At this point: it’s likely that you’ve experienced some sort of disruption in your travel plans, and have to settle, yet again, for another staycation this Valentine’s Day. But there’s good news: candles can help recreate the sensation of your favorite places in the world through scent. Because while all your senses contribute to emotional memories, none do it better than your sense of smell. So light up these 10 destination-inspired candles, and dream away.
One of French perfumer Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s fondest childhood memories are from Le Perche’s rolling countryside, where the fresh air was sweetly infused with fresh straw, lavender, thyme, and rosemary. And this elegant candle housed in a porcelain vessel from Limoges, France, helps recreate the nostalgic sentiment.
With its eye-catching, ceramic packaging, and citrusy, tropical aroma, it’s tough to top the appeal of this limited-edition candle from the beloved Hawaiian skincare and wellness brand Malie. Just light it up to whisk you away to the iconic island destination – where the sun, sand, and intoxicating scents of ripe, local fruit surround you.
Stage your own wintry wonderland with this oversized candle – which proves that sometimes bigger is better – inspired by Danish red berry pudding’s comforting scents of red currants and vanilla. Handpoured in Grasse, France, the world’s perfume capital, with premium essential oils, this luxurious burner will lend your space up to 100 wonderfully fragrant hours.
When Abigail Stone launched Otherland in 2017 at the age of 29, her mission was to offer stylish, gorgeously-fragranced candles at a reasonable pricepoint. And today, she remains true to her original mission. While all the hero scents from the core collection are terrific, it’s Kindling, with sultry notes of Alaskan cedar, smoky embers, and incense, that feels especially fitting this time of year.
Founded by Kathy Jones, RareLumiere is a new home fragrance line that celebrates that world’s most beloved cities. And this clean-burning, non-pooling candle redolent of spicy peppercorn, earthy vetiver, and intoxicating gardenia, evokes Medina’s old-world charms: exploring spice markets, getting lost in the Medina, and strolling through the Casbah.
If you’re craving the tropical vibes of The Bahamas this time of year, you’re not alone. So to remedy that, the Caribbean destination partnered with Homesick, the popular candle company celebrating the states and countries we all call home, on this limited-edition scent. With pineapple, coconut, and sea air, this hand-poured candle will slip you into a laid-back, beachy state of mind within minutes.
Imagine the simple, rustic pleasures of spending summers in America’s heartland, from ambling through lush gardens and fields during the day, to kicking back by toasty, crackling campfires at night. Now, imagine all the scents (like bergamot, tuberose, and patchouli) you’d experience swirled together in a chic, understated candle.
While most fruity scents are linked to spring and summer, figs – which are especially popular in the Mediterranean and Middle East – mark the changing of seasons from late summer to early fall. And because this unmistakably green, fruity, and subtly creamy scent from the iconic French home fragance house is so balanced, it’s perfect for brightening anyone’s mood. No wonder it’s always a best seller.
To honor his New England roots, David Moltz – he’s the co-founder of Brooklyn-based indie fragrance line D.S. & DURGA – unveiled this scent in time for your Valentine’s Day gift-giving needs. With hints of swamp rose, sea lettuce, and lichen moss, this vegetal wax candle conjures up the feeling of a slow-paced, sun-drenched day on Cape Cod and its islands.
This new scent from Nette, the luxury sustainable candle brand by Carol Han, draws inspiration from Moscow’s storied chess club culture. Just picture yourself in one of these places and the rich, heady aromas (like incense smoke, patchouli, and cedarwood) that would envelop you from the historic buildings, vintage furnishings, and smoking pipes.
Widely considered the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is reknowned for its historic temples, shrines, and gardens. But since visiting Japan isn’t safe for the time being, reach for this clean-burning candle instead. With notes of Hinoki cypress, cedar, and sandalwood, it’ll help instill any space a sense of peace and tranquility.