Hayman’s scent…Chanel No. 5
August 10, 2011
Over three hundred different species of plants have been bought in during the renovations of Hayman’s Botanical Gardens, but few have captured people’s imagination quite like the Michelia Champaca.
This tree, with its Kelly-green leaves, is best known for its flowers. Not only are they delicately beautiful, they also smell amazing, and I’m not the only one who thinks so. The essential oil from this flower is a core ingredient in one of the world’s most famous perfumes, Chanel No.5.
More recently a number of other perfumers have created single note fragrances from the flower; Tom Ford’s ‘Champaca Absolute’ and Ormonde Jayne’s ‘Champaca’ to name a few.
Known as “Joy Perfume Tree” in parts of Southeast Asia where it is native, these trees love Hayman’s tropical climate, one of the many reasons they feature so predominately on the island.
You’ll find a Michelia Champaca about every twenty-five metres throughout the resort and not just for the incredible smell. The seeds also attract a variety of birds and butterflies adding to Hayman’s already diverse wildlife.
Different flowers smell stronger at different times and dusk is the best time to appreciate these flowers’ scent.
Spending an evening strolling through Hayman’s Gardens surrounded by Michelia Champacas is an experience that must be smelled to be believed.
