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: Tahiti
World’s Best Luxury Travel Advisors and Hotels | Virtuoso
Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands (11 Days)
Star Breeze departs November 10, 2025
Itinerary:
Papeete, French Polynesia • Fakarava, French Polynesia • Rangiroa, French Polynesia • Motu Mahaea, Tahaa Island, French Polynesia • Bora Bora, French Polynesia overnight • Huahine, French Polynesia • Moorea, French Polynesia • Papeete, French Polynesia overnight
Virtuoso Exclusive Benefits:
- US$150 shipboard credit per person
Virtuoso Porthole Suite fares FROM CA$6,665 per person
SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Star Clippers
For more than 30 years, Star Clippers has introduced travelers to the thrill of authentic tall ship sailing in many of the world’s most spectacular destinations by offering creative itineraries and breathtaking unique ports throughout the Caribbean, Central America (Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua), and Mediterranean. The fleet consists of the majestic twin clipper ships, Star Clipper and Star Flyer (166 guests each), plus the incredible Royal Clippers (227 guests).
RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: Aqua Expeditions
Luxury River & Yacht Expeditions – Peruvian Amazon, Cambodia & Vietnam, Indonesia, Galapagos Islands
EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week: Swan Hellenic
Swan Hellenic has been redefining cultural expedition cruising since the 1950s, when it pioneered immersive journeys for curious travelers seeking deeper connections with the world’s most extraordinary places. Relaunched in 2020, Swan Hellenic seamlessly blends the thrill of exploration with the elegance of luxury, offering life-changing encounters aboard stylish, purpose-built expedition ships. From the start, Swan Hellenic stood apart by crafting unique itineraries to remote destinations, featuring celebrated scholars, writers, and academics as guest lecturers. With over 70 years of expertise and an unmatched reputation for safety and professionalism, Swan Hellenic invites you to explore the world in unparalleled, all-inclusive, comfort.
TOUR PARTNER of the Week: Micato Safaris – Awe in the savanna https://e.virtuosoemail.com/awe-in-the-savanna?ecid=ACsprvsIULJWH-LfKHrZkQAyyA8DFkyBuVhNaFlTUf6igZB0raeTd7Uc8i7_3kUbfcFf1Bggz_wX
Welcome to the insider’s Africa
A journey with Micato Safaris is a true feast for the senses. One where private tablescape lanterns shimmer at dusk, vibrant local cuisine entices with color and fragrance, and the awe of wildlife is at every turn. Every detail of your travel experience is seamless, with luxury and thoughtfulness.
This is Africa the Micato way – elegant, immersive, and endlessly rewarding. Connect with your Virtuoso travel advisor to discover the luxurious accommodations, included gratuities, personalized planning with safari specialists, and more.
HOTEL of the week: Four Seasons Bora Bora
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Welcome to Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. On this mystical island with its necklace of white-fringed coral islets, Four Seasons elevates the excitement to redefine South Seas escape. Exotic over-water suites, and beachfront villas with pools, immerse you in ultramodern comforts and the spirit of French Polynesia. Culinary art embraces operatic sunsets over the island’s primeval peaks. Introduce your family to sea turtles. Kite-surf across the impossibly blue lagoon. Spirit yourselves away in a spa by the rolling Pacific surf. Surrender to the liberating service of a luxury resort unmatched on Bora Bora.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora offers 115 spacious hideaways within 108 over-water bungalows and 7 beachfront villas. Nestling around the Bora Bora lagoon and its outer beaches, they overlook the lagoon’s turquoise waters and spectacular views of Mount Otemanu. Inspired by local architecture, all guest accommodations offer a restful, airy ambience – complete with traditional teak wood furnishings, high ceilings and thatched roofs made from pandanus leaves.
Overlooking the tranquil, translucent waters of the lagoon, Arii Moana epitomises romance, offering marvelous views – as far as distant Mount Otemanu – and culinary perfection. The imaginative menu creations highlight the best in seafood specialties, accompanied by the finest wines. Open for dinner only, the restaurant seats 56 indoors, 40 outdoors.
Adjacent to the beach, Tere Nui is an open-air, thatched-roof all-day restaurant that nestles within its tropical surroundings. Tere Nui serves modern Polynesian specialties with a French culinary influence.
Sunset Restaurant & Bar features casual indoor lounge seating, over-water terrace seating, and an interactive bar area. Savour freshly prepared sushi and Asian-inspired dinners, share tasty small plates, and sip unique cocktails and signature classics.
With its relaxing beachside setting adjacent to the main pool, Faré Hoa Beach Bar offers idyllic views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu. Relaxing in the shade of the thatched roof, guests in the beach and pool areas can enjoy tropical cocktails, refreshing soft drinks and light snacks.
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has breath-taking ocean views. The haven of our kahaia tree-inspired spa captures the unique balance that defines Bora Bora, surging energy meeting luxuriant tranquility.
Work out in the Resort’s open-air fitness centre, where you can be cooled by sea breezes and enjoy views of the South Pacific.
Among the soaring palms and tropical foliage near the beach, the infinity edges of the dazzling wave-shaped pool blend seamlessly with the ocean beyond. Close to the beach and restaurants, the children’s pool in the Kids Club is conveniently located for families with young children to get the most out of their beach experience. The resort also has Chill Island for the young-adult guests that has its own beach and Young Adults Centre. https://www.virtuoso.com/hotels/6163812/four-seasons-resort-bora-bora?search=four%20seasons%20bora&mode=Gts#HotelInfoAboutUs
LUXURY experience of the week: Ponant Zero Solo Supplement
Explore to Inspire: explore to better understand, learn, share and protect. PONANT EXPLORATIONS has been committed to more responsible tourism, and purposeful voyages of exploration for over 35 years. Aboard a fleet of 13 French-flagged small ships, fitted with the latest environmental technologies, the journey of exploration is always elegant, authentic and inspiring.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS is the World Leader in Luxury Expeditions with ultra-modern, intimate ships, offering attentive service, and well-designed itineraries sailing to all corners of the globe.
Each year PONANT EXPLORATIONS offers more than 400 awe-inspiring cruises, calling at over 450 ports on all seven continents. The fleet of purpose-built intimate ships are able to call at iconic, international ports as well as secret harbors accessible only to smaller-sized ships and our expeditions all include Zodiac landings, and onboard expert naturalists to enhance your experience.
#AskSheila sheila@lushlife.ca