“Paris is always a good idea”: Antoni Porowski on his dream foodie destination, incredible London hotels, and his in-flight snacks of choice (2024)

If you can trust anyone’s recommendations regarding luxury hotels and unique travel experiences, it’s people who travel for a living. Individuals who are no strangers to popping up in a new city at a moment’s notice, whether for work commitments or to see yet another beloved member of their global network or chosen family.

Antoni Porowski is one such personality. Following Antoni’s move from Montreal, Quebec, to New York City and a subsequent string of post-graduation acting roles, he reached new heights of stardom on Netflix series Queer Eye, which sees a team of LGBTQ+ personalities transform an individual’s lifestyle habits.

Antoni’s latest project is all about his love for travel, impeccable hotels, and new experiences. the Canadian star's short film with Perfect 10 in partnership with  Hotels.com sees him spill the beans on his most memorable adventures, from taking a dip in The Mandarin Oriental Bodrum’s infinity pools to snoozing above the clouds at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. Here, we dive deeper in Antoni Porowski’s in-the-sky routine, favourite cities, and the wellness hacks that keep his hectic lifestyle on track.

What do you always pack when you travel?

A miniature sound machine with brown noise, a candle or two, my supplements, a protein bottle and powder mix, calm magnesium powder, mesh shorts, sweat pants, and a sleep mask.

What’s your on-board routine?

I'm definitely into series and movies. I always pack Vermont Smoke and Cure Turkey Meat Sticks, Bada Bean Dried Beans, Love Corn, and Sockerbit’s Gummy Candy.

What’s the first thing you do when entering a hotel room?

I unpack everything first if I am there for more than two nights. I get the lay of the land, figure out where the light switches are, light the candle I brought so I feel at home, and then typically shower and go off exploring.

How do you cope with travelling so much for work?

It's just part of it, so I've learned to embrace it. It's an opportunity to learn about a new town, city, country and culture. As soon as I am settled in, I typically go for a run to understand the geography a little so I feel less lost.

What is your favourite hotel?

Such a difficult question! The Cadogan in London feels like home despite being so much chicer than my own, but [there is] something about the staff and vibe that just makes me feel safe and cosy.

What is your perfect day on holiday? Where would you travel to, where would you stay, what would you do?

Paris is always a good idea, definitely one of my perfect somewheres. Ideally, I'd land from a redeye and check into Le Bristol, Hôtel Lutetia or Hôtel de Crillon. I'd shower and go for a run by the Louvre and Jardin des Tuileries. I'd return to the hotel and go straight to breakfast, order a real cappuccino, four soft scrambled eggs, and a croissant with strawberry Alain Milliat jam. Then, I'd go up to my room, shower, get ready, hit the streets on foot and walk until my legs were sore and hungry again for steak frites somewhere. I would end the night with good chocolates in bed and chamomile tea.

Tell us about your favourite restaurant you’ve visited on your travels.

Central in Lima, Peru. I'm not typically one for tasting menus, but this one changed me. Each dish was reflective of a different altitude and the ingredients it provides. I tried potatoes, herbs, and greens I'd never even heard of before.

Any country you’d visit just for the food?

Spain. Embarrassingly, I've never been.

What’s an iconic dish somewhere in the world that we all must try at least once?

Yorkshire puddings with lamb in England, preferably in the English countryside on a foggy, cold day.

How do you overcome jet lag? any tips?

I fight it until it's time to sleep, and by fighting it, I mean espresso. Lots of espresso. It might not be doctor-recommended, but it works for me.

What wellness routines do you have?

I work out six times a week, first thing in the morning. I need it to clear the brain fog so I can be focused throughout the day. On extra stressful days, I'll throw in a swim and a long walk with my dog at the end of the day. I need to keep moving until I can't anymore, otherwise, I struggle to fall asleep.

What forms of exercise and movement do you enjoy at home – and when you travel?

I don't work out in my house – home is for resting, cooking, editing my closets and having one-sided conversations with my dog. When I travel, I try to find a Barry's boot camp, hotel gym, or, weather permitting, a proper run.

How do you maintain your wellness and self-care when you travel?

I treat it like when I am home but take it a bit easier. My morning workouts will be shorter since I tend to walk most of the day.

Have there been any books or podcasts that have helped you?

Search Engine, which is my good friend PJ Vogt’s podcast, where he tackles super interesting questions from the internet or his friends. He's super intelligent, funny and original in his topics.

How do you carve out time for yourself when you’re busy and travelling?

It's all about the landing at the end of the day, when it's time to dim the lights, light a candle or two, and take an evening shower where I tap different parts of my body 30 times. My good friend Jocelyne Miranda, who's a sports medicine specialist and healer, taught me this as it's a method she learned from Indigenous tribes around the world. She also taught me to brush off any negative thoughts off my skin in the shower, and I feel lighter every time.

Where was the last place you travelled to?

Austin, Texas. I was visiting my chosen family there and had the best time.

Where’s next?

Paris with a small group of friends.

Where’s your happy place/favourite place you’ve been?

Montreal. It's home, nostalgic, and the perfect balance of a place that has changed so much since I left but has remained exactly the same.

Where’s somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, and why?

Spain for its food, Mexico City for its food and architecture, and Romania because a friend told me they have the most incredible tomatoes in the summertime.

What place has inspired you the most when it comes to your cooking?

Italy and Japan.

What’s been your most memorable hotel stay, and why?

Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport, Maine. You feel like you’re at this adult summer camp – you can go running, rent a bike, or even get a s'mores kit to use over one of their many firepits. And even though it feels like you're in the middle of the woods, once you leave the property, you realise you're in a beach town, so you get the best of both worlds.

What are your favourite spots in London?

Nandos and Dishoom for the chains, Darjeeling Express, anywhere with good fish and chips and a scotch egg. For nighttime debauchery, it's the Maine on Mayfair. As for activities, it's such a walkable city you really can't go wrong anywhere.

Tell us about your perfect 10 episode with Hotels.com?

I'm not gonna lie, it was one of my favourite things I've ever done. I can ramble on for hours about the hotels I love and the experiences I've had, and I got to do just that. Also, there was a cool bell to ring, which made me happy.

To watch Antoni's full interview, visit hotels.com.