Hôtel Weekend is centered around an ethos of escapism. And while the world is still on hold from travelling, we hope we can take you (virtually) to warm & sunny places you’ve never been before. One way to travel - while staying at home- is through scent. Scent can offer a form of sensory escapism. We sat down with Merle Bergers, the woman behind Lingua Planta, to discover her more about her scented rituals.

How did Lingua Planta begin?

Lingua Planta started with a renewed interest in the natural world and a research on how to reconnect with plants. I grew up in a tiny forest in the east of the Netherlands where I felt a strong, animistic connection with trees. When I got older I started travelling a lot, moving from city to city. As I was living in central Paris I felt something was amiss. I love Paris but I guess I needed to nourish my relationship with the natural world and myself again to feel whole. During my studies at Design Academy I felt my senses awakening again and when I discovered the medium of scent as a material, a whole new world opened for me.

What does a usual day look like for you? Do you follow any rituals or routines?

Usually the day starts with some mild stretching and going out to the forest or the old botanical garden nearby for a walk before breakfast. Saying hello to Oak, Pine, Birch, Ginkgo and Sequoia and checking in with myself. How do I feel today? When I get home I make a large pot of herbal tea and I answer my mail and organise myself before I go downstairs, where I have my studio. Usually creativity flows best for me in the evening so I don’t do a work/life balance but more of a work/life-integration. 

Since we’re all at home, is there a way we can travel through scent?

Definitely! I love how scent can be a pathway into free association. 

What is your favorite scent and where does it take you?

I have many favourite scents and depending on my wishes I use them to take me anywhere I like. A mood, a place, a memory. I love Repel as a pick me up scent, it’s very refreshing. Defend revives childhood memories for me. Climbing trees, laying in the grass, petting soft mosses while playing with soft resin sticking between my fingers. 

If we want to travel to the Mediterranean what scent will bring me there?

Lingua Planta - Repel. A lush Sicilian Citrus garden.

to Morocco?

The scent culture in Morocco is so rich. I visited Marrakech just before the lockdown happened in the Netherlands and I reminisce about Orange blossom, Rose tea, Fig leafs, all the spices piled high in the Souk. 

California?

I have never been to California. But I imagine it must smell like fresh ocean air with a warmness to it that could be resembled by something woodsy, perhaps a Cedar or Sandalwood.

Mexico?

I was going to Mexico for the first time this summer with my love. It didn’t happen of course but now we have this amazing feeling of what in Dutch is called ‘voorpret’, which I can translate into a kind of happy anticipation. I can only dream of what Mexico smells like; Dry Cinnamon-like earth, the grinding of hot corn to make it into tortilla, scorched Chili, Lime, churches scented with Copal, smoky Mezcal.    

The Netherlands?

Right now where I live it smells like slightly fermented autumn leaves. With Oak having a distinctive different smell then Beech or Chestnut. Sometimes a little Geosmin or Petrichor, earthy but quite fresh because of the cold. This morning on my walk the air smelled kind of crisp. Of Cucumber, even a bit Melon-y. Kind of unexpected.

an island in the middle of nowhere?

Oh my. I hope it smells like Frangipani carried by the warm seabreeze. One of my favourite island smells. 

Where can we find you on a day off?

On days off I love to take time for creative projects that have been lingering in the back of my mind, I also like to practise pottery and visit friends or museums when possible.  

How do you recreate a spa feeling while at home?

I pride myself on creating an amazing spa feeling while at home. I am lucky to have a bath and I love to soak using bath oils that I make beforehand. I prepare the living room for my return by lighting some incense so if I get out of the bath the room will smell different too which will enhance the whole experience. Often I combine my bath with journaling. My absolute favourite is my full moon bath. I light candles and bring crystals and set new intentions for weeks to come. 

What do you do when you want to give yourself a special treat?

I love to treat myself with new scent materials. 

What’s your secret for wellbeing and good living?

Check in with yourself, give yourself what you need, follow your inspiration, rekindle your senses on a regular basis, connect with your loved ones, (re-)connect with plants. 

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