Land-locked this holiday season? Close your eyes and sweep your senses away to paradise with sumptuous fragrances from all corners of the globe…
11. The Med
Elizabeth Arden Mediterranean, from $75
Inspired by the luxurious pleasures and simple joie de vivre of the Mediterranean lifestyle, this fragrance sparkles with peach nectar sorbet, Sicilian mandarin, damask plum, radiant wisteria, star magnolia and Madagascar orchid. Think clear blue skies, a glittering azure sea, you aboard a gleaming white yacht and the golden sun shining above. Simply glamorous.
2. Bali
Urban Rituelle Fragrant Journey Balinese Temple Flowers EDP, $39.95
Picture the slight mysteriousness and absolute tranquility of Bali’s most sacred spots. This blend of island jasmine, frangipani, gardenia and patchouli makes it almost tangible.
3. The USA
DKNY Summer EDT (limited edition), $125
This fresh spin on the classic DKNY fragrance is perfect for summer cocktails at rooftop bar while the city simmers beneath. The succulent floral heart of coral orchid, daffodil and waterlily is soaked in a bright burst of ripe currant and mandarin with a cool shot of vodka. A twist of white birch and tulip keeps it light and breezy.
4. Tahiti
Venustus Tahiti Perfume, $77
This is your passport to swaying coconut palms, sun-drenched sand and the cool blue sea. A lush top note of coconut, rich, natural heart of juniper and cypress essential oils and an all-but-edible base of vanilla evoke the simple pleasures of the tropics with each spritz.
5. Italy
Acqua di Parma Fico di Amalfi, from $80
Capturing the distinctive fragrances and flavours from the jewel of the Italian coastline, this rich, sparkling perfume is as lively as it is intense. Citrusy notes of tangerine, bergamot, orange, grapefruit and cedar burst through middle notes of fig nectar, pink pepper and jasmine like fresh fruit exploding on the palette. Bellissimo!
6. Mauritius
Annick Goutal Songes, EDT from $120
This seductive, exotic blend was inspired by a stroll though a Mauritian garden at dusk. One spray and you can experience it too: frangipani, ylang ylang, jasmine and vanilla flower releasing their soft, warm scents under the sunset. Just close your eyes…
7. Turkey
Byzance by Rochas EDT, from $65
Recapturing the opulent glory of the gold and spice-soaked Byzantine era, this rich blue bottle releases a rich, exotic blend of Turkish rose, amber, musk, patchouli and sumptuous wood wood.
8. Old Persia
Urban Rituelle Fragrant Journey Voyager Persian Jasmeen EDP, $19.95
Recapturing the opulent, exotic fragrances of the Persian empire, this intriguing, feminine scent layers frangipani over heady tuberose and gardenia.
9. French Morocco
Crabtree & Evelyn Nadira EDT, $64.95
Transport yourself through space and time with this intricately embellished flacon full of warm, rich and sensual fragrance. Evoking the spicy, exotic ambience of North Africa, scents of sandalwood and gardenia interlace with Moroccan rose to intoxicate your senses and ignite your imagination.
10. France
Yves Saint Laurent Paris EDT, $102
An elegantly romantic, quintessentially Parisian perfume that
mingles delicate violet, rose of May and rare iris with classic bergamot sandalwood.
11. England
Penhaligon’s Elisabethan Rose EDT, $135
This heady, yet refined, fragrance captures the gentle floral fragrances of an English garden in high summer. Velvety rose, geranium and chamomile bloom out of a musky amber and sandalwood base.
12. Japan
Renee Snowpeach Parfum, from $59
This contemporary, delectably fruity scent captures the fresh sweetness of the Japanese snow peach. Distilling the green leaves, fuzzy pink skin and ripe white flesh of the fruit into a muddle of white peach, hyancith and musk, it drips delicate deliciousness with an irresistible femininity.
13. Arabia
Serge Lutens Arabie, $150
This rich oriental perfume captures the exotic essence of dried fig, candied mandarin peel and date in a deep, musky base that lingers in memory like a dream.
14. The Indies
Crabtree & Evelyn West Indian Lime Cologne, $59.95 For himThe classic Crabtree & Evelyn fragrance has been reborn with a fresh, contemporary twist. This tonic soaks the zesty essences of lime, lemon, orange flower and native West Indian vetiver in spicy notes of nutmeg, ginger and coriander and masculine woods with truly invigorating effects.
– Tracey WithersTop left image: Hair by Daren Borthwick for Hair Expo 2007
Interesting. Not tempted by any listed though
Byzance, that is an old one.