Traveling with the Stars: Denise Richards
— -- Actress Denise Richards took viewers of her reality show Denise Richards: It's Complicated, which ends its second season July 26, home with her in an earlier episode. She shares her travel highlights and tips with Kelly Carter for USA TODAY.
Q: Where have you been recently that you liked or were surprised by?
A: I was just in Chicago. We filmed there with my crew. I grew up in Downers Grove, 30 miles west of Chicago, and left when I was 15. It's been quite some time since I've been back. I forgot what a great city Chicago is. It's the people who make it so great. They're very friendly, no matter if you're going shopping or whatever hotel you stay in. They make you feel very welcome. You can run into someone and they'll invite you over for a home-cooked meal and glass of wine. The neighborhood we lived in, it was block parties and barbecues. It was all about family and friends and I love that feel. That's exactly what it was like when we went back there. We went to visit my old house. They were so kind and invited us, even my crew, for dinner and drinks. I'm like, "I miss the people here. The people are great." I love the city. You get great pizza. It was nice to go back.
Q: What's the best place you've ever visited and why?
A: Positano, Italy, is the most beautiful and romantic place I've ever been. I went with Richie Sambora. We took a private boat from Positano to Capri. It was UN-believable. We stopped at the Blue Grotto on the way. When we got to Capri we walked around and shopped and had an amazing lunch outside. I loved it. I stayed at Il San Pietro hotel in Positano. It's amazing. Just even looking at the coast outside our balcony, it was the most gorgeous coast I've ever seen. We did a day trip to Ravello and stopped at a pottery place owned by a couple. I literally shipped back gifts for everyone. I bought beautiful dinnerware and coffee cups. It was gorgeous handmade pottery. I would love to go back there.
Q: What's the most surprising/unexpected place you're ever visited and why?
A: Turks & Caicos was very unexpected. I went there on a whim. I didn't really know where it was but it sounded beautiful. It's pure paradise — the epitome of a tropical island in the middle of nowhere. Charlie (Sheen) and I went there for our (wedding) anniversary. We had heard about this place that we didn't know anything about it. We stayed at Parrot Cay. On that trip was when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter Sami. I love that resort. Once you get there you don't leave. They have a beautiful fitness spa with yoga classes, massages and a nice, healthy menu. It's a very romantic place. The water is so beautiful, you want to eat it.
Q: What's your favorite vacation spot and why?
A: Hawaii. I love it there, especially Maui. It's beautiful. I love warm weather and a great beach! You can go with kids or you can have a romantic trip. I love to stay active when I'm there. I like to paddle surf, snorkel, take long walks and play with my kids in the kids' pool with the water slide. Every time we go there we take a hula lesson. My girls like to get a little foot massage at the pool. We like to indulge ourselves in Hawaiian activities and going to luaus.
Q: Can you offer an insider tip or recommendation for your favorite vacation place?
A: Stay at the Four Seasons in Maui. It's very kid-friendly. Sometimes when you pay that kind of money to go to a hotel, there are a lot of people who don't want kids around. As soon as we walk into our room we feel very welcome. Each child has a stuffed animal waiting for them. In the bathroom each child has their named spelled out with letter sponges. They baby-proof the room. They have a small tent for the kids to play in, stocked with coloring books and crayons. They definitely go out of their way to accommodate families and those little details make the trip extra special. If you're traveling without children they have a wonderful adult pool and a fantastic spa. Either way I think it's an amazing resort and one of my favorites.