Tested for You: Home Fragrances “A’mmare Candle + Diffuser” by Carthusia

Home fragrances are wonderful. I love them, use them everywhere, and even take them with me when I travel. They create an atmosphere and give every setting a personal touch—and sometimes they even tell stories. And, of course, there’s also a scientific explanation for why room fragrances have such a positive effect on us: They directly influence the limbic system in the brain, which is responsible for emotions and memories. They can lift your spirits, reduce stress, improve concentration, or neutralize odors, thereby quickly transforming the entire atmosphere of a room and your personal well-being.

Home fragrances with a story

For me, one of the home fragrances that tells a story is the new Domus A’mmare product line, an expansion of Carthusia’s home fragrance collection. “A’mmare” has instantly become my favorite. Perhaps because the sea is quite far from my home in Tuscany (200 km), and this way I can bring a touch of the sea and of Capri—the home of Carthusia—into my home.

“A’mmare” is a fragrance that captures the sea breeze, the sun-warmed herbs, and the timeless charm of this dream island. Instantly, my mind’s eye conjures up the endless expanse of the blue horizon, the sound of the waves, and the freshness of the Mediterranean Sea. Whether “A’mmare” fills the room with its invigorating aromas through a diffuser or scented candles, bright, sunny bergamot meets rosemary and mint, salt crystals, cedarwood and guaiac wood, as well as patchouli and musk. It is the scent of a long summer.

A colorful underwater garden

The artfully designed bottles and packaging for the candle and diffuser echo the iconic colors and patterns of the A’mmare fragrance. Vibrant, Mediterranean colors offer a glimpse into a fascinating underwater world featuring red coral branches, captivating plant arrangements, and beautifully shaped seashells—a gem for any living space or office setting.

The powdery scented candle of the home fragrance collection with its lovely maritime vibe weighs 300 g (75 euros). The diffuser is available in 230 ml (90 euros), 480 ml (120 euros), and 680 ml (145 euros). I think it also makes a wonderful gift for all Italy lovers and Capri fans!

What makes Carthusia so special
 

Carthusia has always been based on Capri. Legend has it that in the year of our Lord 1380, the prior of the Certosa di San Giacomo (Monastery of St. James) on the island received an unannounced visit from Joanna I of Anjou, Queen of Naples. He quickly had the most beautiful flowers gathered from all over the island to create arrangements. The flowers were left in their vases, and three days later, a wonderful floral fragrance rose from the water.

A monk who had been initiated into the secrets of alchemy used this floral water to create “Garofilium Silvestre Caprese,” Capri’s first perfume. He documented everything. But it wasn’t until 1948 that the old formulas were rediscovered by the prior of the Carthusian monastery. With the Pope’s permission, he showed them to a chemist from Piedmont. The chemist immediately began his work in a small laboratory, which he named “Carthusia,” meaning “Carthusian monastery.” In that laboratory—that magical place rich in aromas and emotions—the fragrances of Carthusia, the fragrances of Capri, are still created today.

Handcrafted

To this day, all Carthusia products are crafted from the highest-quality raw materials, such as rosemary picked on Monte Solaro and wild carnations from Capri: these ingredients lend these fragrances their inimitable character. The medieval formulas have been carefully refined by the renowned perfumer Laura Tonatto from Piedmont.

Production at Carthusia is still carried out by hand to this day. Incidentally, it was not until September 2002—for the first time in their history—that the perfumes left the most beautiful of all Italian islands to be presented to the public. Until then, these olfactory gems were available exclusively on Capri.