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At first glance, Hollywood and botanical gardens might seem like polar opposites—the fast-paced glamour of the film industry versus the serene contemplation of nature. Yet Cate Blanchett, two-time Academy Award winner (she took home the Best Supporting statuette in 2004 for her role as Katherine Hepburn in The Aviator and won Best Actress in 2013 for Blue Jasmine) and environmental activist, bridges these worlds seamlessly. Passionate about climate advocacy and inspired by meaningful places, she embodies a graceful balance of elegance and depth. Blanchett currently stars in the acclaimed Apple TV+ psychological thriller Disclaimer by Alfonso Cuarón, but her efforts off screen are just as impressive: she was recently appointed as ambassador for Wakehurst Nature Reserve in West Sussex. This commitment shows how dedicated she is to preserving nature—and it’s a role she approaches with heartfelt conviction and enthusiasm.

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Since moving to Highwell House in 2015, Blanchett has embraced a closer connection to nature. The Carol and Tár star lives in the historic manor in Crowborough, Sussex, with her husband, Australian playwright and screenwriter Andrew Upton, and their four children, just 20km from Wakehurst. In the countryside, the fast-paced world of Hollywood takes a backseat, allowing her to focus on a mindful, family-centered lifestyle. Blanchett has often emphasized that fame is not her ultimate goal but a means to express her passions for environmental conservation, culture, and travel. Film sets and movie premieres aren’t the only destinations on Blanchett’s busy roster, though, as the Lord of the Rings actor frequently travels to places far away from the limelight that inspire and deeply touch her soul. One such place is her favorite hotel, Dar Ahlam in Morocco, aptly named “House of Dreams” and located between the Atlas Mountains and the desert in the Skoura Oasis. Thierry Teyssier, the hotel’s designer, has created an atmosphere where the actor can both lose and rediscover herself.

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For Blanchett, a vacation goes way beyond just relaxation—it’s a multisensory experience, evoking memories of her Australian childhood: the taste of salt in the air and the feeling of sand underfoot. This connection also extends to her approach when it comes to designing a space. During shoots, she brings personal items to fill the space with familiar scents, such as candles, perfumes, and comfort food, transforming it into a place of well-being. As far as comfort food goes, her heart beats for Italian cuisine, and her favorite restaurants include Il Buco in New York and Buon Ricordo in Sydney, known for its fettuccine al tartufo.

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One place that deeply resonates with Blanchett is Japan. “After my father’s death (I was just 10), I was rummaging through his desk and found a book of haiku poetry. So I had these early experiences with Japan without even being aware of it at the time,” she recalls. Blanchett first visited Japan 20 years ago and feels a special bond with the country that she’s strengthened through little rituals she likes to practice while there. When she’s in Tokyo, she visits the jazz spot Intro, a small, off-the-radar jazz club. She loves how the music blurs time, turning the space into a stage for intimate and unpredictable moments. Another one of her rituals in the city is visiting the stationery store Itoya, which she describes as a paradise. What starts as a quick stop often turns into hours of browsing.

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Experiences like these reflect Blanchett’s longing for authenticity and perfection and are undeniable proof that her world extends far beyond the glitzy borders of Hollywood.

Continue reading: Traveling with Nicole Kidman