India Hicks Island Nights Crabtree & Evelyn for women

What a surprisingly complex, lovely scent "Island Nights" is. Surprising because it's distinctive and a blend of notes that have seemed so neglected for quite some time; rich, boysenberry-jammy, creamy soft, orchids. With so many "tropical" scents these days, it seems the lush flora is neglected to make way for the scents of suntan oil and fruit mixers -- charming in their own way, but certainly not the authority on "tropical" notes.

"Island Nights" starts off with a brisk burst of salty air and velvety, wine-like orchid blooms; the sensation is dark but sheer -- very lush but, oddly, an elegant impression of tropical lushness, rather than a sweltering, oily density (something often evoked with the inclusion of tiare, but no tiare is in this blend.) There's this fascinating tension in "Island Nights", that puts unbridled, island lushness against a tweedy, semi-formality, and I get this idea of attempting to tame a wild place by ignoring its subconscious lustiness. The gentle salt note, with a sandy dash of something that smells like broom (like that in Dior's "Dune") tempers this creamy, underlying richness that feels like its almost overripe, if it weren't for a cool, sheer breezy ozonic layer cooling it off, there's even a subtle, sugar note that emerges, seemingly to balance the "salt air" into a perfect recipe for balance. It's as if warm, creamy skin -- sweet and dusky from a day in the sun -- hasn't cooled from a blazing sunset, yet and the evening dew will take much longer to cool the balminess from a tropical day. A gentle, nectar bloom stays strong throughout, later giving the orchid a more linear line, with a hint of polished wood elegance, evoking exotic plants in a "shabby chic", linen-outfitted home with vetiver mats.

I really love how unique this scent is. Despite it being offered by a "mainstream" brand, I find "Island Nights" gives attention to a plethora of neglected notes that have, somehow, been ignored in the tropicana-fruit-punch rush. I think this is my new regular "go-to". It puts me in a very "present" place and feels slightly risque; like a buttoned-up office scent, that challenges passers-by with its underlying carnality.

I grew up in the island of Bali and this eau de toilette really reminds me of home, of nights at the beach! For me, in the first whiff I can detect a slight sea salt kind of scent, i cant really describe it but there is this really soft salty scent that I usually smell at the beach.The saltiness only lasts for a couple seconds then it became a subtle background to the dominating soft, floral but still green and fresh scent of the perfume. At the same time, it still carries that tropical, sea-breeze feel throughout. For me it is a one of a kind smell and it is very well made. I am a bit biased though because this smell reminds me of home =) but unless your body chemistry reacts weirdly with it, I doubt anybody would find this scent offensive. My boyfriend also love it, which is another plus. Thank you India Hicks and Crabtree & Evelyn for making this perfume. It is suitable for day or night wear. Very casual, soft smell but elegant and tropical sexy. I just wish it has more lasting power as it is so soft. An eau de parfum version would be nice perhaps? =) (p.s. I dont like the other India Hicks perfume, Island Living, for me it doesn't smell tropical nor island-y. Oh, and I just found out that India Hicks was the bridesmaid of Princess Diana!)

Floral-fruity? Not at all, this is Green-Fougère. I bought this bottle today, it's so sleek and smooth the bottle is a gorgeous colour. The frag is so cool green leaves of palms for me that why I got it. But very suprised to see here it's a fruity-floral.
I see the notes here and again another shock. Nothing of the notes comes to my nose neither on my skin. But I will agree to the evening feel of this tropical juice. I will sleep with this scent as another option, next to my lavender nights. I am happy with this.

I sampled this at the store, and because of the dark packaging and bottle, I was expecting a darker, seductive maybe spicy scent. So I was surprised and slightly disappointed when I actually discovered a pleasant floral. I don't remember any particular note that stood, or that it was very original. Just seemed to lack that certain something. But enjoyable enough if it were given to me.

This is a beautiful scent!!!! Very citrus and dark smelling. I have my doubts about being long lasting but is just gorgeous to inhale and dream to!

Like all Crabtree & Evelyn scents,India Hicks Island Nights is descreetly packages in a deep mightnight blue bottle. This looks as if it should be sitting in one of the ensuites at the Hilton.
Don't be fooled by the elegance of this flacon,once opened it emits a fragrance which imediateley puts you on a tropical fantasy. At first you experience the exotic florals of violet,orchid,jasmine and bergamot all sensually softened by musk,only to be enlivened by the hint of tropical fruits and iris.
All of a sudden you have been transported onto a tropical paradise with balmy summer nights and cooling ocean breezes, sipping fruity cocktails and listening to island music.
How can one not resist and take a piece of paradise home with her.....