Garbo Smells! Rosa Greta Giveaway

Garbo.  Greta Garbo.  Is there anyone in the Universe who doesn’t at least know The Name?  I did a quick poll of friends across gender and generation lines and found one thing in common:  they all know The Name.  Most of them have not seen any of her films and they couldn’t really tell you anything about her – not the era of her stardom or even if she’s still alive (several of my younger pollsters thought she might still be, which would be a near Vulcan-like feat, considering she was born in 1905) – what every one of the 8 people I polled agreed with, Garbo is synonymous with Old Hollywood Glamour.

Her love life was always a mystery – depending upon the source(s) she was  possibly bisexual and possibly polyamorous.  What we do know is, she was intensely private – and that, in and of itself, has a glamour all its own, especially if you are beautiful, wealthy and very, very famous.  Story tells it that in 1938 Miss Garbo left Munich for Ravello on the Amalfi Coast, to be with the noted symphony conductor Leopold Stokowski in preparation for their anticipated marriage – the marriage never happened but you can imagine that the 1938 versions of TMZ and Twitter went bonkers over the story (the photo accompanying the story makes her look like she’s just faced a firing squad but it’s probably just a really old microfiche).  Just imagine, the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, with its wild roses and lemon groves, one of the most beautiful and most famous women in existence, in a tryst with a musician who was famous in his own right.  The Stuff of Legend.

I’ve only been to the Amalfi Coast once, decades ago,  – but I shall remember it forever.  For a young woman, traveling with a lover, it is a sublime journey full of sunlight, wine, the intoxicating smells of the countryside and the sea…the cliffs, towns and villages that looked as if they’d stayed the same since Garbo’s time – and we were not Garbo & Stokowski.  I can only imagine their experience went to Eleven!

In Rosa Greta Eau d’Italie has  captured the essence of the Amalfi Coast in springtime, full of those wild roses and lemon groves and sunlight.  Rosa Greta smells like this looks

eau d’italie

Every spritz is a burst of sunshine and sea air, roses, herbs and citrus are carried on the breeze and everything (even the fishmonger at the market stall) is breathtakingly romantic.  I imagine Garbo in boycut trousers and a crisp white shirt, just a hint of Rosa Greta at her pulsepoints, off to the market to get the best wine and the freshest catch for the cook to prepare for that evening’s meal, on the terrace, high above the sea.

I can go on about this because this really is one of my favorite areas in the world – but I’d rather give you a chance to try it for yourself.  Beautyhabit – my beautiful, wonderful BEAUTYHABIT – sent me 2 samples…AND A FULL BOTTLE of this lovely scent.  

I would love to keep it all for ME – but that would be mean.  So!  I am going to do a giveaway for the full bottle and both samples!  Where is your most romantic destination?  Real life or fantasy.  Tell me a little story about it.  I’ll have The Girl (a true romantic) pull 3 names – two will win the sample size and one lucky romantic will receive the beautiful full bottle.  This giveaway is open to all but closes on 11July!

  • Doc Sinister says:

    I would love to go on a glamping African safari — if I could only convince the husband! But anywhere with a small cabin and a good view works for me.

  • Melissa says:

    I went to a rainforest retreat in Belize and stayed in a gorgeous cabin overlooking a waterfall. One night we had a romantic dinner on our deck. When we arrived, they had decorated the entire place in rose petals and candles, the sounds of the river and forest all around us. That was an amazing evening.

  • HeidiC says:

    Wow — Beautyhabit is treating you RIGHT! Most romantic location…I love the desert, and for our 10th anniversary, we AirBnb’d a small casita on the edge of Taos, NM — you could see every single star in the night sky, and it was gorgeous. We made huevos rancheros every morning in our little kitchenette, and hiked the Rio Grande gorge, and ate all the things smothered in green chile.

  • CbSutcliffe says:

    I would love to go back to the site of our honeymoon. We had a small cabin in a larger park. The honeymoon cabin was purposefully set apart from all of the family cabins and you couldn’t see any other cabin or anyone else. It had a water view, a porch, a kitchen, and a fireplace with remote control so we could easily enjoy firelit evenings.

  • I grew up visiting my grandparents in Pacific Grove, California, just around the corner from Monterey. This entire area, including Carmel, is the most magical place, and with the whole world at my fingertips I would probably still choose it over anything else. There is nothing like that coastline with the waves breaking on the rocks, tidepools with purple sea stars and pink anemones, sea otters and gray whales, and flowers, flowers everywhere. Then there’s the history with all the haunted missions to visit, the 17 mile drive, with cypresses bent by the waves and wind. I haven’t been back since I was 21 (a long time ago) and I long for this place body and soul. Someday.

  • monika says:

    Oooh! Sounds so lovely! I’d love to win this giveaway! Thank you for the generous giveaway!

  • lena says:

    I think anywhere can be romantic if you’re with the right person!

    Thank you for such a generous giveaway 🙂

  • Nemo says:

    A very quiet beach with warm water and no internet!! I hear wonderful things about Turks and Caicos, maybe there 🙂 Thank you for the generous giveaway!

  • Tanisha says:

    Kew Gardens in The UK. So magical and wonderful. Smells amazing and just an absolutely dreamy place.
    Thank you, this is so kind!
    Tanisha

  • Jennifer says:

    Easy. Pandora! I would head to the mystical, magical places on that enchanting world for my thrill of a lifetime romantic destination!
    Wait. You did say fantasy. I know you did!

    Hmm. Looking for that amazing place here on earth? From its gorgeous countrysides, lush jungles and silken beaches, I’d look no further than Bali, Indonesia. Its exotic foods and spiritual culture would make this the romantic destination I’d love to explore!

    But, having said all that, a crowded Starbucks in the middle of New York City can hold all the romance, as long as you have that “special” someone. ;D

    This perfume sounds lovely! Thanks for your kind generosity.

  • Vicki says:

    Oh Greta Garbo in the Anna Karenina movie is a favorite! So nice to see a fragrance inspired by her. I’ve always wanted to visit to New Zealand, just seems beautiful and lush. Thank you for the drawing opportunity.

  • Dorothy Van Daele says:

    I love rose too.

    A romantic getaway — cross the little bridge from the train / bus station and walk into Venice. There’s the Grand Canal! Hand in hand, suddenly we’re in another world; the traffic has vanished, the air seems cleaner (perhaps with less traffic noise, I’m aware of the saline?) The buildings, they’re delightful! So different from one another. The crowds: everyone good humoured, I notice others hand-in-hand. I hear it’s the honeymoon capital… We wander over bridges, along narrow streets and passageways, drifting with the crowd. Each stall, each shop beckons, but we drift on, following new delights. It’s sunny, it’s warm. I see a rose liqueur along with lemoncello in a window display. Eventually we stop for coffee and gelato. It’s perfect. And we have only scratched the surface. Ah, I want to go back!

  • audesko1 says:

    Oh my gosh! I am going in august with my husband. I would love to win a sample. Wine, smells….

  • Berby says:

    My romantic destination is a beach somewhere in Eastern Canada, enjoying mussels and lobster with a glass of wine with my sweetheart…

  • Jarvis says:

    I guess I’ll say Paris too, even though my favorite activity there is shopping and my sweetie would probably rather have dental surgery than spend the day doing that.

  • Audrey H. says:

    I’ve always felt that Paris was the most romantic destination since I was a young girl seeing the city in movies and in photos. I think many places can be romantic as long as I have my sweetheart with me. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Kate E. says:

    I think that a romantic getaway for me would have to be somewhere chilly like New England in the fall or Germany at Christmas time. My husband is from the east coast and I have lots of fond memories of him in wool sweaters.

  • tiffanie says:

    I adore the Vancouver and Victoria area of Canada. I think it makes a perfect getaway (romantic or otherwise) any season of the year. Though I live in the US I often wish I could go there again. A month long visit would be very nice. 😉

  • haunani54 says:

    Gee, thanks for the draw! I’m intrigued by this rose, and love the bottles in this line. My romantic destination? I have this thing about Corsica. Everything about it sounds appealing – the fragrant maquis mixed with sea air, yummy seafood and wine, and the (reportedly) independent-minded people.

  • Joe says:

    all these replies! My favorite place to be is in Paris!

  • Lee says:

    The south of France! My husband and I have wanted to go for years. But now maybe the Amalfi Coast!

  • Lemoncake says:

    My dream is similar to yours, Musette. I traveled to Capri many years ago and fell in love with the area. My dream would be to return, knowing perfect Italian, with a perfect Italian lover, driving an old Alfa Romeo, and staying in a villa overlooking the exquisitely turquoise water. Thanks for your post and the draw!

  • Bastet says:

    I’ve never been to Paris but it’s my fantasy romantic getaway- would love to leave my children behind for a short while and go wander the streets of the city with my husband. Maybe some day.

  • naaneuclidean says:

    The ultimate romantic place to me is season-specific. It’s either Maine or maybe Rhode Island in the autumn, around peak fall colors. We’d stay for a week, and five of the days would be perfect weather: crisp but not cold, a sky with mottled clouds, maybe a grey day or two. But for two nights it would thunderstorm, and we would stay inside and drink wine in front of a fireplace, and cuddle underneath blankets, and read.

  • Sapphire says:

    The most romantic place I’ve visited so far is San Francisco. Most romantic place I’ve never seen would have to be Paris. Thise are both really urban. Best out-of-the-way destination would probably be Bavaria. Thanks for the drawing!

  • Pam says:

    I should probably go with someplace tropical for a dream vacation, but the most wonderful and romantic place I’ve visited is Wyoming. The Grand Tetons. Unbelievable. It has been years, but it stays in my heart.

  • Nelle says:

    What a wonderful giveaway, I always wanted to go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night, from the terrace of a 5 star hotel or apartment near the the Eiffel Tower!

  • Maggiecat says:

    Romance, for me, depends on the person I’m with, rather than a place. But my now-husband and I too a delayed honeymoon trip to Hawaii that was perfect in every way. It began with first class tickets (a perk from his frequent flier rewards program) , followed by just an amazingly beautiful and interesting trip. Bonus: Hawaii smells beautiful, flowers and the sea combined! The description of this scent reminds me of that, and I’d love to try it!

  • Angie Morrill says:

    I have never visited Hawai’i and I would love to have a romantic getaway with swimming and walking on beaches and visiting cultural sites and spending time eating amazing food there!

  • John says:

    Rosa Greta is one of the best perfume. My partner loves it and uses it. Smelling good is very important when we are going somewhere. Be it a party or even if we are going out for a casual outing, then also she sprays this perfume. I enjoyed reading your posts. Thanks for sharing.

  • Elaine says:

    Oh, to be back in Amalfi! Scents of the sea air, flowers and even fragrant espresso.

  • S T says:

    Hmmm that’s a tough one. I don’t know who it would be with or where, however, it would be with someone who completely accepts and adores me, someone who lets me be the person I have always been and want to be. Someone who doesn’t try to squelch or change me, someone that doesn’t have so many rules. The place we visit would be somewhere neither of us have been to, somewhere exciting and adventurous, somewhere where there isn’t time for self doubt and self deprecating thoughts. No hang ups, no fear, no embarrassment, just pleasure and bliss.
    Thank you ??

  • Libby says:

    most romantic trip – to Paris, or a long train ride in Europe, or both….or perhaps, Amalfi coast in Italy….of course, in the summer, during lemon season (is there a lemon season?)

  • Jirish says:

    Most romantic trip to date was this past May in Jordan. Made even more special because my husband had survived his cancer treatments, which had ended only one month earlier. Floating in the Dead Sea, the splendor of the Roman ruins of Jerash, Crusader castles where we were the only visitors, hiking through the magnificent Petra, again, often completely alone, and our private camel and jeep tour of Wadi Rum, ending at Aqaba, and diving in the Red Sea. It felt like living in an adventure movie. It was the trip I’d been dreaming of for over 15 years. And Incense Rose and By Killian Rose Oud were the perfect accompaniments.

  • Pats says:

    This is on my bucket list and one of my most romantic locations would be to travel on The Orient Express and bump into someone who would become my romantic interest, I could list many – but this one came to mind! 🙂

  • otamom says:

    My dream romantic vacay has always been to backpack through Europe, visiting castles and historical sites together with the person I love. As per Great Garbo, I too recognize the name and of course her beautiful face, but cannot remember ever having seen any of her movies.

  • sara says:

    Sounds beautiful! Here now and always, my favorite place to go is Paris. Love everything about it and despite visiting many, many times, there is always something new and compelling.

  • Lisa D says:

    I was in Seville last winter with some great friends, and I found it wonderfully romantic. I would love to go back, spend more time exploring the old city (as well as other parts of Spain), and finally learn to speak Spanish fluently…

  • AnnieA says:

    Another vote for Venice. I went there with my true love near Christmas and it was dark and mysterious.

  • Jeanne says:

    The first plane trip I experienced, I was 40 years of age. We went to Ireland. Everything about it was exciting for me. First time out of the US, first plane trip, visiting the country of my ancestors. Does it qualify as romantic, I can’t say. My husband was with me. But it’s the only place I long to go back to. The people were wonderful. The scenery beautiful. The history was inspiring along with heart-wrenching. I am now 71 years of age. I’ve been to Paris, and Germany, but Ireland calls me back.

  • Tara C says:

    So many great choices! But my next romantic getaway is going to be to Cape Breton in the Canadian maritimes. We will be leaving at the beginning of August, really looking forward to it.

  • Kandice says:

    Not having had much of a chance for world travel, I would love to go to Italy and tour some of the vineyards. But actually anyplace with beaches, crystal clear water, and a nice breeze would be heavenly right now. Thank you so much for the generous giveaway!

  • rosarita313 says:

    Wow, Ms A, thanks for the fabulous chance, Rosa Greta and your descriptions both sound heavenly!
    Ok, over our morning coffee, my husband and I have discussed our dream romantic getaway and have decided on the Swiss Alps. Pristine views and crystal clear air and snuggling under an eiderdown in a beautiful chalet, with a fireplace in the bedroom, and train travel. We have loads of family and friends on the Gulf Coast and have had many happy, sultry, food filled times in N’Awlins so a complete change to share together sounds very romantic to us.

  • Connie says:

    Possibly venice- I absolutely loved it there and would love to go again. Or paris, one of the most beautiful cities. Truly there are so many places I’d love to go.
    Thank you for the draw!

  • Neva says:

    Thanks so much for the generous giveaway. Rosa Greta sounds lovely and romantic.
    My most romantic getaway so far was a week on one of the Maledives’ islands – white sandy beaches, sun, relaxing, freedom. I can’t compare it to anything else and I wish it could have lasted forever.

  • Kirsten says:

    We were lucky enough to stay in Ravello for a week last July. The Amalfi coast is all you say and more. We saw 4 weddings there in that week, from the biggest, with a full marching band processsion in the piazza outside the cathedral and every church bell in the valley chiming, to the very smallest in the stunning gardens of the Villa Rufolo, just the happy couple and a few close friends.
    Memories: nectarines from the market, limone delice in the piazza, fresh almond croissants for breakfast!

    The most romantic place I’ve been to? There’s a little inn in Glencoe (Scotland) called the Clachaig. There are seats outside and if you can brave the cold on a clear dark night, the view of the Milky Way framed by the hills is just magical!

    Thankyou for the draw! If anything can capture the aura of Amalfi (TF’s line comes close, but not quite), count me in!

  • Jan says:

    I fell ‘in love-in love’ in the beauteous parts of British Columbia 3!!! times (hey, I’m 60. In a life time, I’m allowed) . . . You would think of Europe as the perfect place, but when love strikes, it strikes! The first in love, kayaking amongst west coast islands, my perfume was Nombre Noir . . . a rose I must now lay to rest as one can find it no more and there are no ‘almost like’ and why would you? because divinity + seduction = cannot be replaced. With the second in love, over the years a deep abiding love, the exquisite Rose Oud, courtesy of a friends recommendation, reigned in the Okanagan, our western Canadian wine country where fragrant wild roses release their scent in the sun each and every summer along bike paths and trails. The third in love, my interlude, back to the coast, was intermittent yet exclusive and constant as Portia and sexy as hell . . . this was an ‘oh my’ and Lyric scented affair to last a decade. I hereby rest my case for The Rose.

  • Sandipants says:

    Sounds fantastic!!! My favorite holiday is visiting the otherworldly San Juan Islands, camping & hiking along an open view. Or, I’d love to go back to Corsica with the crystal clear waters, fantastic food (& coffee) & slow quiet pace! Thx for this opportunity!

  • Rebecca S. says:

    I’ve always wanted to go to Europe, it’s so beautiful and romantic, so, my most perfect and romantic getaway would have to be an European tour. My soulmate and I would travel by train and by foot to beautiful cities and hidden destinations.

    We’d go to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower at night, and eat gelato in Italy; maybe to South France to lounge at the beach and Amsterdam to bike around the colorful houses. We’d go to concerts where we don’t understand a word they’re singing, take walks in the fresh air, and visit ancient buildings.
    We’d run around places, exploring cities without a map, and just relaxing and enjoying life. We wouldn’t have to go to expensive places or eat fancy foods, just be with each other (sigh.).

    I think what makes something romantic is just being spontaneous and going wherever your heart leads you. It doesn’t have to be like a lavish or big gesture of anything, simple is perfect as long as your hearts are happy.
    So that’s my idea of my perfect romantic getaway.
    Thank you so much for making this giveaway! Can’t wait!

  • Koyel says:

    What a kind giveaway! With such a glorious description, I think it’s silly of you to give it all away, but I assume you have more perfume than you know what to do with 🙂

    My boyfriend and I went to Hawaii (the Big Island) some years ago for our anniversary. Yes yes yes, you say, very stereotypical, but actually, the most romantic part was not the beaches, or the lovely resort that stocked Le Labo toiletries. The most romantic part was driving the Mustang convertible out to some deserted place in the middle of the island, taking the top down, leaning the seats back as far as they would go, and watching the stars together for hours, while telling each other stories about ourselves that the other had never heard.

  • nicevulady says:

    I think one of the most romantic places in the world is Venice, Italy. The combination of beautiful architecture, beautiful food, and beautiful people is hard to beat. Sitting in a gondola being serenaded with old Italian love songs can only remind me of that incredibly romantic movie “Summertime” with Katherine Hepburn. Sigh! This fragrance sounds gorgeous. Fingers crossed.

  • PJ says:

    Even though I was lucky enough to get to live in northern Italy for nearly four years back in the 80’s, my most romantic time was as a newlywed in Monterey, California. The sound of the Pacific and the barking of the sea lions, the huge trees and the fog…..those things can’t be separated from how I felt about my new husband and our life there.

  • Marianna says:

    For me, the romantic destination would be Hawaii.

  • Tara Pollard says:

    Going to New Orleans for my honeymoon in September. Going to wander through the Garden District and the French Quarter with my lover, eating and drinking whatever looks best.

  • kimb says:

    So I think I go against the usual direction – I would choose Iceland in winter with amazing Northern lights. Stars and moon are romantic, the northern lights would just take it over the top!

  • Loni says:

    Sounds heavenly! My most romantic trip was to Nice, France. A honeymoon trip in December. We road a train to Monte Carlo, ate a lot of bread, and spent Christmas Day in the hotel watching old Christmas movies (in French).

  • Cecilia says:

    Wow! What a wonderful giveaway! Ahhh, the lovely scent of roses, sea and citrus. It sounds divine.

    A romantic getaway….hmmm…
    For me it would be The Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Michigan. I love the island, no cars allowed. It’s a step back in time.

  • Tiara says:

    Never thought about going to the Amalfi coast, but suddenly, I feel like I NEED to. Romantic getaway? These days I’d settle for any getaway, but if would be some place where we can really see the sky at night so we can be in awe of the Milky Way. We’re tucked into a soft blanket because the air is crisp, with the smell of a fire not too far away. But no bugs or wild animals please.

  • Claudia S says:

    Laguna Beach, California. Such a beautiful place ?

  • Nepenthe in Big Sue, California. I am frequently homesick for this oasis I’ve only been to once. Picturesque overlook over the Pacific Ocean. I couldn’t stop squealing, “It’s soooo beautiful!”

  • Rosemary says:

    Wow, what an incredible giveaway, thanks Musette!!! As for romantic getaways, my favorite adventure thusfar was when my husband and I went to the Tulum/Playa del Carmen region of the Yucatan Peninsula; gorgeous resort with great food, snorkeling along the second largest coral reef in the world, exploring Mayan ruins, it was fabulous! An ideal romantic getaway may be somewhere like Bora Bora, or the Maldives, somewhere with a private bungalow perched right on the turquoise water…something like that is definitely on our wish list! I would also love for us to go visit the Italian coastal areas; I’ve seen gorgeous photos, the Amalfi Coast would certainly be on the list! Thanks again for the beautiful giveaway, very generous!

  • This fragrance sounds amazing. I’m a strange sort of person who loves masrhes and swamps. My hubby and I go to the Georgia coast for vacation every year. The salty smells, the jewel tone colors of the setting sun over the marsh, the sounds of the ocean, and the millions of stars at night make for us the most romantic place on earth. Thanks for the draw!!

  • Tenak says:

    I dream of travelling to St. Petersburg and Moscow. I would see the Bolshoi and the Hermitage, hear amazing orchestral works and eat until my clothing no longer fit.
    The romance would be that this trip would be to rediscover myself. Thank you so much for the draw.

  • Kathleen Valley says:

    The sound of the small wooden boats rustled against each other in tempo with the small band that started playing at twilight, as I sat alone, one of many, on Piazza San Marcos. This was supposed to be our second chance, a new way of being, of experiencing a life unknown to either of us.

    It wasn’t to be. He missed the last train from Milan without explanation or regret.

    A bell sounding in the distance and the sweetness of limoncello on my lips snap me back to what’s possible; the magical experience of loving me.

  • Hmmm….so many choices, but I suspect that my top choice would be two weeks travelling through French Polynesia, just my spouse and I. Sounds like heaven!

  • Nancy White says:

    One of the most beautiful and romantic places I have ever been is Vence in the South of France. Particularly the Chappelle de Rosaire with its magnificent Matisse stained glass windows. It has been many years since I was there, but I can still picture and feel the beauty clearly.

  • Diana says:

    I will be 49 next month and have only taken 3 vacations in my lifetime, so I wouldn’t be super-picky about where to go Anyplace would be welcome, but my idea of a romantic destination is somewhere with sand, ocean, good food and wine that is away from the noise and crowds.

  • Gina says:

    What an utterly fantabulous giveaway. Okay, weird as this wounds, my two most romantic getaways would be Sri Lanka because I fell in love in high school with the Duran Duran video Rio that was filmed there. If you’ve seen it, you understand. Also, a fur coat, a train and Moscow and St. Petersburg in winter. I am rugged.

  • Jessica Lux says:

    This perfume sounds just lovely!
    My favorite romantic getaway thus far is the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, Spain. My boyfriend and I went there this spring and spent hours wandering the labyrinthine streets and getting utterly lost, and utterly lost in each other. We’d traipse along a bit and then stop and share a bottle of wine and some olives while we watched the other people strolling along. It was on that trip that we realized how much we love traveling with each other and we hope to discover new favorite places together around the world.

  • Leanne Lovie says:

    In my romantic fantasy I get to be the charming provider. My partner has always wanted to go to Japan so I would wish him away for a romantic weekend in Kyoto followed by a few days in Tokyo where we eat way too much sushi and see everything he wants.

  • Maria B. says:

    I live in what, for me, is the most beautiful place in the world: Monterey Bay in California. On Tuesday my husband and I walked a coastal trail, and we saw whales and dolphins. It’s beautiful here, no matter what direction one looks in–with many varied forms of beauty. I wouldn’t mind experiencing the Amalfi coast one day though… Thank you for having this giveaway.

  • Gigi says:

    Oh this sounds so nice! My friend and I have just started planning a bucket list trip for a milestone birthday I’ll be having next year, and one of the stops is the Amalfi Coast! Destiny awaits…

  • tandaina says:

    Oh I love rose, and this sounds utterly divine. My getaway? I just got back and cannot wait to go again: a horseback safari in South Africa. Which is pretty much as amazing as that sounds.