Canadians Favour Domestic Travel, Paris and London for Labour Day + Travel News for Niagara, Fort Myers, Fairmont Hotels, Hyatt, WestJet and Holland America

• Fairmont Orchid A full-scale transformation of all 540 guest rooms and suites for this Hawaii Big Island property, inspired by the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Hawaii Big Island is a remarkable, diverse place with so much to see and do.

• Fairmont Hotel Macdonald: This Edmonton icon preserves its 1915 charm with restored ballroom ceilings, original emblem door handles, and historic photography turned into bespoke artwork. I stayed here a dozen or so years ago and loved it. 

• The Savoy: Classic London luxury receives a modern edge with transformed suites, refined textures, and subtle nods to Edwardian and Art Deco styles. I was only here for a travel event one evening, but was hugely impressed.

• Fairmont Grand Del Mar: A reimagined Forbes five-star spa in San Diego, California, with new treatment rooms, a sound therapy space, and nature-inspired design drawn from the beauty of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting, but San Diego is a wonderful destination for travellers of all types.

• Fairmont Southhampton: This $550 million renovation redefines the Bermuda resort experience with a luxe beach club, new culinary spaces, and polished meeting venues, all set against the island’s signature pink-sand shoreline. I stayed here nine or ten years ago and thought it was remarkable.

A NEW WEST JET DESTINATION IN MEXICO

WestJet has added Puerto Escondido to its route map for the first time, providing convenient seasonal access for travellers between Calgary and the beautiful Pacific coast surf town in Oaxaca, Mexico. Beginning December 12, 2025, the route will operate once per week throughout the winter travel season.

HYATT HOTEL OFFERINGS

Hana-Maui Resort by Hyatt in Hawaii. Photo Courtesy Hawaii Tourism Authority

Following a successful debut in 2024, the Destination by Hyatt brand is expanding its “Roots to Reunion” program, designed to help multigenerational families Discover Differently. Now available at 10 true-to-place properties from California to the United Kingdom, the program offers curated itineraries, on-site Family Travel Experts, and immersive experiences tailored to every kind of gathering.

New hotels joining the program offering more destination options for multigenerational families include:

• Hotel X Toronto (Canada): Skyline views paired with multi-room suites, a rooftop pool, sport simulator, a 3,000 sq. ft. play center and private screening room. In-room robes and slippers for all sizes, gourmet treats, a take-home keepsake and on-site strollers for lakeside walks makes stays smooth for guests of every age. I had a tour of the hotel earlier this month and was once again hugely impressed by its style and varied offerings, including the fabulous rooftop pool.
• The Seabird Resort (Oceanside, California): With oceanfront firepits, a beach concierge and bikeable access to whale watching, along with local attractions like Top Gun House just around the corner, this coastal stay makes reconnecting easy. Oceanview suites, family welcome kits and private cabanas create comfort for every generation. I was fortunate enough to stay here a few years ago and had a wonderful visit. It’s a super stylish property in an increasingly vibrant southern California city.

 The program continues to be available at the following hotels:

• Everline Resort & Spa Lake Tahoe (Lake Tahoe, California): An alpine escape for all seasons with ski-in/ski-out access, golf, hiking and family-friendly amenities like pools, trails and winter recreation.
• Hana-Maui Resort (Maui, Hawaii): Tucked along Maui’s lush eastern coast, this peaceful retreat blends island culture with outdoor adventure, from hula basics to waterfall hikes. It’s hands down one of my fave hotels on the planet.
• SCHLOSS Roxburghe (Scotland, United Kingdom): A countryside estate where families can unplug in private cottages and explore activities like archery, falconry and forest walks. A minimum of three rooms is required for access to the Family Travel Expert.

NEW EXPERIENCES AND HOTELS IN FORT MYERS AND PALM BEACHES, FLORIDA

Southwest Florida is making waves with a season of milestones. Sanibel Island is opening its first new hotel in 40 years. Captiva Island is celebrating the return of a beloved landmark. Gasparilla Island has been named Florida’s No. 1 resort. Cape Coral has unveiled a wave-inspired pool, and Bonita Springs has launched a multi-million-dollar renovation of its meeting space.

The Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande, Florida. Southwest Florida is making waves with a season of milestones. Sanibel Island is opening its first new hotel in 40 years. Captiva Island is celebrating the return of a beloved landmark and Gasparilla Island has been named Florida’s No. 1 resort. Shalimar Beach Resort is planning a soft opening on Sept. 28 as the first Sanibel Island resort to be completely rebuilt, post-Hurricane Ian. The new construction, 33-room resort, will offer Gulf-front studios, one- and two-bedroom villas. Reservations are available for stays beginning October 2025. shalimar.com Bubble Bread, model trains, holiday lights and memories are back. The iconic Bubble Room Restaurant opened after three years of renovations following Hurricane Ian and delays from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Travel + Leisure readers named the Gasparilla Inn the No. 1 Florida Resort for 2025. As part of its World’s Best Awards from reader surveys, the publication says, “The property has retained a distinct Old Florida charm that date back to the inn’s opening in 1913.” I adore this hotel, and love Boca Grande Island. Known as Florida’s Cultural Capital, The Palm Beaches invite Canadian travellers to discover a season of world-class exhibitions, captivating performances, and iconic festivals. Beyond its stunning collection of cities and towns alongside its beautiful beaches, the region offers a rare chance to experience international creativity—including Canadian-born talent—at the heart of Southeast Florida’s cultural calendar. Maltz Jupiter Theatre offers an exceptional 2025–26 lineup, headlined by the internationally acclaimed, Canadian-born hit “Come From Away” (Jan. 6 to 25, 2026). This Tony Award-winning musical—created by Canadian writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein—tells the remarkable true story of a small Newfoundland town that welcomed stranded airline passengers in the days following 9/11. It’s a truly fantastic play. The terrific Norton Museum of Art features “Art and Life in Rembrandt’s Time: Masterpieces from The Leiden Collection” (Oct. 25, 2025 to March 29, 2026), bringing Dutch Golden Age treasures to South Florida.   HOLLAND AMERICA CRUISE DEALS Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam. Photo Courtesy Holland America Line. Summer might be coming to an end soon, but Holland America Line’s Labour Day Deal is heating up. Travelers can enjoy memorable cruising experiences at best value—with rates starting under $100 per person, per day (taxes and fees are included). From the Caribbean and Mexico to the Panama Canal and special Holiday Cruises, travelers who book between Aug. 26 and Sept. 8, 2025, will find a robust lineup of Holland America Line voyages to choose from. The deal applies to U.S. and Canadian travellers for fall 2025 and winter/spring 2026 warm-weather cruises. Offer includes: Up to 45% off cruise fares  $99 Deposit Up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom: Inside & Ocean View: $50 per person / $100 per stateroom Verandah: $100 per person / $200 per stateroom Suites: $200 per person / $400 per stateroom Cruisers can take advantage of a wide variety of itineraries such as (but not limited to): 12-DAY PANAMA CANAL DISCOVERY: COSTA RICA & GREATER ANTILLES, Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, starting at $92 per person, per day. 9-DAY SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN & ABC ISLANDS WITH HISTORY CHANNEL, Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale starting at $144 per person, per day. 7-DAY EASTERN CARIBBEAN: SAN JUAN & ST. THOMAS, Roundtrip Miami, Florida, starting at $114 per person, per day. 7-DAY EASTERN CARIBBEAN: AMBER COVE & BAHAMAS HOLIDAY, Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale starting at $128 per person, per day. 7-DAY WESTERN CARIBBEAN: GREATER ANTILLES & MEXICO, Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale starting at $114 per person, per day. 21-DAY PANAMA CANAL, Vancouver, BC, to Ft. Lauderdale starting at $134 per person, per day. All fares listed are based on double occupancy and are subject to change. I had a terrific Alaska cruise with Holland America around this time last year.