Naomi Watts on the Moment at the Airport That Brings Her Joy

Oscar-nominated Naomi Watts has traveled the world for her job, from Thailand for “The Impossible” to Slovenia for “Infinite Storm” and back to her homeland of Australia, where she started her film and television career. All this travel is one reason why a routine that grounds her is of the utmost importance for the busy actress and producer who now mainly resides in New York City with her husband, Billy Crudup. “When I travel far away, I look for ways of recreating a little bit of home. Whether that’s a candle, a small picture frame, or your products in the bathroom, it helps make the transition feel manageable,” she said. Watts spoke with Travel + Leisure recently about her best travel hacks, her favorite hotel, and traveling during menopause.

Making travel as seamless as possible also helps Watts when she’s on the go, and for her, that means packing less. It gives her a bit of an adrenaline rush not to have to check a bag. “I think people are starting to do this more, but I love just using a carry-on suitcase and trying to pack light—emphasis on the trying. Fewer lines at the airport, less time spent arriving and departing, and a lower risk of losing luggage. I feel so proud of myself breezing past that baggage claim line,” she said. However, she says her airport triumph can have some downsides when she is in a fashion-focused city. “I am filled with regret when I’m trying to be chic in Paris with the wrong shoes or coat. Sometimes it works, sometimes not so much.”

When she does go to Paris—in whichever clothes she packs—she always returns to her favorite hotel, Le Pavillon de la Reine. “It’s such a luxurious experience, yet it’s boutique and cozy—the staff, the rooms, the location—I love it all,” she told T+L. And what’s next on her travel list? She is hoping to get to Machu Picchu or Vietnam someday. “And I never tire of Australia—I just don’t get there often enough. Now that my grandma’s gone, I have less of a reason to visit, which makes it even more special when I do.”

Of course, Australia isn’t a short trip. After a 22-hour flight, the first thing she does is take a shower immediately. “It helps me feel refreshed and get on with the day like half a human, not a full zombie,” she said. She also recommends after the shower to take a warm bath a little later. “Add a cup of sleepy-time tea and then get an early night’s sleep—after a travel day, there’s nothing better. A relaxing evening can work wonders, not just for unwinding, but for helping reset and adjust to the time zone.”

And throughout all her travels, the Academy Award-nominee finds that even some of the most luxurious hotel experiences are still lacking something. Watts went into early menopause at the age of 36, giving her a first-hand look at how underserved the population of women in menopause and perimenopause was. The mother of two children with ex-husband Liev Schrieber said she felt invisible at this time, which is why she started Stripes Beauty in 2022, a wellness line featuring products for women dealing with hormonal changes. “For so long, women in midlife have been largely overlooked in storytelling across all areas of beauty and wellness, particularly in marketing. How are we supposed to feel empowered and confident during this stage of life if society is telling us to age backwards or disappear altogether,” she said. 

This spring, the brand partnered with The Spa by Equinox Hotels on a comprehensive spa treatment, curated in-room offerings, and retail offerings at the New York property. “Half the population is women, and we’ll spend roughly a third of our lives in menopause—there’s a huge market being underserved. Our bodies go through significant changes during perimenopause and menopause, so it makes sense that our self-care experiences should evolve too. Offering specialized support that caters to those changing needs is so important, that’s what our goal is,” she told T+L. She hopes to see Stripes in more hotels in the future, so women of all ages can feel great at every stage of their lives.