Globetrotting with Glasshouse: Italy & Greece

Australian candle company Glasshouse Fragrances are the latest addition to the Nerridah & Ross family. Launched by Nicole Eckels in 2006, they are known for their ambient aromas, non-toxic soy blend Glasshouse candles, quality reed diffusers and gorgeous glass jars and packaging. In recent times, and to further elevate the everyday, they have expanded their range to include perfumes, bath and body lotions too.

Although the idea of globetrotting or travelling to Europe from Australia unencumbered may seem like a long way off at the moment, that doesn’t mean we can’t experience the exoticism and excitement that an international holiday has to offer from the comfort of home.

From finance and fashion meccas and magnificent countryside regions in Italy, to ancient islands and sunny seaside escapes in Greece, Glasshouse Fragrances’ range of city inspired scents are an alluring aromatic insight into some of the world’s most picturesque places. A scented snapshot of Italy and Greece, the collection below isn’t a palatable and perfumed Mediterranean diet of basil, tomato and garlic. This is much more sophisticated than that.

So, before you fly away into the overseas sunset, let your nose take you there first... 

Milan

Milan is known as the economic heart of Italy, with many HQs of the financial industry based there. However, it is world renowned as a fashion capital, hosting Milan Fashion Week semi-annually every year, with the Autumn/Winter event in February-March, and the Spring/Summer range in September-October.

Milan is also home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, including Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

A mix of the historical and the modern, the Midnight in Milan Glasshouse candle is a combination of old spice and new blooms. With top notes of Saffron and Rose, and base notes of Dry Amber, Moss and Musk, it’s a sexy and sultry scented candle reminiscent of a runway rendezvous. It conjures up visions of flowery summer dresses during the day turning into overnight bags and high heels clicking on cobblestones after dark - ciao bella!

Glasshouse also offer a limited edition Ode to Women Travel Set, which is a makeup bag containing a shower gel, body lotion and eau de parfum for smelling good on the go (when you’re allowed to go!) 

Florence

One of the most charming cities in Italy’s rolling hills Tuscany region, Florence is the city for art and architecture lovers alike. Dubbed the birthplace of Europe’s Renaissance period, its world-famous Uffizi Gallery boasts works by Raphael, da Vinci and Botticelli, to name just a few, whilst The Galleria dell' Accademia di Firenze has housed Michelangelo’s original marble masterpiece, The Statue of David, since 1873.

Florence also has many beautiful natural and man-made attractions for the al fresco globetrotter, such as the Ponte Vecchio (Italian for “Old Bridge”) and the Boboli Gardens. One of its most iconic sights is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its terracotta-tiled dome and bell tower – and it’s over 700 years old!

Moving away from the centre of town and into the surrounding countryside, Glasshouse Fragrance’s Forever Florence candle (60g or 380g) is a fruity and floral affair. With intense hits of Cherry and Peach, and hints of Wild Peony, Lily and Jasmine, it’s an outdoorsy aroma with the richness and warmth of the Tuscan sun. It’s pastel pink and white, the romance of the Renaissance and a summer fling all in one.

If you’re wanting to give the gift of Florence fragrances, Glasshouse has a limited edition Ode to Women Essentials Gift Set consisting of a soy scented candle, perfume, shower gel and body lotion.

Amalfi

If you’re after a dramatic seaside getaway, then look no further than The Amalfi Coast – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997! A winding 50 km stretch of coastline on Italy’s southwest side, it connects over a dozen villages, vineyards, and vertical cliffs, all overlooking the stunning Tyrrhenian Sea.

The Path of the Gods is the best hike on the Amalfi Coast. Going from Bomberano to Nocelle, it will offer up the most incredible views through ancient historical towns and ruins. As a major tourist attraction, it’s unsurprising that it has also become equally famous for its good food and hospitality along the way.

Sticking with the exploring theme, Glasshouse candle Lost in Amalfi (60g or 380g) is all about breathing in fresh air and sparkling sea mist. Invigorated impressions of crystal-clear waters and zesty Limoncello come from the Summertime scents Freesia, Lime and Lavender, with grounding notes of Thyme, Tarragon, Moss and Patchouli.

Low-maintenance, flameless yet still fragrant, Glasshouse’s Triple Strength Amalfi Diffuser is another way to spritz your space, or a liquidless Scent Scene Duo and replacement Stems. You can also get Lost in Amalfi in a range of hand products too, such as hand cream, hand wash and hand sanitiser.

Cyprus

A 12-hour hop, skip and jump away from the southwest coast of Italy to Greece’s Mediterranean Sea, you’ll be saying Yiasou! to Cyprus. A historical island basking in sand and sunshine, many of its beautiful azure blue beaches have been awarded the exclusive eco-label “Blue Flags”. This means they have good water quality, environmental education services and safety management.

Pry yourself away from the suns’ rays and you’ll find more to explore inland, from charming old towns to ancient archaeological sites. In the heart of Paphos lies the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park (A UNESCO World Heritage Site). With just a small entrance fee, you can explore its many prehistoric ruins and throwbacks to Greek mythology at your leisure. Highlights include Roman houses, amphitheatres and mosaics, and the impressive seashell floor of the House of Dionysus.

Want to surround yourself with all these crisp Cyprus ocean air aromas? Diving into Cyprus is the Glasshouse candle for you. It invokes holiday scenes of bronzed bodies splashing in the sea or sunbaking on the sand. Soak up the scents of Sea Salt and Saffron, plus flavoursome fruity notes of Orange Blossom and Violet, and woody whiffs of Cedarwood and Sandalwood.

And feel refreshed from a dip in Greece’s deep blue Mediterranean Sea with an accompanying Cyprus Diffuser, for a more instant and enduring European ambience.

Don’t forget to explore our full range of Glasshouse scented candles, diffusers and more and give our other blogs about their France & French Polynesia and The Americas inspired collections a read too.