Naomi Osaka Reveals Why She Stays in Airbnbs When She's Playing and What She Can't Travel Without

Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka
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Naomi Osaka is sharing all her travel tips and tricks!

The 24-year-old tennis star recently chatted with PEOPLE about all things travel, including why she prefers staying in short-term rentals as opposed to hotels when she's competing, the items she can't live without while she's on the road, and some of her favorite places she'd stayed at – like the stunning Villa Nautica property in Miami, Fla. she called home while playing in the Miami Open.

"I normally stay with my team so it's much better for team bonding than multiple rooms in a soulless hotel," the competitive athlete tells PEOPLE of her Airbnb stays. "We cook together, watch TV and hang out so it feels like a family. As an athlete, I take my nutrition very seriously so the best way to manage it is definitely at a house with a kitchen."

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"Making healthy choices can be tough on the road, so a spacious kitchen is essential to my wellness lifestyle," she adds. "While I'm not a huge fan of breakfast, I usually start my day with homemade avocado toast."

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As far as the items she can't travel without, for Osaka, it's all about two things that'll likely help with her performance on the courts: a massage table and a juicer.

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Villa Nautica Airbnb
Villa Nautica Airbnb

Airbnb

Osaka also opened up about one of her favorite properties she's stayed at – something that was "hard" to do, considering she's "stayed at so many amazing homes."

"I recently stayed at one I loved in Miami. Location was perfect for me as it was just far enough away from the action to be very tranquil, but at the same time I could get to great restaurants and shops in a matter of minutes," she said of the property, which she showed off in a series of pictures and videos on Instagram earlier this month.

Villa Nautica Airbnb
Villa Nautica Airbnb

Airbnb

The stunning modern rental, seen in images here, boasts a huge living room with a wrap-around couch, an outdoor dining area perfect for entertaining and dining al fresco, a home gym, multiple bedrooms with breathtaking views, and an ultra-sleek kitchen.

Additionally, the beautiful Miami home features a tranquil pool area secluded by lush greenery, making it the perfect spot to grab a quiet moment and meditate, as Osaka says she loves to do when traveling.

Villa Nautica Airbnb
Villa Nautica Airbnb

Airbnb

"Whenever possible, I try to book an Airbnb with a pool or close to the water - the health benefits of spending time swimming or in close proximity to water span mind and body," she shares.

Of her upcoming travels, Osaka tells PEOPLE she's excited about one property in particular.

"I'm on the road in Europe a lot over the next few months," Osaka says. "The next Airbnb that I'm really excited about is a beautiful home near Wimbledon."

Naomi Osaka's Top Tips for Being on the Road –– and Choosing the Perfect Airbnb

  • Prioritizing wellness takes on a whole new meaning when constantly on the go, so finding a place with a unique design and calming scenery where I can feel home at is really important.

  • During tournament season it's important for me to maintain a sense of routine. Living on Airbnb provides all the comforts of home.

  • Pet-friendly stays are everything to me, so I can rest and recharge with my baby Butta. Tennis takes me all over the world, so I love to explore and live like a local on Airbnb. I like to leave with something to remind me of the trip, like a piece of art or something for my closet.

  • Traveling can be hectic, finding larger spaces allows my team, family and friends to join me so it feels less homesick.

  • Privacy is important to me so I always look for a spot that is a little more secluded. That also adds to the sense of tranquility and helps me relax.

  • I've recently gotten more into meditation. I like to find a quiet spot in the house or even outside in the background and take some time to recenter myself.

  • I like to ask my Airbnb Host for local recommendations, whether it be a nearby park to take Butta or a "can't miss" spot for the best fresh juice.

  • Whenever possible, I try to book an Airbnb with a pool or close to the water - the health benefits of spending time swimming or in close proximity to water span mind and body.