Lush Life 🎤 — Heated Rivalry, Shared Grief & the Joy We Needed
Published: Sun, 02/01/26
Updated: Sun, 02/01/26
Live Your Lush Life
Travel Newsletter
Sunday, February 01, 2026
Lush Life 🎤 — Heated Rivalry, Shared Grief & the Joy We Needed
Ottawa was alive this week — in all the ways that matter.
We gathered in a theatre, shoulder to shoulder, hearts a little heavier than usual. And then Kathy Griffin walked on
stage — and for two unforgettable hours, she held up a mirror, passed the mic, and let us breathe again.
She gave us grief. She gave us gut-laughs. And she gave us the permission to feel it all.
We grieved Catherine O’Hara — a national treasure, comedy genius, and Canadian icon — together. We sat in shared sorrow over loss, fear, and the madness of the modern world. We shouted through the messiness of it all: Justin & Katie, YOW vs YUL, RFK Jr. side-eye, PTSD, politics, and the convoy.
And still, we found joy.
So What Does This Have to Do with Travel?
Everything.
Because this is what
travel is really about — not just the places you go, but the way you feel when you go there.
It’s about moments of deep connection, surprise joy, collective breath, and being reminded that you're not alone in the world.
When we live our Lush Life,
we’re choosing to live fully — even when it’s bittersweet.
🌍 We chase the beauty of a river cruise not just for the views, but for the stories we collect along the way. 🛥️ We set sail on small-ship adventures not just for luxury, but for the connection — to cultures, to people, to ourselves.
And sometimes, like last night in Ottawa, we don’t even
have to leave the city to travel through every emotion on the map.
Or just needing a little escape from the heavy stuff
…know that travel isn’t always about getting away. Sometimes, it’s about coming home to what matters.
❤️ Thank you, Kathy Griffin, for showing up. Thank you, Mark Carney and Hudson Williams, for
your sense of humour. And thank you, Catherine O'Hara - for everything.
And thank you, Lush Life community, for continuing to chase the magic — in grief, in laughter, and in every journey that follows.
Don't forget to fold in the cheese!
TRAVEL EVENTS
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.
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 - The Joy of Small Ships
Cruising doesn’t have to mean 5,000 people and endless sea days.
When most people think of cruising, they picture towering ships packed
with thousands of passengers, lined-up buffets, and a whole lot of open ocean between ports.
But there’s another way to sail. Actually, two other ways.
The Joy of Small-Ship Ocean Cruising
🌊 Windstar Cruises offers a completely different kind of experience — think fewer than 350 guests, intimate yacht-like spaces, and itineraries that feel curated rather than crowded. Yes, there are sea days. But when you’re lounging on the deck with endless views and no lineups, you’ll start to see them as a gift, not a
gap.
Imagine sailing through the Greek Isles, or exploring the coast of Iceland… all with a gourmet twist thanks to Windstar’s James Beard Foundation partnership.
The Magic of River Cruising
🛥️ With AmaWaterways, you’ll glide along Europe’s great rivers — the Rhine, the Danube, the Seine — docking right in the heart of iconic cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Amsterdam. No tender boats. No sea days. Just culture, cuisine, and castles around every corner. And new for 2026–27? Group departures to Egypt and
Colombia… and even a Festive Rhine holiday cruise!
Two Different Vibes.
✨ One is breezy and bold. ✨ One is scenic and storybook. Both are far from the crowds.
So… which one fits your travel style best?
Come Find Out In
Person
📍Travel Insights Live: Windstar Cruises & AmaWaterways 📅 Wednesday, February 4 • 12:00–2:00 PM 📍 Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa — Emmy & Victor Abboud Music Studio
Sheila welcomes two top cruise experts — 👩✈️ Andrea Mendelsohn of Windstar Cruises 🧭 Neil Dudley of
AmaWaterways
They’re visiting from Toronto just for this exclusive Ottawa event — and they’re ready to help you dream big for 2026–27 and beyond.
💬 Live presentations begin at 12:30 PM ☕ Doors open at 12:00 PM — come early, grab a seat, and meet fellow travelers.
Not because of the penguins
(though they absolutely stole my heart).
But because of how it made me feel.
In November 2024, I traveled to Antarctica with Lindblad Expeditions—to the farthest edge of the map, the White Continent. Yes, we had Wi-Fi onboard. I even FaceTimed our
daughters so they could see penguins waddling across the ice in real time.
But I didn’t take calls.
I didn’t join meetings.
And I didn’t want to.
One evening, standing on deck in that soft Antarctic light, I realized something profound:
I wasn’t thinking about anything.
Not my to-do
list.
Not my inbox.
Not even my next trip.
Just… stillness.
Antarctica gives you that.
Not just breathtaking scenery—but space. Space to breathe. Space to reset. Space to hear yourself think again.
That’s why I shared this story with Virtuoso—because they wanted the real story of what a luxury Antarctic expedition feels like. And because I’ve actually been there.
If you’ve been craving a true reset—not just a vacation, but a recalibration—this kind of journey might be exactly what your soul is asking for.
✨ Want to hear more?
On February 5, I’m hosting an intimate Travel Talk Social at Café Amore with Lindblad Expeditions, where we’ll dive into Antarctica, the Galápagos, and other extraordinary places at
the edges of the world.
3. Wellness Corner - Why Classical Music Hits Different When You're
Grieving… or Glowing
When words fall short, music speaks. Neuroscientists have found that classical music engages entirely different brain regions depending on whether you’re in grief or joy. One piece of music—say, a Rachmaninoff concerto—can feel like a lifeline in sorrow or an exaltation in happiness.
That’s not just magic. That’s neurology.
And now, more than ever, travellers are seeking experiences that feel emotionally alive. That breathe with them. That heal.
🎼 Travel That Moves You: Set Sail with Symphony
If music
shapes the way we process life, imagine what happens when you build a journey around it. These extraordinary cruise itineraries blend the emotional impact of live performance with the serenity and wonder of travel:
✨ Featured Itineraries
🎶 A Symphony at Sea: Musical Traditions of Greece 18–25 October 2026 | Explore sacred Greek sites while surrounded by musical storytelling—curated by performance legends and set to the rhythms of the Aegean.
🎼 Danube Legends: City of Music Focus Walk in the footsteps of Mozart, Strauss, and Schubert on this luxurious AMA river cruise steeped in Vienna’s and Budapest’s musical heritage.
🎻 AmaWaterways Music Cruises From the Celebration of Classical Music cruise to jazz-themed journeys, these voyages pair Europe’s grand concert halls with intimate onboard performances.
Avalon’s Music Cruises — Whether you crave sultry jazz or swing-era classics, these cruises deliver soul-soothing sounds in Europe’s most scenic settings.
💫 Travel Prescription: Music for the Mind & Soul
Music isn’t just
entertainment—it’s medicine. A curated voyage like these offers:
Emotional release for those navigating grief
A deeper celebration for those in joy
An unmatched sensory blend of sound, culture, and movement
Let your next journey carry you—not just across the sea, but deeper into yourself.
✉️ Reply to this newsletter to explore these itineraries for your next soulful escape.
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: From Penguins to Personalized Planning! 🌟
Destination: Antarctica 🧊🐧 Traveler: Dave
“Antarctica trip with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions as suggested by Sheila G-H worked out great. With Sheila, have now booked another
NG-LE trip.”
🌍 From the icy frontiers of Antarctica to their next bucket list destination, this client trusted Lush Life Travel to guide their journey — and returned ready for more. That’s the power of personalized, expert travel planning.
✨ 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!
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.)
Vancouver Island’s celebrated luxury outpost Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge skirts the banks of its namesake ocean inlet, Clayoquot Sound, and offers an escape to the still, tranquil beauty of Canada’s remote wilderness. Set among magnificent conifer forests, the lodge offers guests an unforgettable experience of the landscape and its wildlife. Twenty-five canvas tents designed with contemporary interiors complement period and local artisan-designed pieces to offer a decadent
retreat.
Guests have direct access to 600-acres of gloriously wild nature reserve where opportunities for adventure, education, natural enrichment and personal connection abound. Experiences span equestrian, marine-based, land-based, helicopter and fishing adventures.
Drawing inspiration from Vancouver Island’s wild beauty, the cookhouse restaurant culinary team translate the landscape to the plate through the sights, scents and tastes of the region and uses premium sustainable, locally grown and foraged ingredients to deliver a 5-star taste of the destination.
Adventure-filled days are bolstered by the freedom to unwind at the spa, where physical and spiritual sanctuary are found in restorative treatments for body and soul. Featuring a waterfront massage tent, saunas and cedar hot tubs for relaxing and drinking in the view. Vancouver Island’s celebrated luxury outpost Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge skirts the banks of its namesake ocean inlet, Clayoquot Sound and offers an escape to the still, tranquil beauty of
Canada’s remote wilderness. Accessible only by seaplane, the journey to Clayoquot is symbolic of a real departure from the everyday. Set among magnificent conifer forests, the lodge offers guests an unforgettable experience of the landscape and its wildlife. Adventure-filled days are bolstered by local produce-driven, sustainable dining, fine wines and the chance to unwind in generously appointed campaign-style guest tents
Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (included in rates - along
with all meals, activities, spa, fishing allowances, etc)
$100 USD equivalent in local currency Helicopter credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable; no cash value if not redeemed in full; one voucher per tent, per experience; excludes Heli Fly-Fishing).
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
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: New Zealand
SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Cunard
RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: Riverside
EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner the week: HX
TOUR PARTNER of the
Week: SKi HOTEL of the week: Fairmont Waterfront LUXURY experience of the week: Crystal
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.
