Photo courtesy of Vrayo
Fragrance has a way of transporting us—back to a delicious meal, romantic weekend, or a deeply restorative spa day. It’s no coincidence: our sense of smell is closely linked to the parts of the brain (the amygdala and hippocampus) responsible for emotion and memory, which is why a single note can bring long-forgotten moments into vivid focus.
I road-tested this theory during my wedding-and-mini-moon in Italy, where I exclusively wore Maison Louis Marie's No. 13 Nouvelle Vague. With Tuscan fig, creamy coconut, santal, vetiver, and a sparkling citrusy burst, I chose it for its warm, romantic feel—and because it came in a travel-friendly oil rollerball.
Now, when I return to the scent—whether in perfume or candle form—I’m brought back to that late-summer Tuscany trip: the sun on my bare shoulders on a 74-degree Saturday, the first bite of perfectly melty pizza, the way the days stretched into honey-golden sunsets.
So if fragrance can take us back, why not use it to step into where you want to go next—guided by mood, atmosphere, and a feeling of escape? Ahead, the fragrances we're reaching for this spring, and the destinations—and mini itineraries for each—that capture their spirit.
Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
If Lake Lucerne were a fragrance, it would unfold in layered notes: bright bergamot and lemon cutting through the crisp alpine air; vetiver and amber evoking damp roots breaking through sun-warmed soil; and the creamy sandalwood mirroring boats bobbing along wooden docks. It captures the feeling of spring arriving slowly in the Swiss mountains—fresh, bright, earthy, and utterly enchanting.
With fresh mountain air, floating saunas, and sun-soaked boat days, Lake Lucerne is quite possibly the happiest place on earth in the spring. At the storied Mandarin Oriental Palace Luzern., that feeling only deepens. From chic suites and grand marble columns to a wisteria-draped secret garden courtyard, you can enjoy an aperitivo with a front-row view of the sparkling emerald lake .
A perfect afternoon: Weave your way across the historic Chapel Bridge, then get lost wandering the old town. Head up Mount Pilatus for a wildflower-dotted, head-clearing hike, and stop for mouth-watering chocolate at Max Chocolatier. Finish the day at the two Michelin-starred Colonnade, where each dish is adorned with fresh flowers, making every course feel like a small blooming garden that's almost too pretty to eat.
Photos courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Palace Luzern and Colonnade
Santorini, Greece
In Santorini, the air itself feels scented—like a peach warmed by the sun mixed with salty Aegean sea air, aromatic wild herbs drifting from seaside tavernas, and night-blooming jasmine. This sophisticated, peach-inflected fragrance blends creamy white florals and smoky vetiver, capturing the same effortless romance of the Mediterranean sun on your skin—like you’re lounging on a beach in Greece, spritz in hand.
Spend a few days in Santorini at the postcard-worthy Canaves Oia Suites and you can see why the island is a timeless romantic escape. Swim in the cerulean caldera, watch fishermen bring in the morning catch, sip crisp Assyrtiko in caves-turned-restaurant, and end the day with dinner under the stars at Petra overlooking the water.
Photos courtesy of Canaves Oia Santorini
Danang, Vietnam
The scents of Danang are vivid: iced herbal citrus tea under shaded rooftops, damp morning haze as you watch for monkeys in sea almond trees, and the sweet spice of roadside fruit stands. The refreshing, airy, blend of lemon zest, tart pomelo, and hibiscus, cedarwood, and mandarin leaf captures a warm, slow afternoon by the sea in Danang—squinting as you turn the page of your dog-eared book, reapplying sunscreen for the umpteenth time, and listening to the soft rhythm of the waves.
Danang pulls you out of your comfort zone and into the lantern-peppered streets of nearby Hoi An, where you can browse night markets, have custom sundresses tailored from scratch, and sample all the bánh mì and mì quảng (turmeric rice noodles in broth) it has to offer. When you're ready for a slower pace, retreat to the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, nestled between a rainforest nature preserve (for prime sightings of rare douc langur monkeys and other wildlife) and a powdery sand beach.
Photos courtesy of InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Champagne, France
This sophisticated gourmand transports you to the very first sip of freshly poured bubbles—bright peach, osmanthus, and creamy ambrette sparkling through. Elegant florals like jasmine and magnolia further balance the blend, adding complexity to the sweet, warm, velvety richness of tonka bean and sandalwood. It feels romantic, fizzy, warm, and celebratory at once—decidedly Champagne.
The energy of the "City of Love" makes it a favorite destination for many reasons—but a quick train ride just beyond the bustle of Paris reveals a quieter side. At the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, you can enjoy sweeping vineyard views and intimate tastings rooted in the region's Champagne-making heritage with Rare Champagne. You'll also find plenty of pampering—restorative spa days, hair facials, and the exceptional sleep. Plus, it's still the land of French pharmacies, where you can peruse new lotions and potions between buttered baguettes and wandering local markets.
Photos courtesy of Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A perfect day in Amsterdam unfolds unexpectedly from start to finish, just like this fragrance. Built around the dry, creamy woodiness of sandalwood and cedar, it brings the old wooden structures of the canal houses alive. Dampness from fresh rain over greenery and wet stone is brought to life by the soft earthiness of vetiver paired with a hint of spice from cinnamon and nutmeg.
The Pulitzer, a restored canal house right in The 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets), is the perfect center point for stylish boutiques, vintage treasures, and lots of hidden gems and cozy cafes. You can spend your days wandering aimlessly, rain or shine, and enjoying the top-tier museum scene: the Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt Museum, Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank House, and Museum van Loon. There's no better place to cozy up for a drink by the fireplace than Café de Wetering. Even more coziness awaits at Gertrude’s—perfect for dinner, both for the innovative menu and the ambiance and people watching. At night, return to the hotel through the vintage apothecary-style entryway and end with a cocktail at the art deco-inspired Pulitzer Bar.
Photoes courtesy of The Pulitzer
London, United Kingdom
This spin on vanilla gives this fragrance a grown up gourmand feeling—unexpected, quietly sophisticated, and distinctly London. With earthy frankincense, creamy vanilla, fresh green fig and fruit-forward cassis buds, it's not too sweet, but instead, warm, cozy, and mysterious like putting on a classic trench coat before stepping into a a foggy afternoon. When you make the trip over the pond, bring the perfume with you—it comes in the sleekest black lacquer carrying case, perfect for carrying with you to dinner at Ghymkana or to enjoy the best martini on the planet at The Connaught.
Raffles London at The OWO is a perfect expression of the city with its regal charm steeped in decades of history (it's, after all, the Old War Building). Guests can enjoy a 27,000 foot spa, multiple on-site dining experiences, and the no-phones-or-pictures Spy Bar in the basement for a delicious nightcap (a former interrogation room).
Photos courtesy of Raffles London at The OWO
Cádiz, Spain
A Costa de Sol summer smells vibrant, hot, and downright chic. This tantalizing scent captures that bright, reflective feel—like walking through the old town of Cádiz in peak mid-day heat. Earthy thyme, verbena, and angelica evoke the plants in the Spanish countryside, while rhubarb and grapefruit peel add a dry and mineral bitternes—like stone that's been sea sprayed, then baked under the sun. Dry, bright, and quietly coastal, it's brings out the slightly bitter, green, and sunlit feel.
This Andalusian town feels straight out of a fairytale—city beaches, delicious tapas that keep on coming, historic Old Town with colorful architecture and 3000 years of history, and epic sunsets. OKU Andalusia is distinctive for those who like their laidback luxury served with a side of excitement. Enjoy poolside palomas with croquetas de jamón, unwind at the spa, and linger over long dinners. While nothing beats sumer on Spain's coat, don't miss a trip inland to Seville—less than two hours away and enjoying a glamorous resurgence thanks to its thriving culinary scene.
Photos courtesy of OKU Andalusia