Stars and Sanctuaries: Journeying Through Celebrities' Hidden Happy Places

Journey Through the Heart: Celebrities Share Their Soulful Sanctuaries and Hidden Gems Around the Globe

**Exploring Celebrity Favorites in CNN’s “My Happy Place”**

Get ready to accompany your favorite stars on unforgettable journeys around the globe with CNN's exciting new travel series, "My Happy Place." Set to premiere on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, the six-part series invites viewers into the personal sanctuaries of celebrity guest hosts as they explore the destinations that hold a special meaning to them. This innovative show, which will also air on CNN International, serves as a soothing balm for the soul, showcasing spots that not only captivate the eye but resonate deeply with the heart.

In "My Happy Place," celebrities reveal their chosen travel destinations, offering insight into not just the allure of these places, but the emotional connections they foster. Each week will feature a different celebrity providing a glimpse into their personal haven, framing their selected locations as pivotal chapters in their life stories. Set to charm a wide audience, the show emphasizes the idea that travel can be much more than just visiting famous landmarks; it is about reconnecting with oneself and embracing the beauty of stillness.

Kicking off the series is the dynamic Alan Cumming, who will take viewers to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. The Scottish Highlands, a majestic expanse of serene landscapes and rich folklore—including tales of the famous Loch Ness monster—whisper to Cumming not just as a tourist hotspot, but as a canvas of personal memories. “The places where we filmed weren’t far from where I felt safest as a little boy,” he reflects, recalling the comfort he found there while living with his grandmother, away from the struggles in his childhood home. This concept of grounding oneself in familiar yet beautiful places is one of the key themes of the series.

As Cumming traverses the Highlands, he takes the opportunity to delve deeper than traditional tourist pursuits like golf and whisky tasting. His insider’s approach reveals intimate cultural aspects, from local music and craft traditions to the delicious local cuisine. The Highlands, for Cumming, are not just visually stunning; they represent a rich tapestry of his heritage and personal history. His natural charisma shines as he interacts with local residents, sharing laughter and stories with them, ultimately transforming his journey into a celebration of community spirit.

In an exciting twist, viewers will be introduced to exciting activities in the Highlands, such as the Highland Games—a vibrant biannual event celebrating Scottish and Celtic traditions. Accompanying Cumming on his adventure is his beloved dog, Lala, as well as a designer friend from Inverness, who crafts a bespoke tartan for the pup. From attending traditional music performances to exploring a pub where a local mixologist creates a cocktail inspired by Cumming himself, the show promises an authentic glimpse into life in the Highlands. Along the way, he shares intimate reflections about how reconnecting with his roots has offered him newfound clarity and understanding of his identity.

As viewers increasingly seek “slow travel” experiences, the Scottish Highlands emerge as an appealing alternative to overrun tourist destinations. Cumming encourages travelers seeking a genuine adventure to immerse themselves in the region’s charm without the trappings of luxury: “I recommend they stay at the old, family-run hotels with tartan carpets to experience the true sense of place.” His recommendations are rooted in a desire for authenticity, tapping into the beauty found in simplicity and genuine connections.

The series will continue with celebrity appearances by other notable figures, including Hollywood star Octavia Spencer, who will showcase the vibrant energy of New Orleans in an episode airing on June 1. The series imparts the idea that these happy places recharge the soul. “When the world feels chaotic, we can find solace in our happy place,” remarks photojournalist Melanie Stetson Freeman, emphasizing the calming influence of these cherished locations. The moments captured in the series reflect that although these places hold profound significance, they are not always accessible for prolonged stays.

Produced by an impressive team led by Andrew Frid, Janie Granet Bederman, and Jane Yusim from Boardwalk Pictures, along with CNN's Amy Entelis and Lyle Gamm, the series is crafted to resonate with viewers’ desires for exploration and connection. Showrunner Alexandra Lowry plays a vital role in shaping the narrative, ensuring that each episode is not just a travel guide, but a heartfelt exploration of the profound relationships between people and their chosen landscapes.

“My Happy Place” promises to blend personal stories with rich cultural settings, making for a captivating viewing experience that invites audiences to reflect on their own “happy places.” As the series unfolds, it aims to ignite wanderlust while reminding us of the importance of connection—to both others and our own pasts. So, tune in and let your favorite stars lead you to destinations that move them, revealing that the true essence of travel lies in heartwarming stories and the joy of discovery in every corner of our world.