From the citrus notes of Sicily to the warming aromas of the Middle East, transcend your surroundings with fragrance from the comfort of your own home
Thing is, I’m starting to run out off ways to transform the limited space around me. This week I was scheduled to fly to Marrakech, but instead of moping I decided to bring a little bit of Morocco to me in the form of scent. I lit a Diptyque Amber candle to set the tone and then spritzed a spot of Aesop’s cardamom, clove and sandalwood spray to really evoke the scent of the souks.
Scent can offer a form of sensory escapism and there couldn’t be a more perfect time to experiment with it.
“Scent quite literally opens up a portal,” explains fragrance expert Roja Dove. “Fragrance has the ability to whisk us away to the warmer climes of the Mediterranean Coast or to the souks of the Middle East or to fragrant wildflower gardens in the countryside,” he continues. “It is quite a common thing for fragrance shoppers to look for a perfume that takes them back to that place they felt happiest or most secure. That is because fragrance is an indulgent and positive thing – all you need to do is breathe in and allow it to sweep you off your feet.”
California dreaming
Louis Vuitton’s Afternoon Swim, £190. louisvuitton.com
This fragrance offers the pure joy of sunshine in one bottle. Deep dive into California cool with zesty notes of mandarin and splashes of bergamot. Spritz onto post-shower skin for a fresh sensation of summertime pool lounging.
Wake up in Sicily
Dolce & Gabbana’s Sicily, £160. At Harrods. harrods.com
An ode to the designer duo’s native island, this scent is rich with the notes of the Italian landscape. With waves of sandalwood, jasmine and nutmeg, this citrus-floral fragrance has a spicy edge. Mist onto your wrists and nape of your neck and be whisked away by a summer breeze and smell the sun-drenched citrus groves of Sicily.
Sail the Mediterranean
Creed’s Erolfa, £230. creedfragrances.co.uk
Let this fresh and herbal summer fragrance transport you to the Mediterranean in the height of summer. Created by master perfumer Olivier Creed (with his family yachting adventures in the forefront of his mind), this fragrance is a celebration of sparkling seas, salty air and a citrus breeze. With blends of basil, bergamot and orange teamed with a warming base of amber, musk and oakmoss, you’ll be breathing in the fresh sea air in no time.
Arabian nights
Dunhill’s Arabian Desert, £120. dunhill.com
With deep notes of oud, explore the mystery and beauty of the Middle East. Spritz onto skin and trek through the desert via hints of bergamot, spicy pink pepper and saffron. Inspired by the glittering sun of the Arabian desert, this fragrance is rich with fragrance spices among delicate waves of floral finishes – you won’t be disappointed.
Sundowners in Saint-Tropez
Nuxe’s Sun Fragrant Water, £28.50. nuxe.com
Mist yourself with Nuxe’s Sun Fragrant Water throughout the day and awaken your soul to the spirit of summer – come rain or shine. With soft notes of coconut, sweet oranges and sensual musky vanilla, your day will be brightened by visions of sun-kissed skin as you nap on the beach.
Source: How to use scent to travel the world (without leaving the house) | British GQ
