What is sustainable travel?

Sustainable travel covers everything from making sure the natural behaviour and habitat of wildlife is not disturbed, and helping preserve the culture of indigenous groups, to being aware of what the hotels and airlines you use are doing to reduce emissions.

“It’s now becoming common to ask hotels and resorts what they are doing to combat climate change,” says Allison. “Some purchase carbon credits to off-set their carbon emissions, but we really want to know what actions they are taking to reduce the amount of carbon they release.”

Canada’s largest airline, Air Canada, is one of 290 members of the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), which is committed to cutting CO2 emissions in half by 2050 by developing new technologies, such as sustainable aviation fuels, as well as creating more efficient operations to reduce the amount of fuel they use. This includes reducing weight on flights, using more efficient aircraft, and matching the right aircraft to the right routes.

“But sustainable travel is not just the responsibility of hotels and airlines, it’s about the choices we in the travel industry make when we plan our itineraries,” says Allison. “Deb and I have always been committed to leaving a place better than when we found it by making a donation to a local charity – and now we are also considering green, sustainable practices in everything we do.

THE BURDEN OF PLASTIC

On top of harmful greenhouse gases, the world seems to be sinking under a pile of plastic.

Before the pandemic, it looked like we were making progress on cutting down on single-use plastic. A great example was the rallying call to eliminate plastic straws.

But since COVID struck, the use of single-use items like disposable masks, gloves, and sanitizer wipes have increased.

“The Canadian government’s plans to ban single-use plastic will hopefully make a difference, but we have also been inspired by the creativity of people to find alternatives to plastic,” says Allison.

Eco-tableware company Stroodles makes pasta straws and edible spoons, plates, and cups, and ChopValue has recycled and transformed almost 50 million discarded wooden chopsticks into beautiful and functional objects like tables, coasters, and cheese trays.

FINDING INSPIRATION

There are also individuals and organizations that are dedicated to finding a way to reduce the amount of garbage we produce.

Celebrated Canadian jewellery designers John and Cynthia Hardy stepped away from their successful jewellery business in 2007 to help build a more sustainable world through education and design.

Distressed by the amount of plastic garbage they were seeing in their adopted home of Bali, they created Sampah Jujur – which means “honest trash” – to buy plastic and other waste. By creating an economy for plastic and waste, it has encouraged others to pick up trash and keep Bali beautiful.

Their daughter Elora is also making a difference through her sustainable bamboo housing company, Ibuku. Since bamboo is so fast-growing, and a new generation of shoots pops up the following year, the company maintains a sustainable supply of bamboo by harvesting from mature bamboo clumps on the islands of Bali and Java.

Another organization that particularly resonates with Deb and Allison is Clean the World. They distribute recycled soap and hygiene products from hotel and resort partners to families in countries with a high rate of pneumonia, and diseases such as cholera.

And there is the Oceans Plastics Leadership Network, which is dedicated to bringing global leaders together to create a set of standards for companies to follow to divert the 11 million metric tons of plastic that enter the ocean each year.

What can we do in our daily lives to make a difference?

Can one person really make a difference when it comes to climate change, or the huge amounts of plastic ending up in the ocean?

As environmentalist David Suzuki says, “In a world of more than seven billion people, each of us is a drop in the bucket. But with enough drops, we can fill any bucket.”

He also outlines 10 things each of us can do to make a difference, from eating less meat and taking public transit, to voting for leaders at all levels of government who take climate change seriously.

“We know our loyal Divine Destination Collection travellers love to travel, but we also know they want to protect this beautiful planet we live on,” says Allison.

“That’s why we are committed to finding more sustainable ways to travel.”

Restoring minds and bodies

Allie Chisholm-Smith, who accompanied the group to Montebello, will also be heading to Muskoka to lead yoga sessions. In addition to teaching yoga for 25 years, Allie has also studied Ayurveda, a natural approach to health, and will offer daily reflections on how to restore minds and bodies after the last two years of uncertainty and isolation.

But since there is no better healing power than the magic of nature, there will be several opportunities to explore the local countryside, including a special Night Owl Snowshoeing Adventure with naturalist Robin Tapley, who brings together his experience leading expeditions to Antarctica and Galapagos Islands with the many opportunities for adventure found in Muskoka. This will of course be followed by hot chocolate and s’mores around the bonfire.

There will also be a surprise “off the beaten” path winter activity to take in the great outdoors that is geared for all fitness levels, as well as lots of opportunities to go skating or hike through the area.

Comfort and companionship

Throughout the three-day retreat guests will indulge in great cuisine and wine, and truly experience the Danish sensation of hygge – which is all about finding comfort, pleasure, and warmth in soothing things such as a cozy atmosphere and friendship.

The resort has four outstanding restaurants on-site, including Teca, where The Divine Destination Collection guests will be welcomed with classic Northern Italian cuisine and homemade pasta, such as the restaurant’s signature lobster ravioli paired with hard-to-find Italian wines. It’s no wonder Teca has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the past seven years.

In addition, an exclusive Ice Ice Baby party will be held in sparkling ice caves overlooking Lake Rosseau. These transparent geodesic domes will create an elegant, otherworldly atmosphere for the group’s farewell dinner.

And as always, a special surprise or two will be awaiting to add to the fun in Muskoka!

Health and safety is a priority

The Divine Destination Collection is committed to keeping its travellers safe, so if you would like to attend this relaxing and rejuvenating retreat in wonderful Muskoka, you must be fully vaccinated. That means two doses of NASI and CDC approved COVID-19 vaccines, plus a booster shot, if applicable.

The JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa is also committed to providing a safe and clean experience.

For added peace of mind, you can book a spot now by clicking on this link, make a $700 deposit – and be able to cancel without penalty up to January 27. Full payment is due on January 28.

After that date, if non-travel orders, lockdowns, or any threat still exists, travel deposits will be fully refundable.

Currently, lockdowns are in effect for Ontario until January 26, but due to the fast-moving Omicron variant, some experts are predicting a rapid peak and swift decline, which is what happened in South Africa, where Omicron was first detected in November. Modelling studies in the UK also suggest that Omicron cases will peak in mid-January. These predictions make mid-March a safe date for this trip.

If you have any hesitation with the winter drive to the resort, please contact Allison and she will be happy to arrange a private transfer to/from the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa for you.

In addition, if you live in Ontario, you may be eligible for a tax refund for travelling within the province under the new Ontario Staycation Tax Credit program.

This is a temporary program created by the Ontario government to encourage Ontarians to explore their province while helping the tourism and hospitality sectors recover from the financial impacts of the pandemic. You may be able to claim 20% of your accommodation expenses when filing your 2022 Income Tax up to a maximum of $1,000 as an individual, or $2,000 for a family, and receive up to $200 or $400 respectively.

More to come in 2022!

Muskoka is not all that is in store for you in 2022! Allison and Deb are busy scouting out locations for more fabulous retreats for the late spring and fall. All locations will be an easy drive from Toronto and will include that one-of-a-kind mix of luxury, adventure, and spirituality that makes The Divine Destination Collection so unique.

There are still a few spots left on the Muskoka Winter Wellness Weekend…Oh Snow Much Fun so make sure you reserve your spot today. Remember, you can cancel for any reason until January 27 and have your deposit fully refunded without any penalty!

Virtual trips around the world

While it was great to take a first step out into the world of travel by sticking close to home, Divine Destination Collection travellers also had the chance to take virtual adventures around the globe with the second Divine Live and Online series.

From a journey to Kyoto, Japan to see the cherry blossoms in bloom and meet a Zen Buddhist priest, a stopover in Egypt to visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, catching up with migrating monarch butterflies as they travelled to Mexico from Canada, and a mystical trip floating down India’s holy Ganges River, to following Darwin’s footsteps in the Galápagos Islands and experiencing the magic of Morocco through the famous marketplaces of Marrakech these virtual travellers visited many exotic and captivating locations.

“What makes these adventures even more amazing is the fact that some of our participants were able to experience places they wouldn’t normally be able to because of physical challenges,” says The Divine Destination Collection Co-Founder Allison Frame. “Our virtual adventures gave us a unique, up-close view of fascinating cultures and majestic landscapes with the help of some incredibly interesting and passionate guides and hosts.”

If you didn’t have the chance to participate in Divine Live and Online, including the first series in 2020, you can still subscribe to the videos to watch at your convenience. Best of all, you can take advantage of some great Boxing Week pricing. This could be the perfect Christmas present for those travel enthusiasts on your list!

But there is, even more, to be grateful for

While it was wonderful to keep up our curiosity and thirst for new experiences, the second year of the pandemic reminded us that we all have so much to be thankful for – especially if we have been able to stay healthy and not experience extreme financial hardships during these challenging times.

“While we weren’t able to venture out as much as we would like, the pandemic gave us time to look in – and think about what is important to us and examine how we are living our lives,” says Allison.

Although she missed travelling with every fibre of her soul and had to dive headfirst into the uncharted technical and organizational territory to create the Divine Live and Online virtual experiences, Allison says she feels “truly blessed to have a community who truly supports me and has my best interests at heart – especially when they hold my feet to the fire!”

As we enter 2022, Allison says she is going to take more time for herself and not feel guilty about it. “I’m also going to get rid of the fear of not being good enough, as well as the need to look good and have all the answers.

“What I want to do in 2022 is create a community where like-minded travellers come together to experience truly soul-expanding and enriching journeys.”

2021 helped The Divine Destination Collection Co-Founder Deb Niven slow down with work, discover that long walks must be a part of her life, and appreciate the serenity and healing she gets from her beautiful home and cottage.

She was also glad to celebrate the 11th birthday of the In the Spirit Yoga Studio and Wine Lounge and the warm community it engenders and is proud that The Divine Destination Collection survived a challenging two years and is forging ahead.

“I want the upcoming year to be full of harmony, synergy, and balance, and I’m looking forward to creating a community that honours the sacred in us all.”

More thoughts on the past – while looking to the future

Allison and Deb decided to reach out to some of the people they worked with over the past two years to find out what they are grateful for and hope to achieve in the future.

Allyson from Chockablock Media puts together all The Divine Destination Collection videos and was instrumental in editing and assisting on many of the virtual experiences. She said for her, 2021 made friends and family even more important. She says she is grateful for the time she has been able to spend with her niece and all the laughter she has shared with friends.

As for 2022, she wants to get rid of the takers in her life who seldom give, and get better at setting boundaries. Her goal is to create a life with more joy and adventure.

Spending time with family was also what James, from Deb and Allison’s Japan team, is most grateful for. James worked on the Divine Live and Online trip to Kyoto in June.

James also wants to bring more patience and empathy into his life, and while he wants to look forward instead of dwelling on the past two turbulent years, he hopes we will all be more pragmatic towards COVID-19 in 2022.

Yolanda, from Allison and Deb’s team in South Africa, helped with the Zelda la Grange and Boyd Varty calls in 2020, and also interviewed our local Ugandan guide when Divine Live and Online had the chance to get up close and personal with gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

As an event planner, Yolanda’s world was turned upside down when the pandemic hit. She couldn’t stop thinking of what could have been if COVID had never happened. “I cannot stop myself from thinking what exceptional years we would have had as a company that we all worked so hard to achieve. To go from record years to worst ever years by no fault of our own – haunts me a bit.”

Time to let go

For 2022, Yolanda is going to let those feelings go and make the best of the situation, knowing her company will flourish again. “People will always travel, I see it as one of Maslow’s basics needs – and we must be there to make the magic happen and create the perfect experiences, as we have the best destinations in the world for life-changing and humbling experiences.”

Allie Chisholm-Smith who accompanied the group to Montebello this fall, as well as trips to Muskoka in the past, is going to let go of old patterns and habits she had to try to keep herself safe – which she has learned actually turned out to be highly self-destructive instead of safe.

She has also realized that “trying to meet everyone’s needs other than my own only drains my energy and burns me out. I no longer put others first. That doesn’t work for me anymore.”

For 2022, Allie is realizing long-held dreams. “Our house is getting finished after a dozen years in reno. I have amazing friends and family. I have incredible coaches and supporters.”

She wants the new year to be “grounding, centering, and full of slow and steady steps up the ladder of the success I am working toward.”

Alfonso Tandazo, the expert for the virtual experience in the Galápagos and offers adventure and eco-tours in South America, wants to stop being overcome by adversity and leave his comfort zone to make positive changes.

“I would like to create a culture of respect and self-confidence in people, create awareness in people to understand the essential things that propaganda is taking away from us, and create friendly environments with opportunities for everyone,” he says.

While 2021 taught him that we are fragile and sensitive and that a virus can change our lives – it also helped him discover the wonder of family life, and that we can adapt to a new way of life and stop and look around us to see beauty from another perspective.

WHAT DO YOU WANT THE NEXT YEAR TO HOLD?

“A new year is a great time to do a little self-reflection and think about how you want to live your life. It’s a chance to think about all that you are grateful for and all that you would like to change,” says Allison.

Here are eight questions to ask yourself as we head into 2022:

• What can I release from my life?
• What am I holding on to that holds me back?
• What do I believe that really works for me?
• What is going on in my life that is terrific and wonderful?
• Where am I most content?
• What do I want to create?
• How do I want the next year to be?
• What kind of world do I want to live in?

“We are looking forward to another year of journeys close to home that satisfy our sense of adventure while keeping safe, as well as soothe our minds and bodies and rejuvenate our souls,” says Allison.

“On the heels of our uber-successful Montebello retreat, we are looking to extend our REVIVE series throughout the year…. join us winter, spring and fall for pure serenity and as usual a simply divine experience”

We will begin in March with a Winter Wellness Weekend…Oh Snow Much Fun at the luxurious JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa and then will continue the journey adding another luscious location in late Spring and then fall into the colours and crispness in the autumn. All retreats will be close to Toronto and within an easy drive. Crackling fires, spa, and the bounty of nature beckon.

“Until we meet in person again, Deb and I wish you all a year filled with abundance, joy, and connection!”

Get ready for some arctic fun next summer!

In the meantime, don’t put away your toque and mittens when winter ends, as dates are confirmed for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Churchill, Manitoba from July 14 to 20, 2022.

Actually, cold weather gear won’t be necessary. The starting point is the ‘Peg – that’s Winnipeg, Manitoba’s vibrant capital city – where the group will be staying before and after heading up to Churchill.

The group will be overnighting at the Inn at the Forks located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. It’s also right next to the celebrated Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the first national museum created in Canada since 1967, and the first national museum built outside of Ottawa.

After a first night in Winnipeg, the group will take a charter flight to Churchill on Calm Air, which flies to northern destinations such as Repulse Bay and Nunavut. Home base for the next four days will be Lazy Bear Lodge, a cozy, log cabin-style hotel situated right on the main drag in Churchill.

After a welcome dinner in the lodge’s restaurant, which serves a variety of local Indigenous foods such as elk, Arctic char, and Manitoba bison, as well as fresh organic produce grown in the lodge’s own greenhouse, the group will be up early the next morning for a full-day private Hudson Bay coastal boat tour to scope out the amazing marine and tundra wildlife, such as the Pacific loon, ptarmigan, Arctic hare, Arctic fox, and amazingly colourful wild flowers.

But since Churchill is known as the polar bear capital of the world, the true stars of the show will be the polar bears that can be seen sitting in the sun along the shore and taking a dip into the water to cool off.

But don’t forget about the belugas!

It turns out Hudson Bay is also the summer home of up to 50,000 beluga whales – so the next day the group will be climbing on-board again for a private beluga whale watching excursion.

When Allison made a preliminary trip up to Churchill this summer to investigate the possibility of a Divine Destination Collection adventure, she was totally smitten with these extremely social mammals. “It was spectacular! All of the sudden a beluga would rise up from the depths and want to play,” she says.

Besides experiencing the incredible wildlife, the group will take in a Cultural & Heritage Tour of Churchill upon arrival, and also have the chance to learn more about the history of the area on a walking tour of the Prince of Wales Fort, built 250 years ago on the coast of Hudson Bay as a fur trading outpost.

In addition, guests will be able to check off some items on their personal bucket lists by trying their hand at some fun and unique arctic activities, such as kayaking, tundra helicopter adventures, and AquaGliding, where you glide along on a mat with snorkelling gear to watch belugas in their natural habitat.

More information will be coming your way soon, as well as the chance to register for this amazing adventure.

Our November 26 deadline is fast approaching to meet our minimum of 18 people to ensure this trip is a go. We understand this is a very short turnaround and you may think that summer is a long way away, however, Churchill’s incredible popularity and limited availability of flights and rooms obliges us to book early.

Book Now! Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience.

And there’s more on the way!

Deb and Allison are also looking at more experiences for 2022, but locations haven’t been decided on yet. They have found that COVID and the repercussions of the pandemic have given them more to consider when choosing locations and activities.

“It’s really made us rethink the luxury element of our trips,” explains Allison. “We will always go with the best that each destination has to offer, but we are making a more conscious effort to be truly mindful and conscientious of the footprint we are leaving in the world.

“I think COVID has been an awakening for all of us in how we interact with each other and Mother Nature. We have to make a stand to protect our planet.”

The lure of a relaxing yoga retreat

The trip to Montebello was Linda’s first time travelling with The Divine Destination Collection, although she had been going to their yoga studio for years, so it was the yoga aspect of the trip that first caught her interest.

“I tried doing some yoga online during the pandemic, but it’s just not the same as going to a yoga studio,” says Linda. “Active feedback from the instructor is missing.”

Although they maintained social distancing during the yoga sessions, Allie Chisholm-Smith, who led the classes, was able to walk around and offer that individual nuance and detail that cannot be replicated in a Zoom class.

“Allie was great. You didn’t need to be a hard-core yoga veteran to participate. Her classes were basic and beneficial,” says Linda. “I came to Montebello with a sore back and left it there!”

Although she’s not ready to travel outside of the country yet, Linda is interested in travelling with The Divine Destination Collection again. “After seeing the lengths that they go to in order to make sure their guests are fully engaged and entertained, I would certainly consider going on another organized trip with them in Canada.”

Exceeding expectations

Nicole, Linda’s cousin, who joined her at Montebello, was also on her first trip with Allison and Deb. “They really exceeded my expectations. It was fantastic – their attention to detail is exceptional,” she says.

Nicole says she felt comfortable and safe during the four-day retreat. “Having the hotel at 60% capacity helped, along with being in a smaller group. Even during the yoga sessions, we weren’t packed in. There was lots of space.”

Nicole had visited In The Spirit Yoga Studio with Linda, so the yoga retreat was what had appealed to her about the trip. “Allie was extraordinary. She works with everyone at their own level. I really felt relaxed and rejuvenated after her classes.”

Like Linda, Nicole appreciated how Allison and Deb could quickly rejig events. When the weather got in the way of a garden party they had planned for the last night, the party moved to a beautifully decorated room complete with flowers, candles, and live musicians.

“I think the pandemic has taught us that we all have to be flexible,” says Nicole. “Allison and Deb made sure Plan B would be as amazing as Plan A. The weather didn’t ruin any events, and we were still able to go on our forest walk and get outside by a bonfire in the end.

“I wouldn’t hesitate going on a longer trip with them.”

Getting back on the bike

“I think a lot of our guests were chomping at the bit to get travelling again,” laughs Allison. “A few people didn’t even go to the yoga sessions or workshops. They just wanted to get away, meet new people, and have some new experiences.”

Although Allison and Deb had been busy during the pandemic delivering two series of Divine Live and Online virtual travel adventures, Revive… A Return to Joy, Substance & Resilience at the Fairmont Le Château Montebello was the first physical, on-site trip they have organized in two years.

“I have to admit we felt a bit out of shape at the beginning, or like a photocopier warming up, but it all came back naturally, like riding a bike.”

There was also a lot of pivoting to be done, and not all due to the rainy weather. “With COVID restrictions we couldn’t do things like cocktail receptions, or buffets. Everyone had to be seated,” says Allison.

And like most of the hospitality industry in Canada, the hotel had some staffing struggles. “On top of the COVID restrictions, the staff shortages made the job of fast-paced event planning more hectic. But the staff were really lovely and very open to taking on the challenge of finding new ways to do things.”

Even though the weather and the pivoting kept Allison and Deb on their feet, they ultimately were pleased with the trip. “Allie is such a gifted yoga instructor. I think she helped everyone relax and feel better after all the isolation and worry we’ve experienced over the past months,” says Allison.

“It was also wonderful to finally be able to get away with our fabulous Divine Destination Collection travellers again.”

Time to get on with life

Although there was some pandemonium going through security at the Vancouver airport and no social distancing, Rose was glad she made the decision to recently travel to Ontario to visit her sister.

“I was anxious about travelling – but it turned out to be okay. I’m double-vaxxed, so I thought I just needed to get on with my life,” she says.

Like Linda, Rose’s life had been quite hectic over the past few years as she dealt with some personal challenges. In fact, she didn’t mind the isolation of COVID-19 at first. “When I couldn’t go anywhere, I was relieved,” she said. “But now I’m an empty nester and I work from home. I need to be around people again.”

Rose had started going to yoga retreats before the pandemic and knew Allie Chisholm-Smith. “Allie is so authentic. I always loved her yoga classes.”

So when Rose received Allie’s newsletter and read about the trip to Montebello, she decided to sign up. “I thought it looked interesting, and I love Allie. But after I signed up I thought, ‘Oh no – what have I done?’ But now that I’ve travelled to Ontario, I’m excited.”

Rose is also going to add on a few days to visit Montreal as well as to experience the changing leaves in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. “This is something I am doing for myself. I need to get going and be out in the world again.”

Revive… A Return to Joy, Substance and Resilience

Allie Chisholm-Smith, who has taught yoga for more than 25 years and studied Ayurveda for two of those decades – a natural approach to health which originated in India more than 5,000 years ago – will be at Montebello to help the group let go of the stress and fear of the last two years and develop strategies for creating balance in their lives.

“We need to build our resilience back up and get grounded,” explains Allie. “We need to figure out who we are, and how we are. A big reason we get sick is because we lose our connection to our spirit. We forget who we are.”

Each day Allie will lead the group through a combination of yoga, conversation, and the opportunity to reconnect with nature to help ease the anxiety they may be feeling and find ways to get back to who they are supposed to be.

“It’s about getting the toxicity out, but also getting the joy out. After all, there may have been good things that happened during the pandemic,” she says.

Mornings will start off with an all-levels yoga session, followed by a restorative session in the afternoon – “like a lullaby for the nervous system,” says Allie.

When we are stressed our systems don’t work properly, as we are focused on the fear or worry that is consuming us. “We need to calm down our nervous system,” she says.

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Strategies to create balance and feel better

The group will also discuss the Ayurvedic approach to health and learn about some of the simple things they can do to feel better – such as understanding how what they eat affects how they feel. “If you are feeling angry or irritable, don’t eat that chili pepper,” laughs Allie.

Since the leaves will be beginning to change colour at Montebello, it will be a great time to do some forest bathing – which can be described as meditating in nature and really being aware of your surroundings. “Nature helps us connect with ourselves,” says Allie.

“It’s also important to have intentions behind our actions. To be outside and think about the stars. To be present in the moment.”

Besides providing a first step out into the world after almost 20 months of isolation and physical distancing, and a soothing break to help revive bodies, minds, and spirits, Allie hopes the group will come away with strategies to do on their own to create balance in their lives.

“This is about self-knowledge. It’s an ongoing process of finding the right balance of Ayurvedic elements or doshas – earth and water, fire and water, and air and ether – to be who you are supposed to be.”

Revive… A Return to Joy, Substance and Resilience takes place from Thursday, September 30 to Sunday, October 3 at the beautiful Fairmount Le Château Montebello in the Outaouais region of Western Quebec.

It will be three days of relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation – as well as amazing food, great wine, and a few surprises along the way!

NOTE: The official policy of The Divine Destination Collection is that all travellers must have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine in order to travel with us to Montebello.