Júlia Juste has been traveling the world ever since she was a child. Her parents, founders of Behomm, a private home exchange community for creatives and design lovers, nurtured her passion for discovering unique and special destinations and accommodations around the world. This passion has since evolved into
Outliers, a beautifully curated cult guide for those looking for transformative experiences and off-the-beaten-path places to stay, and enjoy. For Júlia, the luxury in traveling is not about opulence and fancy resorts, but about finding authenticity:
“When traveling, the most powerful way to make a real difference is to support small projects led by local communities. Traveling with purpose allows you to protect and preserve the uniqueness of each place you go.”
Back in 2015, when she had just turned 20, Júlia went on her first big trip with friends to India.
“I recall the feeling of having the world at my hands – it’s something that can only happen once in a lifetime.” Ten years later, she travels back with ROWSE to explore southwest India’s vibrant culture, flavorful cuisine and breathtaking nature. Packed in her bag, a short list of travel essentials, including comfy t-shirts and dresses, activewear, sunglasses and ROWSE’s
Starter Kit:
“It has everything I need for face care: the Tangerine Cleansing Balm, the All-Day Moisturizer and the Regenerate Night Serum –my favorite in-flight must. I’m also obsessed with the Summer Body Oil, so I make sure it fits in my travel bag.”
KERALA
Located in a lush strip of land in the southwestern tip of India, Kerala is an idyllic paradise with unique character and energy. With legendary winding waterways, a fertile landscape of evergreen tea gardens and spice plantations, and rich jungle and marine wildlife, Kerala invites you to fully reconnect with yourself and experience the healing power of nature.
Popular places to stay in Kerala range from forest and beach resorts to traditional centuries-old properties that have been in the same family for generations, backwaters houseboats and ayurvedic retreats. The Vismaya Lake Heritage has become one of my favorite places to stay, ever –it’s so special in every way that it’s hard to describe. The original house is almost 400 years old and sits right by the Vembanad lake, surrounded only by water, greenery, and silence. The garden is filled with flowers, which Vinod, the manager, uses to create beautiful arrangements. They prepare delicious food, served in beautifully set tables. We also had an incredible Ayurveda massage. Unbeatable.
Most of our trip was designed around the accommodations, with many of our activities and meals taking place at these locations. However, in Kochi, the historic port-city known for its vibrant culture and diverse cuisine, we did have time to explore a few restaurants and experience the local flavors. I loved the Ayurveda lemonade made with nannari root and chia seeds from the Old Harbour Hotel, where we also enjoyed paneer (fresh cheese) with curries and papadum (a type of crispy bread we fell in love with).
The Sahya is a traditional vegetarian feast typically served during Onam, a festival that celebrates the onset of the harvest season. It includes more than 25 dishes presented on a fresh banana leaf. Crunchy, spicy, tangy, zesty and sweet, Sahya represents abundance, unity and joy. We enjoyed ours at The Mudhouse Marayoor, a family-owned retreat an hour from Munnar. Immersed in a breathtaking landscape, it consists of traditionally built mud houses and a beautiful flower garden. The staff is mostly divorced, single, or widowed women from nearby communities.
The legendary backwaters of Kerala are a complex network of lagoons, lakes, and canals along the Arabian Sea coast. I will always remember the feeling of peace and relaxation when we arrived at Phillipkutty’s Farm, our homestay on Vembanad Lake, aboard a traditional vallam boat. It felt almost meditative.
One of the highlights of Kerala is cruising along the backwaters on a traditional Shikkara boat. The area is home to farming and fishing communities. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to learn about coir making (rope made from coconut fibers) as well as the art of coconut palm weaving.
Known as the ‘land of Ayurveda’, Kerala has a rich tradition of skilled therapists, holistic treatments and healing massages. Ayurvedic skincare focuses on nourishing and balancing the skin with natural ingredients, plant-based oils and botanical extracts. Coconut oil, one of the key ingredients in ROWSE’s
Summer Body Oil, is highly valued as it deeply moisturizes the skin and helps reduce sun damage.
ANDAMAN ISLANDS
After spending a few days exploring Kerala, we headed to the Andaman Islands, on the southeastern edge of the Bay of Bengal. The remote nature of this archipelago always intrigued me. While their more than 500 islands are part of India, they are actually closer to the coast of Myanmar. The journey was epic, but arriving was well worth it: white-sand beaches with exceptional crystal-clear turquoise waters to dive into and a welcoming community promised new adventures.
Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island) hides some of the most beautiful wild beaches in India, well known for its underwater wonders. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, you’ll discover an India you never dreamt about.
Set on a former banana and betel nut plantation in Swaraj Dweep, between the rainforest and the coral reefs of the Andaman Sea, Jalakara is a delicious barefoot retreat. Staying here feels like being welcomed into someone’s home, where every detail is taken care of so you can fully disconnect.
Port Blair, the main island, is often overlooked, but if you explore the right places, it has a lot to offer. Just an hour from the city, Andaman Sanctuary is a hidden gem with several no-doors, no-windows wooden cottages immersed in the jungle. Viraj Hooda, the owner, discovered Andaman 20 years ago, and he knows every special spot.
Despite being Andaman’s cultural hub, Port Blair is still a slice of unspoiled paradise. There’s still a deliciously relaxed vibe to lie back and absorb, with many raw beaches surrounded by dense mangroves home to many endemic and migratory birds and rich marine life.
Chittoor Kottaram used to be the private residency of the ruling family of Kochi. Without ostentation, the space is filled with beautifully restored pieces, each holding deep traditional value, creating an atmosphere that feels both authentic and timeless.
Nothing quite compares to the magic of watching the sunset over the Vembanad Lake. As the sun dips below the horizon, warm oranges and vibrant golds take over the atmosphere. It’s a moment to reconnect with nature and the beauty of the planet. The calming and soothing effect is unparalleled.
Street food is part of the charm of Kochi, Kerala’s largest city. You will find many stalls and markets selling either fresh fruit and colorful vegetables or idli, dosa and uttapam; they are part of the local landscape.
The Vismaya Lake Heritage has become one of my favorite places to stay, ever –it’s so special in every way that it’s hard to describe. The original house is almost 400 years old and sits right by the Vembanad lake, surrounded by water, greenery, and silence.
A beautiful space to relax and escape from the heat in Kochi, Old Harbour Hotel is a 300 years-old building that was once the first hotel in the city. The refreshing Ayurveda lemonade included ingredients to beat the heat and restore hydration from within
Each family has its own recipe for the Sahya, the traditional vegetarian feast typically served to celebrate the start of the harvest season. It’s a feast of flavors and colors, something to be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
The Mudhouse Marayoor is a family-owned forest retreat fully committed to conscious and sustainable practices. A short walk from it will bring you face to face with breathtaking mountain views and awe-inspiring waterfalls.
You can get a unique glimpse into Kerala’s slow pace of life by exploring the legendary backwaters of Kerala and the many farming and fishing communities that inhabit the area. As the sun sets, the atmosphere becomes dreamy.
The Vembanad Lake area is home to traditional communities that still practice age-old crafts. Since Kerala has coconut trees in abundance, coir making is one of the most popular occupations. Coir is considered to be one of the strongest threads in the world.
Skincare is often inspired by the Ayurvedic tradition, which is deeply rooted in Kerala. Particularly appreciated for its moisturizing, softening and repairing benefits, coconut oil is the holy grail of Ayurvedic skincare and one of the key ingredients in our Summer Body Oil.
The fresh and floral fragrance of the Summer Hydrating Mist, which combines mimosa and citrus scents with hydration-boosting aloe vera and skin-repairing oils, is made for beach days. Love the fact it can be used for face, body and hair.
With more than 500 islands, the Andaman archipelago hides some of the most beautiful beaches in India, and probably in the world. With crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand and lush greenery, it’s easy to feel like you’ve found paradise on Earth.
Located in Swaraj Dweep, Jalakara is an intimate rainforest retreat brought to life by an English couple. With just seven rooms, each with its own character and charm, it feels like being welcomed into someone’s home, where every detail is taken care of so you can fully disconnect.
Port Blair, Andaman’s main island, is often overlooked, but if you explore the right places, it has a lot to offer. With several wooden cottages surrounded by lush greenery and turquoise waters, Andaman Sanctuary is one of those hidden gems.
With unbeatable raw nature and a slow pace of life, Andaman Islands allow you to relax completely and reconnect with yourself. It might take a while to arrive, but it’s worth the effort –you’ll be rewarded with a unique slice of paradise.
