I had the good fortune of spending some time on a call this week with Shin Kawai from Japan Communications. Kawai represents the Japanese island of Kyushu, and also works with Tokyo.
Our chat was focused on Kyushu, which is in the far southwest of Japan, just southeast (maybe 135 miles or 215 km’s) of South Korea and has a subtropical climate. The island is home to Nagasaki and several other major cities, including Fukuoka, which is home to Kushida-jinja, a beautiful 8th-century Shinto shrine. I was also quite interested to hear about Yanagawa, which has a series of canals and is sometimes called The Venice of Japan. It’s only an hour or so by train (I was told the train service in Kyushu is excellent, which is hardly surprising given how good Japan is at building and running railways) from Fukuoka.
A lovely lake in Kyushu, Japan. Tayawee Supan/Unsplash Photo
Kawai also talked about the Goto Islands off the west coast of Kyushu, where you’ll find small villages and lovely beaches with white sand and turquoise waters. I also liked the sound of Yakashima island, which is southeast of Kyushu island. It’s a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and also is home to designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Nagasaki was hit by an atomic bomb during World War II, and is home to the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. It also has a history as a centre for Christianity in Japan, which was officially banned by the government back in the day but was tolerated by officials as long as it wasn’t too obvious.
One of the famous sites in Kyushu is Beppu, which is home to renowned, natural hot springs. Saga Prefecture is known for its lovely pottery.
Another cool bit Kawai told me about is the Seven Stars luxury train, which is outfitted with stunning materials and has a chef come onboard to prepare meals for guests.
Virtuoso, the leading global luxury travel advisors’ group, put out a report today (Sept. 30) saying Japan has been singled out as a favourite destination for almost every category of traveller. It took the number one global spot, but also landed second for family travel, third for solo trips and sixth for honeymoons. Tokyo and Kyoto claimed the top two city slots.
AIR CANADA AND AMERICAN EXPRESS REFRESH AEROPLAN CARDS
American Express Canada and Air Canada have announced a significant refresh of their co-brand Aeroplan Card portfolio, introducing new travel, dining and everyday benefits for Cardmembers beginning January 12, 2027.
Building on more than two decades of partnership, the refreshed portfolio is designed to deliver greater value across the travel journey, from earning and redeeming Aeroplan points to getting through the airport, accessing lounges, dining and staying at hotels.
Aeroplan is introducing simple, easy-to-use new cardholder benefits across the travel journey:
- 15% Off Flight Rewards: Starting January 12, 2027, all primary Aeroplan Credit Cardholders will save 15% in points when they redeem for Air Canada flight rewards, helping points go further on every trip.
- Air Canada Flight Benefits via AC Wallet: Premium Cardholders will get up to $100 annually toward Air Canada travel, with $50 available twice a year. Core Cardholders will get up to $50 annually toward Air Canada travel, with $25 available twice a year. The first benefit will be available on January 15, 2027.
- A 4th Day Free on Car Rental Redemptions: Building on Aeroplan’s popular 4th Night Free hotel benefit, Aeroplan Credit Cardholders will also get a 4th Day Free when redeeming Aeroplan points for eligible car rentals, as an ongoing card benefit.
- A 4th Night Free on Hotel Redemptions: Previously a limited-time promotion, this benefit will become an ongoing card benefit as of January 12, 2027, allowing Aeroplan Credit Cardholders to redeem points for a 4th Night Free on eligible hotel stays.
- Existing Travel Benefits Continue: Cardholders will continue to enjoy the benefits already included with their eligible cards. All other existing card benefits remain unchanged, including free first checked bags and priority boarding for eligible cards.
Jade Mountain resort Saint Lucia.
New Benefits for Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholders
Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholders will enjoy a smooth and comfortable airport experience with new premium benefits, subject to standard access terms:
- Elevated Airport Benefits: A benefit that previously applied only in North America will now extend access for Premium Cardholders, plus one travel companion, to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges worldwide. This is in addition to Air Canada Café access currently available at locations across Canada.
- Priority Security Clearance: Premium Cardholders will now have access to dedicated Priority Security lanes at select airports worldwide for themselves and up to eight companions travelling on the same reservation.
- Existing Exclusive Premium Benefits Continue: Premium Cardholders will continue to enjoy many of the benefits they love today, including Priority Check-In, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Airport Standby, 10% Head Start, up to 25,000 Status Qualifying Credits, and more.
The changes reflect how travel rewards are expanding beyond earning points for a future trip, with benefits designed to create value before, during and throughout the travel experience.
“A great credit card should be rewarding every time you use it and offer benefits that fit the way you travel,” said Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty and Product, Air Canada. “With new savings on flights, car and hotel redemptions, along with new features that bring comfort and convenience at the airport, these changes across our Aeroplan Credit Card portfolio are designed to deliver benefits to our members at every stage of the travel journey.”
The Toronto Star reports some Aeroplan credit cards will cost more in the future, with fees going up from $20 to $200.
A NEW LOOK FOR THE CHELSEA HOTEL TORONTO
The Chelsea Toronto hotel has undergone an $85 million renovation. It’s one of the top places to stay in the city.
The Chelsea Toronto has introduced its renewed brand, marking the next chapter for one of the city’s most recognized hotels.
The announcement last night (Tuesday, Sept. 29) follows a four-year, hotel-wide transformation representing more than $85 million in investment and reflects a clearer expression of the experience Chelsea has delivered for generations.
Grounded in research with more than 15,000 guests and shaped by input from colleagues and partners, the renewed brand is built around a simple purpose: Bringing people and the city together. It recognizes that Chelsea serves many kinds of travellers and creates experiences that fit what brings each guest to Toronto.
“Chelsea has always meant different things to different people, and that is one of our greatest strengths,” said, Shane Downey, managing director. “Our renewed brand gives us a clearer way to express what guests already value: thewarmth of our people, the energy of Toronto and the flexibility to make each stay feel personal. This is an evolution of Chelsea, rooted in who we are and designed for where we are going.”
A Brand Built Around Connection
Three ideas define the renewed Chelsea experience: Warmth and Kindness, Big City Energy and Fits the Way You Stay. Together, they position Chelsea as a welcoming downtown hub that brings Toronto close while giving guests room to feel at home.
The new identity arrives as Chelsea completes the renovation of its guest rooms, arrival experience, public spaces, dining and recreation. These updates create distinct ways to dine, gather, play and recharge under one roof.
I’ll be staying the night and checking out the new Elm Tavern at the hotel in late October, so stay tuned for a review in a few weeks.
HYATT HOTEL EXPANSION INCLUDES CANADA AND MEXICO
The Park Hyatt Cabo Del Sol in Mexico. Hyatt Photo
As 2026 enters its final quarter, Hyatt Hotels Corporation is highlighting a concentrated period of growth across its luxury portfolio in the Americas, led by the expansion of the Park Hyatt portfolio in Mexico and a series of distinctive additions to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt.
From the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur to Mexico’s Caribbean coastline and the dynamic capital city of Mexico City, the Park Hyatt brand is building a three-property story across the country – with Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol which opened its doors last December and the upcoming openings of Park Hyatt Riviera Maya and Park Hyatt Mexico City Polanco. Meanwhile, properties such as The Clayfield in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake are expanding The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio in the Americas, while the luxury all-inclusive resort Impression Isla Mujeres is set to join the collection in November. Together, these openings and brand milestones reflect Hyatt’s considered approach to luxury growth: expanding its reach while giving each brand and property a separate point of view.
Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol opened in December 2025 as the brand’s first Mexican hotel. Set on the coast of Baja California Sur, every room has views of how the property brings the Park Hyatt brand’s residential sensibility to Baja through contemporary Mexican architecture, oceanfront dining and a wellness offering shaped by the surrounding landscape.
The Clayfield, Hyatt’s new wine-country retreat in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, draws on the region’s clay-rich soil and surrounding vineyards for inspiration. Warm earth tones, natural materials and tactile finishes give the property a contemporary expression rooted in the character of Niagara’s wine country.
