Chandrika Thomas Marrakesh Review

A short while ago Chandrika Thomas kindly got in touch and asked if I’d like to sample one of their most talked-about scents, Marrakesh. I always enjoy trying new perfumes and the combination of notes immediately piqued my interest.

About Chandrika Thomas London

Chandrika Thomas is a small independent fragrance house and was founded with the purpose of fragrance being part of a ritual that’s woven into everyday moments. They craft their perfumes in small, exclusive batches using some of the world’s finest botanicals. This approach gives the fragrances a more personal, artisanal feel.

I really enjoyed reading about Chandrika, the founder of the brand that shares her namesake. Getting to know the person behind the brand and their story makes their fragrances seem more intimate. Her story is very inspiring too.

First Impressions & Packaging

I was really impressed by the level of personalisation I received with my fragrance. And judging by reviews, I’m not the only one. The perfume arrived in a carefully handmade box with a thank-you card addressed directly to me, which was a really thoughtful touch. As a brand, they source ethical ingredients for their fragrances, and materials for their packaging are sourced locally.

Marrakesh is one of their most talked about scents through word of mouth alone. It’s a delicious blend of spicy florals and warm amber crystals, with musk, cedarwood and patchouli in the base.

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Fragrance family: spicy floral amber

Key notes: lemon, bergamot, jasmine, orange blossom, clove, amber, patchouli

Best season: autumn, winter, or cooler spring days

Longevity: all day wear

Projection: strong for the first few hours

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What Does Marrakesh Smell Like?

On first spray, I get a lot of lemon and bergamot. These citrus notes help to really lift the fragrance and keep it feeling bright throughout wear. Next I smell the jasmine sambac, orange blossom and ylang ylang. These notes are supported by clove which gives it a nice spice. There’s patchouli and amber in the base which gives it a slight earthiness and warmth. Overall, Marrakesh smells really interesting and full bodied. It’s rich but the citrus stops it from ever feeling heavy.

Performance & Longevity

When Chandrika Thomas said their fragrances were distinctive, they meant it. Marrakesh has personality and performs really well. I can easily get a full day’s wear out of this with strong projection for most of it. Because of the quality of ingredients used, it smells almost botanical rather than perfumey.

I find many houses say their fragrances evoke a certain experience or place. And while they might, it’s often in a “this smells like a perfume interpretation of this place” sort of way. Marrakesh genuinely evokes the feeling of wandering through the souks rather than simply smelling like a “perfume interpretation” of the city.

Chandrika Thomas’s Marrakesh feels very luxurious to me. It makes me feel like someone who wears a neat fitted blazer and jeans and goes shopping at Harrods on a late afternoon.

When Is the Best Time to Wear Marrakesh?

To me, because of the clove, and amber, this is a scent that shines best when there is a slight chill in the air. I think it’s versatile but the spices might not wear as well in the high heat. When there’s a bit of a chill you really get the warm notes come through.

Who I think Marrakesh would suit

Marrakesh is a lovely choice if you enjoy warm floral fragrances with depth and character. If your perfume collection leans towards amber scents, spicy florals or rich white florals like jasmine and orange blossom, this fragrance will likely appeal.

It’s particularly well suited to cooler days in autumn or early spring when the warmth of the clove, amber and patchouli can really develop on the skin. If you enjoy perfumes that feel elegant, slightly exotic and a little bit different from mainstream fragrances, Marrakesh is definitely one to try.

Chandrika Thomas Marrakesh perfume retails for £143 for 50ml and £194 for 100ml.

Overall, I’m really impressed by the perfume itself, the attention to detail and the company ethos. It really feels throughout the whole experience that you’re enjoying a piece of their art and expression.