When the pandemic struck, Kate Bosworth continued to find ways to stay busy. She launched KIND.EST, a lifestyle website that aims to be “the place where it’s cool to be kind.” There, Bosworth shares personal tales, beauty advice, recipes and more.
Like the rest of us, she learned to make the best of the COVID confinement, notably having a Zoom reunion with Michelle Rodriguez and Sanoe Lake, her co-stars from the Hawaii-set Blue Crush. The empowering female surfer flick that cast Bosworth in her breakout role marks its 18th anniversary this year. And recently, The Devil Has a Name hit theaters and on demand. Based on a true story, the Edward James Olmos-directed anti-pollution drama features Bosworth as a villainous oil executive.
In between her projects, we talked to Bosworth to glean tips on how to travel with a dog (her French spaniel Happy is a constant companion), see what she’s working on next (a series) and get the scoop on her favorite destination (hint: it’s not far from home).
Why is kindness at the center of KIND.EST?
This is an online space I have been conceptualizing for some time. I wanted to create an authentic corner of the internet — a handmade destination, born from my desire to connect deeper, to explore further, to smile more, to be curious — through honesty and kindness. I believe love and kindness are the most sustainable and critical aspects to humanity.
What are some of your favorite travel destinations?
I’m currently in Montana — we live here part of the year — and it’s one of my favorite places on earth. I’ve loved traveling to the Maldives, Morocco, Australia. Europe, of course.
Do you often travel with Happy?
Yes! He’s with us in Montana now. He and I drove up alone from Los Angeles to meet my husband here. It was so sweet spending all that time on the road, just the two of us.
What are your tips for traveling with a dog?
On road trips, I’ll make sure to pack a little bag that’s convenient to get to that has his favorite food, bowls, treats. He’s a very good traveler. On our trip last week I packed his favorite, Sundays for Dogs. It’s honestly the best for travel because it’s air-dried, ready-to-eat, human-grade dog food made with all-natural ingredients, so it stays fresh and doesn’t need to be refrigerated.
What are some great dog-friendly destinations?
The most difficult place I’ve traveled to and brought a pet in from the U.S. was to Sydney, Australia. My dog at the time had to be in quarantine for about four weeks. That was super tough, but I planned on living there for a year so I knew it would be worth it in the end.
You got married at The Ranch at Rock Creek, a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, in 2013, and you’ve made repeat visits there, including an anniversary trip in September. What makes it a special place for you?
The Ranch at Rock Creek is one of my absolute favorite places on the planet. The property is spectacular — a blue-ribbon river for fly fishing, beautiful horses to ride — we went on a four-hour picnic lunch excursion that was magical for our anniversary. The food locally sourced Montanian and divine.
Most importantly, the management is kind and thoughtful. Every detail is taken care of and personalized. It’s beyond special.
What are some other favorite hotels?
Love Locanda Cipriani in Venice, Italy. The Greenwich in NYC. Amanera hotel in the Dominican Republic is magical and wild and one of my favorites to visit.
What’s on your post-pandemic travel bucket list?
Indonesia, Thailand, India, Mauritius. These are all places far away and ones I’ve never had the chance to get to. They feel like trips that are ones I’ll need real time to visit and absorb.
I know you are an avid reader. Have you read anything recently that you loved or that inspired you?
Speaking of India! Shantaram is the book on my bedside table, and it is so epic and brilliant, I am literally savoring each chapter knowing that I will be heartbroken when this one comes to an end. Every word is breathtaking. I am savoring every last one.
The Devil Has a Name dropped this month. What else are you working on?
Excited about Devil Has a Name! This is a very special project with incredible artists: Eddie Olmos, David Strathairn, Alfred Molina. I mean, it’s the dream to learn and volley with these players.
I am currently working with my husband, Michael Polish, on a project he wrote over COVID lockdown and is directing called Bring on the Dancing Horses. It’s the ultimate female manifesto.