Few things have the power to transport you more than scents. The salty air and citrus-breezes of the Mediterranean coast, the warm aromatic scent of a bustling marketplace. Fragrances have the magical ability of tapping into your scent memory and whisking you away to far-flung places - and yes, even to destinations you're yet to explore but have always been a dream.
So whilst travel remains a flurry of disruptions, we're turning to the stress-reducing, travel-inducing (and not-to-mention wallet-friendly) magic of candles. From luxury, soy-wax candles, to handpoured candles with wooden wicks, we've put together 5 travel-scented candles that will delight your cultural curiosities and transport you to distant shores at just the light of a wick.
Your travel adventure awaits. Just let your nose guide you.
Côté Bougie Candle – Jemma El Fna, Artisans du Maroc, £44
Destination: The Medinas of Marrakech
Inspiration: The buzzing streets and souks of Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Feels like: Strolling through the heart of the medina. Uplifting.
Notes: Tanned Leather, Sweet Spices.
Dua Soy Wax Candle, Mefiye, £30
Destination: The Gardens Of Ghana
Inspiration: The orange trees found in Mefiye's founder Jasmine's home in Ghana.
Feels like: Summer, sweetness.
Notes: Honey clementine, vanilla, tobacco absolute & cedarwood.
Qäsa Floral Candle, Qäsa Qäsa, £18
Destination: Warm Evenings On The Swahili Coast
Inspiration: The fragrant flora of the East African coast at dusk.
Feels like: Captivating, calming, uplifting.
Notes: Ylang Ylang, Lily and Gardenia, Bergamot, Sandalwood, Mint & Amber.
Pink Grapefruit & Basil Soy Wax Candle, Flickerwick, £28
Destination: Cote D'Azur
Inspiration: The sun-drenched citrus of Mediterranean bergamot, fresh garden herbs and sprigs of lavender of the Southern French countryside.
Feels Like: Refreshingly citrus, not overpowering, invigorating.
Notes: Rosemary, Basil & Lavender, Jasmine, Lily, Rose and Violet, Cedarwood & Musk.
Tamegroute Green Ceramic Large Candle, Artisans du Maroc, £105
Destination: Saharan Oasis
Inspiration: Mint tea - or “Berber whiskey” - the official drink of Morocco made from fresh mint and green tea.
Feels Like: Freshness, soothing, invigorating.
Notes: Mint & Tea.
91 Soy Wax Candle, Mefiye, £30
Destination (...okay so this one's less of a current destination, but rather a destination in time): 90s golden age of black film and music
Inspiration: The smoothness and richness of 90s R&B and classic 90s/00s black cinema.
Feels Like: The warm familiarity of the past. Nostalgia; love.
Notes: Cocoa, Salted Caramel, Cinnamon, Plum, Rose, Patchouli.