Words Vidula KotianDate 09 October 2024
This iconic passage from Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time (1913) describes the famed “Proustian moment”—a sensory experience that unlocks a flood of memories often long past. Smell and memory are so intertwined that certain scents can instantly transport us to a carefree summer by the sea or a fragrant mountain forest. In an increasingly crowded market, these hotels are creating lasting emotional connections with guests through signature scents that linger long after they depart.
MUSA’s setting was a big inspiration for its signature fragrance
Custom room fragrance by Izaskun
Guerrero, Mexico
At MUSA, the magic of its location near Zihuatanejo, Mexico—where beach, jungle, and a tranquil saltwater lagoon meet—is captured in a signature fragrance by Izaskun Diaz. Known for her talent in storytelling through scent, Izaskun has collaborated with MUSA and designer Andrés Saavedra to create an olfactory experience that mirrors the property’s vibe and natural beauty.
The result? A chic, gender-neutral fragrance infused with Mexican raw materials. Top notes of orris and clove lead into heart notes of frankincense, copaiba, and sandalwood, grounded by warm base notes of vanilla, tropical woods, amber, and musk. Scented candles and more will be available for purchase soon.
“Mystic Journey” natural soap ©Cervo Mountain Resort
A collab with Sileno Cheloni ©Cervo Mountain Resort
Zermatt, Switzerland
Cervo Mountain Resort and Swiss brand Soeder have teamed up to create “Mystic Journey,” a limited-edition natural care line featuring shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion. This fragrance takes you on a sensory journey from the lively streets of Marrakesh to the mystical peaks of Zermatt, where Cervo is nestled.
“Mystic Journey” opens with fresh bergamot and citrus, followed by Moroccan chamomile, jasmine, and a warm, earthy blend of cedarwood, incense, and vanilla. Available at Soeder’s new flagship store in Zurich Central Station and at the resort, it complements Cervo’s signature scent, “Beyond Exploring No. 6,” crafted by owner Daniel Lauber and Florentine master perfumer Sileno Cheloni.
Nobis Hotel Palma’s setting inspired the scent narrative
Viti Vinci’s raw materials are harvested from wild-sourced botanicals and biodynamically cultivated crops
Mallorca, Spain
At Nobis Hotel Palma, history comes to life through custom fragrances inspired by its home in a 12th-century Islamic palace. Local perfumer Viti Vici drew on Mallorca’s rich past to craft two unique scents. In the suites, “Hadiqa” invites guests to open their senses with a captivating blend of sweet orange, bergamot, cardamom, frankincense, myrrh, ambrette, and more—echoing a legend of men turned to stone by greed.
The second fragrance, “Jardins de Alfabina,” takes inspiration from Mallorca’s mountains, mixing notes of sweet orange, lemon, pine, cypress, and cedarwood among others. Crafted from 100% natural, wild-sourced botanicals, these scents offer a beautiful connection to the essence of Mallorca’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
Immerso’s “Oceanique” brings together the essence of land and sea
Ericeira, Portugal
Nestled in the world-class surfing paradise of Ericeira, just under an hour from Lisbon, Immerso Hotel offers a sensory escape where you can truly feel, pause, and breathe. Surrounded by rolling hills and the shimmering Atlantic, the hotel’s signature scent, “Oceanique,” perfectly blends the essence of sea and land.
Crafted by Lourenço Lucena—the only Portuguese member of the International Society of Perfumer-Creators—it captures the local vibe with notes of sea air, rosemary, lavender, and wildflowers, all on a warm, woody vanilla base. The eau de parfum is available at the hotel store.
Minos captures the spirit of Crete in its fragrance
The signature fragrance is a vibrant, uplifting scent with top notes of citrus
Crete, Greece
Minos Beach Art Hotel's set out to capture the true spirit of Crete in its signature fragrance, and the result is a vibrant, uplifting scent that feels like a sunny day on the island. A zesty blend of bergamot, grapefruit, and lemon kicks things off, while fresh basil adds a twist. At its heart, aromatic lavender, spicy cinnamon, clove, and lush rose create a rich, aromatic experience. Finally, it wraps up with creamy cedarwood, earthy oakmoss, patchouli, amber, sandalwood, and warm musk.
Sparked by memories that linger, this signature scent—available as candles and diffusers—by Gina Mamidakis, founder of Minos Beach Art Hotel, was crafted with a local perfumer to embody the essence of Cretan philoxenia. With notes of native flora and rich island aromas, it’s a tribute to Crete’s warmth, where the tranquility of the sea meets its untamed spirit.
The Bank Hotel offers a rich experience that engages all your senses
Pomegranate blossom scent invites guests in the common areas
Istanbul, Turkey
The Bank Hotel Istanbul has gone all out to create an unforgettable luxury experience, right down to the scents that fill its spaces. Partnering with fragrance experts Froma Fragrances & Flavors and Scento, the hotel has crafted custom scents for every corner.
In the guest rooms, a calming green tea fragrance refreshes and soothes, while in the common areas, the warm, inviting scent of pomegranate blossom welcomes every visitor with a touch of elegance. It’s all about making your stay not just memorable, but completely immersive.
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