Travel has a special way of waking something up inside us. The excitement of packing a bag. The sound of new languages. The taste of a dish you have never tried before. At Optima Living, we believe that sense of wonder does not disappear with age. It simply needs the right invitation.
That belief is what inspired Passport to Paradise, a cruise-inspired experience where our communities become the destination. Instead of travelling abroad, we bring the feeling of vacation right to our residents and guests, transforming everyday moments into meaningful journeys. Travel the world, stay close to home.
Why we brought vacation to you
For many seniors, travel holds beautiful memories but also new barriers. Long flights, physical limitations, costs, and uncertainty can slowly turn adventure into something that feels out of reach. We asked ourselves a simple question.
What if travel could feel just as exciting, social, and enriching without ever needing to leave home?
Passport to Paradise was created to remove those barriers while keeping the magic. It allows seniors to explore the world in a way that feels comfortable, inclusive, and joyful.
An experience that inspires all five senses
Every Passport to Paradise journey is designed to engage all five senses, creating an experience that feels immersive from the moment guests arrive.
- Taste is at the heart of the journey, with destination inspired menus thoughtfully crafted by our culinary teams. Each country features themed meals that reflect its culture, flavours, and traditions.
- Sight comes alive through vibrant décor, country themed details, and beautifully styled spaces that transform our dining rooms and amenity areas.
- Sound sets the mood with music inspired by each destination, filling the community with energy, nostalgia, and rhythm.
- Touch is experienced through hands on activities, crafts, games, and interactive experiences designed around each country.
- Smell completes the journey, from fresh ingredients in the kitchen to subtle scents that evoke memories of travel and celebration.
Each destination also includes activities unique to that country, creating moments of learning, laughter, and connection throughout the experience.
Your passport to participation
Guests receive boarding passes and itineraries that mark the start of their journey, along with passport scrapbooks that travel with them from destination to destination. At each stop, passports are stamped, memories are captured, and stories are added to the scrapbook.
Polaroid photos freeze joyful moments in time, whether it is a themed outfit, a shared meal, or a laugh with a new friend. Residents and guests are encouraged to dress up and fully embrace the spirit of each destination, making every visit feel festive and fun.
More than an event. A feeling.
Passport to Paradise is not just about themed days. It is about how people feel while they are here.
For residents, it brings excitement, variety, and pride in their community. It adds colour, connection, and anticipation to everyday life.
For guests and seniors exploring retirement living, it removes pressure and stigma. There are no expectations, just an opportunity to experience what life could feel like in a welcoming, vibrant community. Many describe it as an “I can see myself here” moment.
For our teams, it is a shared experience. Community Relations Coordinators lead the welcome, Lifestyle teams bring the destinations to life, and Culinary teams create meals that anchor the journey.
Reimagining what retirement living can feel like
At its heart, Passport to Paradise reflects what Optima Living believes. Ageing should still feel full of discovery. Community should feel alive. And life should continue to offer moments that surprise and delight.
By bringing the joy of travel into our communities, we hope to remind seniors and their families that adventure does not have an expiration date. Sometimes, the most meaningful journeys are the ones that come to you.
Ready to start your journey?
To learn more or to join an upcoming Passport to Paradise experience, contact your preferred Optima Living community and speak with their Community Relations Coordinator. Our team will be happy to connect with you and help you plan your visit. Contact information for each community can be found below.
Your boarding pass is waiting!
Alberta Communities
Aspen Ridge
Website: https://aspenridgeseniors.ca
Harry Numrich
403-341-5522
Aster Gardens
Website: https://astergardens.ca
Deborah August
825-218-0924
Cedarwood Station
Website: https://cedarwoodstation.ca
Heather Crossen
403-945-2222
Cottonwood Village
Website: https://cottonwoodvillage.ca/
Elizabeth Lovegren
403-625-5520
Country Cottage
Website: https://countrycottageseniors.ca
Kailey Brown
780-417-0757
Deer Park Village
Website: https://deerparkseniors.ca/
Jaime Riggins
403-309-6333
Everitt Gardens
Website: https://everittgardens.ca
Isabella Kary
587-290-1600 ext. 425
Inglewood
Website: https://inglewoodseniors.ca
Nicole Singh
403-346-1134
Laurel Heights
Website: https://laurelheights.ca/
Shezma Kassam
587-520-9627
Lewis Estates
Website: https://lewisestates.ca/
Tanya DeGrace
780-566-8604
MacTaggart Place
Website: https://mactaggartplaceseniors.ca/
Shannon Condon
780-250-5969
Meadowlands
Website: https://meadowlandsseniors.ca/
Jodi Martin
403-504-5123
The Hamlets at Red Deer
Website: https://thehamletsatreddeer.ca/
Harry Numrich
403-986-1250
Rutherford Heights
Website: https://rutherfordheights.com/
Danielle Cruz
780-432-6900
Sage Hill
Website: https://sagehillseniors.ca
Diane Lincoln
403-455-2273
Summerwood Village
Website: https://summerwoodvillage.ca
Andrea Ferguson
780-416-1912
Wild Rose
Website: https://wildroseseniors.ca
Krish Mani
780-443-1234
British Columbia Communities
Chilliwack Lifestyles
Website: https://chilliwacklifestyles.ca
Monica Scofield
604-824-0109
The Hamlets at Duncan
Website: https://thehamletsatduncan.ca/
Anik Boudreault
250-597-7995
Parkwood Place
Website: https://parkwoodplaceseniors.ca/
Lynn Van de Kamp
250-598-1565
The Hamlets at Penticton
Website: https://thehamletsatpenticton.ca/
June Dunn
250-490-8503
The Kensington
Website: https://kensingtonseniors.ca/
Anik Boudreault
250-252-5283
The Hamlets at Vernon
Website: https://thehamletsatvernon.ca/
Brittni Gabris
236-426-1488
The Hamlets at Westsyde
Website: https://thehamletsatwestsyde.ca/
Christine Wheeler
250-579-9061
Wisteria Place
Website: https://wisteriaplace.ca
Prabhdeep Kaur Rai
604-204-0910