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Hotel Durgerdam
Durgerdam, The Netherlands
Sector: Luxury Hospitality
Scent: Custom
Notes: Mandarin · Angelica · Marjoram
The Challenge
How do you create a signature scent for a hotel that has yet to open its doors?
For Hotel De Durgerdam, the challenge was to develop a fragrance before the guest experience physically existed. The scent needed to capture the essence of the hotel’s future identity while drawing inspiration from its unique surroundings: the tranquil waters, open landscapes and authentic character of the historic fishing village of Durgerdam.
The goal was to create a fragrance that felt deeply connected to its environment, elegant and welcoming, yet rooted in nature. A scent that would become an integral part of the hotel experience from day one, offering guests an immediate sense of place upon arrival.
Our Approach
We looked to the landscape surrounding Hotel De Durgerdam for inspiration. We explored the local flora and fauna, searching for scent elements that could authentically capture the character of the area and its unique relationship with the water.
During this process, we discovered angelica, a resilient coastal plant with aromatic qualities that evoke a subtle sea breeze effect. This became a key source of inspiration, beautifully reflecting Durgerdam’s history as a fishing village once situated on the shores of the Zuiderzee, before the saltwater transformed into the freshwater landscape that exists today.
By combining these natural references with the hotel’s vision of understated luxury and calm hospitality, we developed a fragrance that creates a genuine sense of place, deeply connected to both the environment and the story of De Durgerdam.
SCENT STORY
“A scent shaped by water, wind and time.
The scent pays homage to Durgerdam's rich maritime history. Once overlooking the vast salt waters of the Zuiderzee and now resting beside the calm freshwater expanse of the IJsselmeer, the village embodies a rare balance between heritage and tranquility.
Soft green notes, subtle mineral facets and warm natural undertones come together to reflect this transition, where nature, history and hospitality seamlessly intertwine."
The Result
1. Guests immediately remarked on the pleasant, reassuring atmosphere upon arrival
2. The scent became part of the hotel’s identity – recognized by returning guests
3. Positive feedback from staff on its subtlety and natural feel