Halle Bailey on the Country That Feels Like a ‘Second Home’ to Her — and How It Ties toThe Little Mermaid(Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Halle Bailey, Halle Bailey in ‘The Little Mermaid.'.Photo:Francois Durand/Getty; FlixPix / Alamy

Francois Durand/Getty; FlixPix / Alamy

Halle Baileyis a worldwide traveler!

In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE tied to her partnership with theMarriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card from Chase, the singer and actress, 24, opens up about her favorite travel destinations — including one that she has a special connection to.

“I think there are so many places I’ve been that feel very memorable to me, but the one that stands out in particular would be London,” Bailey says.

“I lived there for almost up to a year for filming ofThe Little Mermaid,“she continues, referencing her role as Ariel in the 2023 live-action remake of the beloved Disney cartoon.

Adds Bailey: “London will always have a special place in my heart. I feel like that’s my second home.”

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Halle Bailey.Reid Collins

Reid Collins

Alongside Bailey, the film also starsJonah Hauer-Kingas Prince Eric,Daveed Diggsas Sebastian,Awkwafinaas Scuttle,Jacob Tremblayas Flounder,Javier Bardemas King Triton andMelissa McCarthyas Ursula.

Disneyannouncedthat Bailey — one-half of the sister duoChloe x Halle— would be taking on the role of Ariel in July 2019.

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Halle Bailey in ‘The Little Mermaid.'.FlixPix / Alamy

FlixPix / Alamy

Back in July 2021, Baileyannounced the completion of filming the filmthrough an Instagram post, in which she included a photograph of herself posing in the ocean water against a sunset.

“And just like that..that’s a wrap ❤️after auditioning for this film when i was 18 just about to turn 19 , to now finishing filming through a pandemic when i turned 21 ..we have finally made it…💖,” shewrotein the caption. “I feel so grateful to have experienced this film in all of its glory..it has been the toughest experience being away from everything and everyone i’ve ever known, to feeling self doubt/ loneliness, but also feeling such freedom and perseverance as i’ve reached the end. This experience has made me so much stronger than i ever thought i could be.”

“I’m so grateful to have such lovely and talented people in the cast like @jonahhauerking that will be my friend for infinite lifetimes, @jacobtremblay who i’m so proud of 🥺and legends like @bardemantarctic @melissamccarthy @awkwafina @daveeddiggs who are masters of their craft but are so welcoming and open to little old me..as well as to the rest of the beautiful cast and crew,” Bailey added at the time. “I cannot wait for time to speed up so you all can watch this film because it was made with so much love (plus blood sweat and tears) lol thank you sardinia for a wonderful ending!!! Xoxo.”

Halle Bailey and a bellhop.Reid Collins

While London holds a special place in her heart, Bailey also tells PEOPLE that she is a fan of other destinations across the globe, including the Maldives and Cabo.

Knowing how important it is to carve out time for a vacation, especially with a group of loved ones, the “Angel” musician has teamed up with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card from Chase to launch the Bold Chat Court contest, which will award 5 million Marriott Bonvoy points to 10 travelers — for a total of 500,000 points each — for those who want to finallytake their trip beyond a group chat.

“We all can relate to being in a group chat, whether it’s friends or family, and we always talk about, like, ‘Oh, we’re going here,’ ‘Let’s go here, from this date to this date,’ or, ‘Okay guys, let’s do it,’ and then crickets and it falls through, or somebody has an excuse,” Bailey explains. “Now there’s a way for us all to get this done together through Marriott.”

Once a week, between Thursday, Sept. 26, and Wednesday, Oct. 30, those hoping to score the points can share an Instagram Reel describing their ideal trip, why it hasn’t happened yet and how the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card can help them book the getaway. Written entries are also accepted.

Full details and rules for this new promotion can be foundhere.The Little Mermaidis currently available to stream on Disney+.

source: people.com