The Best Candles Inspired By Travel

Since the holidays can be a hectic and stressful time of year, why not gift the person you care about a destination-inspired candle? This way they can whisk themselves to their favorite places in the world, right from the comfort of home and whenever the mood strikes.

Les Mondes de Diptyque Temple des Mousses Refillable Candle, $285

Les Mondes de Diptyque is a new and refillable collection of five delicate fragrances inspired by some of the world’s most beguiling destinations. Layering green moss, tree bark, and matcha, Temple des Mousses echoes a tranquil spring morning at an iconic Kyoto temple’s zen garden that grows an astonishing 120 varieties of verdant moss.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Jasmin d’hiver Scented Candle, $105

From the beloved Parisian fragrance house Maison Francis Kurkdjian comes this cheerful candle that will perk you up on even the dreariest and darkest winter days. Kurkdjian beckons you to dream of a lush floral garden blanketed in snow, with notes of sweet-musky jasmine and ripe mango swirling in the air.

Leland Francis Picnic Candle, $88

The brainchild of celebrity makeup artist Dillon Peña, Leland Francis was inspired by his bucolic Oklahoma upbringing and a desire for simple and uncomplicated skincare. Fittingly, that ethos extends to his brand’s homeware, as evidenced by this candle conjuring the sensation of a leisurely summer picnic surrounded by fresh geranium blooms.

Apollo Candles New York Brezza di Capri/Capri Breeze Candle, $79.50

The grandson of an Italian candle maker, James Napoli carries on his family’s craft heritage with his own luxury brand Apollo Candles New York. The clean-burning coconut wax is hand-poured into elegant Riedel crystal vessels, and the crisp scent mixing bergamot, magnolia, and amber is reminiscent of an open-air drive around Capri with the citrusy air kissing your skin.

Elorea Fire Candle, $75

One of Asia’s best-kept travel secrets, Jeju Island has long been a beachy playground and vacation destination for South Koreans. While it’s famous for many unique foods, including black pig and hairtail fish, the intensely fragrant citrus fruits seem to top most visitors’ lists. In this chic candle, the distinct fragrance of dangyuja—imagine yuzu with a tarter edge—is rounded out with bergamot, clove, and guaiac wood.

Liis Snow on Fire Candle, $65

Light this chic candle by Liis when you are craving some comfort on a cold winter night. A few minutes is all takes before you’re cocooned by warm woods such as palo santo, cypress, and cedar—all of which are softened by fruity raspberry and crisp juniper berry.

Tocca Candela Classica Marrakesh, $48

There are few experiences that pique your sense of smell more vividly than meandering through Marrakesh’s renowned open-air markets and souks. But if a trip to the vibrant Moroccan metropolis isn’t in the cards, consider this posh pick from Tocca coupling heady, rich notes of patchouli and amber.

Phlur Wild Balsam Candle, $45

If you’re seeking a traditional holiday scent with a modern twist, look no further than this new seasonal launch. Created by celebrated perfumer Arnaud Winter, the sophisticated fragrance opens with green pine needles, silver fir, and wild balsam but dries down to an earthy finish thanks to cedar and musk.

Saltair Island Orchid Scented Candle, $25

Jasmine, frangipani, and warm musks intertwine in this candle channeling Tahiti, one of the world’s most beloved tropical island destinations. Strike a match, and close your eyes. You’ll soon feel like you’re sinking your toes in powdery white sands lapped by shimmering aqua waters with the bright sun high in the sky.

Le Monde Gourmand Miel Bourbon Candle, $20.80

Like getting two gifts in one, this wallet-friendly number draws inspiration from Southern drinking culture and cocktail bars. It smells like a delicious bourbon-based cocktail lightly sweetened with orange, honey, and vanilla. After it’s done burning, repurpose it as a cocktail glass.