Food-themed gifts are ever-popular for occasions like Valentine’s Day—and for that special someone who’s obsessed with sweet treats, a dessert candle could be the right fit for them. What’s better than filling a room with fruity or chocolatey aromas that evoke the same warm feeling as enjoying your favorite dessert? Plus, it lasts longer than devouring that treat in one go. The Luxury Collection (a group of luxury hotels and resorts under the Marriott brand) has tapped culinary artist Laila Gohar for a line of candles inspired by the scent and shape of popular desserts from their various hotel locations. Read on for all the details on these unique candles and where they’re available to purchase.
The scoop on these dessert-inspired candles
Savoring a tasty dessert and lighting a candle are two common ways to unwind after a long day. Hence why, Gohar and the Luxury Collection teamed up for a special collaboration of limited-edition candles and specialty cakes. Here’s a breakdown provided by the Luxury Collection of the six candles and corresponding treats that are influenced by their international properties.
- Sanasaryan Han (Istanbul): Inspired by the city’s stunning mix of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, this cake is infused with cherry and fig flavored filling–two native fruits that are integral to the region’s culinary heritage and cherished in countless traditional dishes and desserts.
- Augustine (Prague): Taking influence from the hotel’s historic monastery and the hues of the Augustinian colors, this cake is beautifully adorned with apple embellishments–an homage to both the Czech culinary traditions and local agriculture.
- Santo Mauro (Madrid): This interpretation of Flores Manchegas, a beloved traditional Spanish pastry, is imbued with the rich essence of velvety port wine and the vibrant brightness of zesty orange, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
- Perry Lane (Savannah): Drawing inspiration from Georgia’s storied culinary heritage, this cake is enhanced with the delicate sweetness of peaches and the refreshing touch of mint. Both ingredients are deeply rooted in the region’s traditions, offering a refined nod to Southern elegance and hospitality.
- The Joseph (Nashville): Grounded in Nashville’s sweet legacy, this cake is rich with the bold flavors of chocolate and whiskey. Paying tribute to the city’s iconic Goo Goo Chocolate–America’s first combination candy bar–the cake blends tradition and indulgence, offering a decadent taste of Music City’s flavorful history.
- The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho (Tokyo): Reflecting the cherished tradition of Sakura blooms blossoming each season, this cake features the delicate flavors of matcha and Sakura. The Sakura blossoms, highly anticipated by both travelers and the local community each year, serve as a beautiful inspiration, enriching the cake with the essence of Tokyo’s seasonal beauty and cultural reverence.
Where to buy these candles as a Valentine’s Day gift
While each cake flavor is available to try at its designated Luxury Collection property, the limited-edition candles are available to buy on Gohar’s website ($78 per candle). “Laila’s innovative take on culinary art and her ability to transform everyday objects into statement-making pieces make her the ideal embodiment of The Luxury Collection’s Global Explorer program,” said Philipp Weghmann, vice president and global brand leader, the Luxury Collection, said in a statement. “We hope this limited-edition collection of cakes and candles will further immerse our guests in the destination and enhance their cultural journeys in an unexpected way.”
