Cover From the Plaza Hotel New York’s signature gardenia scent to Aman Resorts' fine fragrances, these creations capture holiday memories (Photo: Aman)
From the Plaza Hotel New York’s signature gardenia scent to Aman Resorts' fine fragrances, these creations capture holiday memories (Photo: Aman)
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From the Plaza Hotel New York’s signature gardenia fragrance to Edition Hotels’s exclusive black tea scent by Le Labo, these creations capture holiday memories in olfactory fashion
If scents could talk, imagine what they would say. As a child, you may recall the thrill of being engulfed with a luxurious scent the moment you walked through the doors of that upscale hotel with your parents. Perhaps a whiff of black tea, citrus or jasmine may take you back to happy memories of that carefree family vacation or a a joyous honeymoon from years ago.
If you’re the kind of traveller who loves collecting mementos of every journey, capturing scent is a great way of remembering your balmy beach holiday in Greece or a lively summer in Seoul.
Read more: Diptyque’s new fragrance collection reveals nature’s secret scents
From Shangri-La’s signature ‘Essence of Shangri-La’ scent to St. Regis’ iconic Caroline’s Four Hundred fragrance, these sweet-smelling souvenirs from luxury hotels are the perfect way to keep that holiday fresh in your mind.
St. Regis Hotels and Resorts
Above St. Regis’s signature scent, 'Caroline's Four Hundred'
St. Regis’s signature scent, 'Caroline's Four Hundred'
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Caroline’s Four Hundred, the signature scent of St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, transports guests back to New York’s opulent Gilded Age, inspired by the elegance of Caroline Astor’s famed society balls. Known for her lavish catch-ups with other high-brow friends over afternoon tea or a grand ball, Caroline Astor is a matriarch of the hotel’s founding family.
Created by celebrated perfume designer Carlos Huber of Arquiste Parfumeur, this fragrance evokes the very essence of a grand St. Regis event. Named for ‘the 400’–specifically the group of New York elite socialites in attendance of these luxurious gatherings–the scent captures the luxury of Astor’s ballroom with notes of exotic woods, lush potted palms, and apple blossoms.
Hints of crisp champagne and the delicate aroma of Caroline’s favorite American Beauty roses intertwine with green stems, white lilies, quince, and cherry blossom, reminiscent of the original setup of Caroline’s 1900 ballroom soirées. Available as a room spray, candle, or diffusor, Caroline’s Four Hundred is now a hallmark of St. Regis hotels worldwide.
See also: Inside the powder room of the St Regis Kuala Lumpur during Tatler Ball 2023
The Plaza New York
Above The Plaza Hotel’s signature Gardenia fragrance is available as room spray, candles, eau de parfum and more
Above A bathset inspired by Kay Thomson’s children’s classic 'Eloise'
The Plaza Hotel’s signature Gardenia fragrance is available as room spray, candles, eau de parfum and more
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The Plaza New York’s signature gardenia scent greets guests as soon as they enter the hotel on Fifth Avenue, offering a fragrant embrace that feels both timeless and captivating.
The Plaza’s Eau de Parfum distills this rich warmth of gardenia with an exotic twist, creating an intoxicating yet soft aroma. Guests can also take home this dazzling fragrance home in the form of a diffuser, room spray, bath soap, candle, body butter, hand lotion and more. Imagine spending a relaxing long weekend soaking in your bathtub filled with Plaza’s bath salts, infused with gardenia extract.
Here’s a bonus for fans of Kay Thomson’s classic Eloise: A Book for Precocious Grown Ups, about a cheeky six-year-old girl named Eloise who lives at a “room on the tippy-top floor” of the Plaza Hotel. The Plaza’s ‘Rawther Fancy Bath Kit’ captures the whimsy of the hotel’s most famous young resident with a playful set of shampoo, shower gel, bubble bath, and body lotion—perfectly sized in two-ounce bottles to take on adventures near and far.
Edition Hotels and Le Labo
Above Edition Hotels bath and body collection by Le Labo
Edition Hotels bath and body collection by Le Labo
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Edition Hotels has been known to collaborate with a variety of brands, from yoga wellness names to craft beverages. Edition Hotels’ exclusive collaboration with Le Labo brings the brand’s sophisticated edge to life through its signature bath and body products. Created in partnership with the famed bespoke perfume atelier, the Edition scent merges the comforting warmth of black tea with the subtle intrigue of bergamot, a blend that captures both relaxation and sophistication.
Edition’s custom Le Labo amenities, available exclusively in its hotels, offer a full sensory experience that will let you a bring a touch of Edition’s refined elegance home.
Additionally, the hotel chain’s Edition reed diffuser, home diffuser, and candle set also capture this rich and complex blend of black tea, Sicilian bergamot, and cedarwood. If you or a loved one have fond memories of vacations in any Edition property, we bet that this would make an especially memorable birthday or Christmas gift.
Don't miss: How a candle inspired the creation of Le Labo’s most iconic scent, Santal 33
Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts
Above Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ ‘Essence of Shangri-La’ collection brings a sense of serenity and timeless elegance
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ ‘Essence of Shangri-La’ collection brings a sense of serenity and timeless elegance
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I won’t disclose how many times I have debated with myself not to spend profligately on Shangri-La’s signature scent each time I pay a visit to the lobby of the Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ ‘Essence of Shangri-La’ fragrance brings a sense of serenity and timeless elegance, inspired by the mystical land of harmony described in James Hilton’s 1933 novel Lost Horizon. Available in room sprays, diffusers, and candles, this fragrance embodies tranquility with a sophisticated blend of warm vanilla, sandalwood, and musk, softened by bright notes of bergamot and tea spiced with ginger.
This carefully balanced medley is designed to infuse any space with a peaceful ambiance and transport you to the harmonious paradise that inspired its creation.
Tip: If you’re staying at the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur and want to capture this delightful fragrance without over-packing your luggage, consider getting the 10ml ‘Essence of Shangri-La’ fragrance bottle that’s perfect as a festive gift or memento from your travels.
Firmdale Hotels
Above The RikRak bath, body and home collection was created by Kit Kemp, founder and creative director of Firmdale Hotels
The RikRak bath, body and home collection was created by Kit Kemp, founder and creative director of Firmdale Hotels
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Known for her distinctive interiors and creative direction as the founder and creative director of Firmdale Hotels, Kit Kemp is also an author and a renowned textiles, fragrance and homewares designer. Her unique RikRak bath and body line as well as candles can be found at Firmdale Hotels properties in London and New York, including Charlotte Street Hotel London and The Soho Hotel.
The collection, also available online, reflects Kemp’s belief that “perfume is the invisible power of persuasion.” Each RikRak product—available in guest rooms and suites—combines Kemp’s flair for colour and style with an indulgent bathing experience. RikRak gift sets are presented in vibrant packaging, featuring curated favourites from the bath and body range with alluring combinations of gardenia, sandalwood, lemon grass, lavender eucalyptus and more scents that are sure to stay in your memory (and now, in your home) long after your vacation is over.
Aman Resorts, Hotels and Residences
Above The Aman Fine Fragrance collection by Aman Resorts and Hotels captures the essence of the world’s most tranquil sanctuaries
Above the Aman Spa Candle range is inspired by the serenity of Aman Spas worldwide
The Aman Fine Fragrance collection by Aman Resorts and Hotels captures the essence of the world’s most tranquil sanctuaries
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The Aman Fine Fragrance collection by Aman Resorts and Hotels captures the essence of the world’s most tranquil sanctuaries in each scent, with seven sophisticated, gender-neutral eau de parfums. Inspired by the diverse surroundings of Aman destinations—from sunlit deserts to lush jungles, serene islands to vibrant cities—each fragrance is crafted to echo the character and emotion of these breathtaking places.
To deepen this sensory journey, every scent is housed in a bottle tinted with colours that reflect its specific location, celebrating the hues of local landscapes and natural beauty. Complementing the fragrance line, the Aman Spa Candle range follows the Grounding, Purifying, and Nourishing pathways, inspired by the serenity of Aman Spas worldwide. Thoughtfully crafted without phthalates, parabens, artificial colorants, or formaldehydes—Aman’s luxury spa gift sets and fragrances offer a harmonious escape, allowing guests to bring the serenity of Aman’s holistic philosophy home.
See also: VanaVasa Eco-Resort: Luxury meets sustainability in Janda Baik, Malaysia
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
