After a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, travel became nearly impossible for Selma Blair.
At Californias iconic and accessible Rosewood Miramar Beach, the actor shares her advice on getting back out there.
Seeing new things can change your perspective.
Selma Blair and her service dog, Scout, at Rosewood Miramar Beach, in Montecito, California. Peggy Hartanto Haneto jumpsuit, $469; Foundrae pavé diamond earrings, $2,900.Amy Harrity. Styled by Molly Fishkin-Levin
When you cant do that, its a loss.
So when she was finally diagnosed with MS in 2018, there was a sense of relief.
One of her favorite things to do when not on set was to see the world.
From left: Blair and Scout in front of one of the Rosewood’s Garden Bungalows. Loewe boy shorts and wool, mohair, and polyamide dress, price upon request; Loewe Crown Oxford calfskin shoes, $1,250; Ophelia Eve sapphire hinged hoops, $9,130; lounging at one of the hotel’s pools. High Sport Lara sweater, $640, and boy shorts, $640.Amy Harrity. Styled by Molly Fishkin-Levin
She particularly loved exploring new places with her son, Arthur, who was born in 2011.
(His dad is Blairs ex-partner, Jason Bleik.)
Styled by Molly Fishkin-Levin
Blair dove headfirst into finding ways to manage her condition.
The procedure involved undergoing chemotherapy, being infused with stem cells, and regular monitoring.
New memories and visuals can be incredibly refreshing.
Was travel part of your life growing up?
My parents were always very thrifty, but they were real vacation snobs.
They worked hard, so a trip really meant something.
We went to Paris, Egypt, Puerto Rico.
An evening stroll on Miramar Beach. Louis Vuitton tie detail dress, $5,100; Louis Vuitton Fine Jewelry Le Damier de Louis Vuitton ring, $8,850, double ring, $11,400, and bracelet, $18,500, all in 18-karat yellow gold and diamonds.Amy Harrity. Styled by Molly Fishkin-Levin
Travel has always been a reset to me.
Once you started acting, did you enjoy being on the road?
Oh my gosh, I was so excited.
People were like, Wow, you have to go to Uzbekistan for a year?!
But I couldnt wait!
That said, when it is nonstop, you start to miss having a home base.
From left: Twirling through the lobby. Peggy Hartanto Uchimizu dress, $540; Effy Jewelry yellow-gold and diamond earrings, $2,795; Alexandre Birman studded pumps, $695; a quiet corner at the Rosewood Miramar Beach.Amy Harrity. Styled by Molly Fishkin-Levin
What gave you the travel bug again?
I could order soup for me, and food for my kid, and enjoy beautiful sights.
I used travel as a refuge in the darkest days of early motherhood.
Does your son, Arthur, enjoy travel?
He thought that no matter what number you dialed on the phone, it was room service.
So, he definitely appreciates the finer things.
We recently did Paris, and when we got off the plane, hes like, Were going out.
How did you change the way you travel after the diagnosis?
The truth is when you get really sick and youre not making money, it will temper your travel.
When we did, Id get there and wouldnt enjoy it.
And I realized I could do it.
Having that shot in the arm of new memories and new visuals can be incredibly refreshing.
Even if you are nervous, that anxiety can get you in a different mindset.
Use that excitement to fuel you.
What do you do to verify you stay healthy when youre away from home?
I have a number of safeguards.
The first thing I do is figure out where the hospital is.
I also have to stay really hydrated.
This is important if you have a chronic illness and are taking a lot of meds.
When you fly, youre going to get dehydrated.
MS can impact mobility.
Does that get hard when youre traveling?
I take my cane everywhere, even when I think I dont need it.
I have a fold-up model and put it in my bag.
When it comes to accessibility, what do you look for in a location or hotel?
Certain cities may not be as friendly.
Take New York, for example.
Getting around on the subway if you are in a wheelchair is pretty much impossible.
Many people with MS have to be careful with sun exposure it can really impact them.
There are so many ways to think creatively about travel depending on what your health needs are.
Are there other things youve learned through trial and error about accessibility when you travel?
Theyll say, youll be secluded and have privacy.
But that can be a problem for me, because I cant always get back to the main areas.
You want to say something before you feel helpless or before your temper flares up.
As a guest at a hotel, its okay for you to ask that your needs be met.
What does your packing situation look like?
I realized I had too much stuff with me.
So I have learned to keep it light with the clothes.
I have a uniform navy pants and a white shirt.
Ill bring a sundress and maybe a sweater, and thats about it.
My mother taught me that.
She knew how to accessorize and would pack things you could wash in the sink.
Now Im like that, too.
Youve been an advocate for accessibility, even appearing at the White House to talk about it.
What made you want to be so vocal?
When I shared my diagnosis, it was still very taboo.
I knew other people with MS or with Parkinsons who didnt want anyone to know.
But I just felt like I had to say something to make others more aware.
Everyone fell in love with Scout at your cover shoot.
How long has he been in your life?
Ive had him for about two and a half years.
I didnt get him for emotional support though any time you have an animal, they provide that.
But I was finding my ability to go out was really hampered.
I was embarrassed by how people would think I was breaking down.
People would give me space or be nervous around me.
Having a dog was a signal to others and helped to normalize me in public.
If you see a dog with a vest that says do not pet, listen to that.
That dog has a job to do, and you dont want to distract it.
What is one of the best trips youve ever been on?
But I would have to say it was taking my son and his dad toGrand Cayman.
The trip was actually inspired byTravel + Leisure we stayed atPalm Heights, which Id seen on the cover.
We took advantage of everything, like boating and fishing.
The only time we were on our phones was when we were taking pictures.
Whats still on your travel wish list?
Like every old woman, I want to go on anAlaskan cruisewhen the northern lights are happening.
I want to swim in ice water.
I also wouldnt mind being in a hut over the water somewhere like Fiji or Belize.
Doubles at Rosewood Miramar Beachfrom $1,695.
