Liev Schreiber has whisked Naomi Watts away for her 45th birthday.

The 'Ray Donovan' star, who has two sons, Alexander, six, and Samuel, four, whom they refer to as Sasha and Kai, with his girlfriend of eight years, was spotted escorting her on to a private helicopter at the VIP Heliport in New York City on Saturday morning (28.09.13) for a romantic birthday celebration.

The 'Diana' actress appeared to be extremely excited about their trip and was laden down with Louis Vuitton luggage, according to the MailOnline website.

The blonde actress, who has been nominated for an Oscar twice, began her birthday celebrations a day early at the premiere of 'Captain Phillips' at the New York Film Festival on Friday night (27.09.13).

Earlier this year, Liev clarified that the couple have no plans to wed despite numerous rumours they are already married.

The 46-year-old Yale graduate said: ''It's complicated, and it's private, too.''

But he insisted they are very much in love and their children have made him a better person.

He said: ''I had been a very selfish person most of my life, and that shifts quickly and dramatically. It's painful and fascinating and ultimately really wonderful, but I am particularly lucky because I have exquisitely beautiful, talented, brilliant children.''

He jokingly added: ''If I had had ugly, stupid children, it would've been difficult to turn that corner.''