America’s Southwest in a luxury RV.
When new frontiers beckon, your Virtuoso travel advisor, Sheila, will be one step ahead, paving the way for an exceptional adventure.
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-book
You 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.)
This week, we feature Susana Balbo Winemaker's House & Spa Suites
Susana Balbo Winemaker's House & Spa Suites is a luxury boutique hotel in Mendoza, Argentina, created by Susana Balbo, the first female Argentine winemaker. Blending elegance, wellness, and authentic winemaking heritage, it features seven exclusive Spa Suites with integrated spa services and private gardens. Guests enjoy fine dining
at the Michelin-recommended La VidA restaurant, curated wine activities, and wellness rituals, all in charming Chacras de Coria.
Virtuoso travelers receive:
For 2025:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining (already included in property rates)
A complimentary 50 minute massage for up to 2 guests per room, once during stay
Stays of 7+ nights will also receive a complimentary seven (7) course meal paired with Susana Balbo wines, for up to two guests per bedroom, once during stay
Early
check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Many of these perks and amenities are only available when you book your stay through a Virtuoso travel advisor, like Sheila.
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: Mendoza, Argentina
SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Silversea
RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: Viking
EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner the week: HX (Hurtigruten)
TOUR PARTNER of the
Week: African Travel Safaris HOTEL of the week: Four Seasons Yachts LUXURY experience of the week: Micato Safaris
I have some offers and information on all these weekly partners. Click the button to see more.
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!
Daily breakfast for two
𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐕𝐈𝐏 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲.
This week, we feature Susana Balbo Winemaker's House & Spa Suites
