Go away with ... Malea Rose

Actress, former competitive surfer and beauty entrepreneur Malea Rose grew up on Kauai’s North Shore, where she saw her mother prepare her own natural skin-care products for their family. When she moved to California to launch her acting career, where she had to wear heavy makeup for her job, Rose realized that the skincare available for purchase wasn’t what worked best for her. Over time, she created Vie En Rose, which garnered early traction from celebrity fans like Brittany O’Grady (“The White Lotus”), who has raved about the line.

“My products were made to travel for the person on-the-go, who didn’t want to be carrying 10 products around with them, but [still wanted] the same results,” said Rose, who’s active on Instagram at @lovemalearose and @vieenrosebeauty. “The Mile High Ultra-Hydrating Mist is two ounces and comes in a frosted glass mister bottle, so it doesn’t break. [It] smells so good [that] everyone wants some when I mist it. That’s how I met the cast of ‘Hamilton.’ They fell in love with the product from me misting my samples on the plane in my early stages. I formulated the product for two years.”

Q: Do you have any upcoming trips planned?

A: I’m currently planning a trip home to Kauai. I haven’t decided my New Year’s Eve plans. I’m a last-minute gal. But I’ll be traveling to the most beautiful places in Thailand in February to visit the set of [the third season of] “The White Lotus.” I’m super excited!

Q: What city is special to you personally as much as professionally?

A: I absolutely loved shooting a film in New York City. Up until then, I had only been there to visit my grandma or for fun adventures. It was my first time really getting to experience the hustle and normal world of living in NYC and I loved it. I will always love that city, because I originally got to experience it through my grandma’s eyes, but working there is special. I also have a secret spot in Los Angeles where I shoot a lot of Vie En Rose content. It became my sanctuary, nestled high up in the Hollywood Hills during the pandemic. I’ve only shared it with a few people, but it’s a place I frequent often, whether to shoot or just escape from the noise, but that’s a close drive from my house.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: Portofino. It’s the most beautiful place with the best food. I love all things Italian. It’s the cutest Italian port. It’s one of the only places where I go on vacation and actually feel like I had a vacation. Sometimes I feel like I need a vacation from the vacation.

Q: What childhood trip stands out?

A: Going to Amsterdam and Spain with my mom and older sister when I was in high school. We danced, laughed till it hurt. It was the most magic quality time together. And, goodness, my mom, my sister and I got ourselves into some very fun trouble and adventures. We all went to nightclubs, danced all night, saw museums, rented treehouses and stayed at beautiful hotels. A trip I will always cherish. We are like three best friends and always will be.

Q: What is your worst vacation memory?

A: Years ago, I was invited to Buckingham Palace to have tea with the Queen and attend an event Taylor Swift was performing at. I spent months searching for the perfect gown and all the elaborate planning and security measures that go along with this. I missed my flight to London that night! My photoshoot in L.A. ran late and I just barely missed the flight! I took the next one out, but at that point I had missed meeting the Queen, having high tea with her and the event. That Alaia gown still needs to find her fairytale evening. It would have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And I still haven’t seen Taylor Swift perform. I, of course, enjoyed London because it’s amazing, but I will never forget the tears rolling down my face as I missed that flight.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: All summer I would spend the weekend in Malibu with the dogs and it was the coziest thing in the world. It was just a nice time to reset, be still and catch up on sleep. Cabo is a wonderful getaway, too. It’s super close and I love it there. They are super dog friendly, have the best hospitality and such great food.

Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?

A: I have probably had some of my most fun New Year’s Eves in Cabo with lots of friends, living our best lives at the beach for winter break. Or Kauai. I do love my trips home where I get to see all my childhood friends and family. We always start at the local bar Tahiti Nui, then end up at some psychedelic silent disco in the sand. That actually may have been one of the most fun New Year’s Eves – dancing in the sand all night with the stars overhead, 80-degree weather, all my childhood friends and the most beautiful scenery and good tunes.

Q: What are your five favorite cities?

A: Hanalei, London, Los Angeles, New York, Santorini.

Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?

A: Japan! It looks so futuristic. There’s nature alongside crazy cities. Possibly better sushi than Kauai, but doubtful. Plus, I love the Harajuku fun girly culture.

Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?

A: A broader perspective. It’s very easy to get wrapped up in a bubble. Traveling breathes life and adventure in you. It helps with empathy and creativity. It’s taught me I am such a small particle that exists with so many other moving things. The world is a big and tiny place all at the same time. I’ve also learned I’m an insane over- packer, so they say.

(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and travel writer. You can respond to this column by visiting her website at www.jaehakim.com. You may also follow “Go Away With…” on Twitter at @GoAwayWithJae where Jae-Ha Kim welcomes your questions and comments.)