Whether you’re cheering from the stands or diving into the action yourself — sports turn a trip into a thrilling, soul-stirring experience.
It’s not just about the game. It’s about the pulse of the crowd, the backdrop of iconic cities, and the stories you bring home. Watching legends play or walking the same fairways they do is travel at its most alive.
Ready to play? Here are a few ways to design a dream trip around your favorite sport — and live the moments others only watch on TV:
🏁 Feel the Rush at F1 Grand Prix Races
Experience the power, prestige, and speed of Formula 1 in the most glamorous global cities:
Golf in New Zealand means epic ocean views, luxury lodges, and post-round sailing or wine tasting — it’s an athlete’s dream and a wellness lover’s
haven.
🚴♀️ From France to the Galápagos: Adventure Awaits
Bike the French countryside where Tour de France legends ride and village boulangeries await.
Snorkel in the Galápagos, a living aquarium where you move with the current and the sea lions.
Sail in New Zealand, where sport, story, and nature merge into one majestic adventure.
Ask me about trips that blend movement with meaning — from private yacht charters to active expedition cruises.
🗺️ Wellness in Motion
Sport-connected travel lifts your energy,
builds unforgettable memories, and gives you new ways to feel alive in your body — wherever you are in the world.
Let’s plan your next move — whether it's watching greatness or stepping into it yourself.
📩 Click any link above, or reach out to me directly to start planning your dream itinerary. Let the games — and the journeys —
begin
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 - This Week: AMA Answers Your River Cruise FAQs – Straight from Ottawa 🎤
Curious about river cruising but overwhelmed by the what-ifs?
This week, I sat down with Neil Dudley of AMA Waterways at a special event in Ottawa to get answers to the questions I hear all the time—and you won’t want to miss what he shared.
💧 What happens if water levels are low? 🍷 What’s truly included in your cruise fare? 🧳 Do I really need to dress up? 🍁 When is the BEST time to sail Europe’s rivers? 🛳️ And what makes AMA different from other lines?
Whether you're planning your first river cruise or comparing options for your next one, this quick Q&A will give you the clarity you’ve been craving.
📩 Want help selecting the perfect itinerary or have a follow-up question I didn’t ask? Just reply to this email—your next river journey might be closer than you think.
💫 Because travel should feel effortless—and unforgettable.
2. Adventure Travel - Soft Adventure, Big Impact: Where Luxury Meets the Wild
Not all adventure has to mean muddy boots and mosquito nets. Sometimes, it’s sailing into a volcanic fjord. Or dining on James Beard-level cuisine after snorkeling in Bora Bora.
This week’s adventure spotlight is for those who want to see the world
differently—without roughing it.
🌊 Small Ship, Big World Cruising with lines like Windstar means fewer than 350
guests, sails overhead, and the kind of hidden harbors big ships can’t touch. You’re not just visiting destinations—you’re weaving into them.
🏝️ Dreaming of Tahiti? Picture this: swimming with rays in warm turquoise lagoons by day, and savoring French-Polynesian fusion cuisine under the stars by night.
❄️ Curious about Iceland? Chase waterfalls and soak in hot springs—then return to a glass of wine and panoramic views from your ship’s deck.
🍽️ For the Foodie
Explorer: Windstar’s exclusive James Beard Foundation culinary cruises pair hands-on excursions with onboard tastings, demos, and dinners crafted by award-winning chefs.
⚓️ This is soft adventure. It’s about connecting with the world—through culture, food, nature, and movement—while still having
high-thread-count sheets waiting for you at day’s end.
📩 Want help choosing the perfect small-ship escape with a spirit of adventure? Just reply to this email and I’ll match you to a journey that’s bold and beautiful.
There’s something magical in watching the world come together in celebration of human potential — and right now, the Olympic Games are doing just that. Every leap, spin, glide, and ski represents years of training, discipline, healthy eating, intentional rest, and an unwavering belief in reaching peak performance. It’s a powerful reminder that when we care for our bodies and minds, we can authentically show up for life — in sport, in travel, and in
wellness.
Go ahead — relive that moment from the opening ceremonies. Let it float into your day and raise your spirits.
🏒 Weekend Move: Channel Olympic Energy
Why not ride that Olympic wave and get your own body moving?
Catch the replay: Canada’s women’s hockey team crushed it with a 4–0 victory — a masterclass in teamwork and
unshakeable confidence.
Then… get outside!
I had an awesome time snowshoeing in Quebec with Ponant. THe Canadian Boreal Forest filled me with pride, and filled my lungs with
crisp air.
Lace up and skate the Ottawa Canal — feel the crisp air, the glide under your feet, and let your breath slow your mind.
Head to the trails with cross‑country
skis or snowshoes — or keep it simple with a brisk, active walk. The athletes we cheer for didn’t get there by sitting still — and neither will you feel your best without a little movement in nature.
🌲 Travel Inspiration: Move & Restore
Active travel isn’t just about sightseeing — it’s about feeling the place with your whole body.
Here are a few moments from journeys that fused movement with mindful adventure:
📸 Snowshoeing in Canada’s Boreal Forest — last February with Ponant Cruise
📸 Hiking the Magdalen Islands Wild winds, red cliffs, and views that unlock a deep breath. Insert your Magdalen Islands hiking photo here
Let these images remind you: movement in nature restores your body, quiets the mind, and
ignites your spirit.
Maybe even riding that fast tobaggan in Quebec City.
💛 Your Wellness Invitation
This week, be inspired by the courage and joy of athletes from around the world — then go create your own version of that energy:
✨ Move purposefully ✨ Breathe deeply ✨ Celebrate effort over perfection ✨ Get
outside — even for 20 minutes
Let’s live like the world’s best — with heart, health, and a splash of wonder.
Go Team Canada! 🇨🇦
Catch the games, hit the trail, and make
your own magic this week.
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 book your hotel through me—or directly via my Virtuoso self-booking
portal—you unlock a world of exclusive perks at top-tier properties, including:
✨ Daily breakfast for two ✨ Room upgrades (when available) ✨ Early check-in & late check-out (when available) ✨ US$100+ hotel credit for dining, spa, or experiences (varies by property)
These benefits come at no extra cost and aren’t available when booking
through online travel sites.
💻 Want to keep it quick and easy?
If you're the independent type, you can self-book directly on my Virtuoso site and still receive all the VIP perks.
✅ When you self-book, I waive my professional hotel booking fee — it’s my gift to you for keeping it simple. Need extra help
like concierge-style planning or custom requests? I'm happy to assist, and my standard hotel-only fees would apply.
If you're dreaming of a Four Seasons stay, let me book it for you through my Four Seasons Preferred Partner status. You'll receive even more elevated benefits than through Virtuoso alone — deeper upgrades, extra amenities, and VIP recognition.
🤝 Want more than just a room key?
If you’re looking for white-glove
service—think thoughtful welcome touches, curated experiences, and personalized travel planning—I’ve got you covered.
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: Bhutan
SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Ponant Japan
RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: AMA Egypt
EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner the week: A&K Expeditions Japan
TOUR PARTNER of the
Week: Nomadic Expeditions Bhutan HOTEL of the week: Six Senses Bhutan LUXURY experience of the week: Bhutan Explorer
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!
