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Scent, sound and taste are the focus of a new collaboration between JW Marriott and Flamingo Estate, which brings an exclusive suite of products and experiences to select hotels worldwide. This partnership extends beyond shampoo in the shower and body lotion on the bathroom counter.
When checking into JW Marriott’s flagship properties, expect to smell the Southern California hillside-based lifestyle company’s garden-infused Expansion scent, hear one of their nature-inspired playlists or taste their celeb-favored honey infused into local dishes.
Bruce Rohr, JW Marriott vice president and global brand leader, says the hotel company sought out the “gardener of radical pleasures.”
“We were brainstorming ways we could further engage with our guests in a meaningful way,” he says. The idea arose to tap into the senses. “We talk about the importance of people’s well-being, how they prioritize things differently and this idea of traveling well versus well-traveled.”
Flamingo Estate x JW Marriott Expansion Candle
One of Rohr’s team members had a friend who was an avid follower of Flamingo Estate — known for its tomato-scented “status soap” and candles — and they suggested checking it out. Both brands share the ethos of fostering holistic well-being through a deep connection with nature.
“[Marriott Hotels founder] J. Willard Marriott’s favorite place to get his mind off things, have a break and rejuvenate was nature. We’re tapping into that and translating into this idea of well-being when you’re traveling with us. In what ways can we bring nature to you?” With mindfulness in mind, the hotel brand rolled out the JW Garden, a lush, on-property garden where guests can connect with nature and herbs and produce grow to complement the culinary experience. Other programs address environmental well-being, food waste reduction and sustainable tablescapes.
“The love of nature drew us to Flamingo Estate,” says Rohr.
The 1940s pink Spanish-style mansion set on seven acres between Eagle Rock and Highland Park in Los Angeles, owned by Richard Christiansen, with orchards and gardens, has become a thing of lore since the beekeeper turned creative director turned farmer started selling farm baskets during the pandemic. Flamingo Estate has grown to a collection of more than 150 products (such as Roma Heirloom Tomato Dish Soap and Winter Harvest Persimmon Vinegar). They work with over 110 regenerative farmers and growers, who all “cultivate pleasure from the garden.”
Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Dish Soap
Like bees to honey, the hotelier and Christiansen, who lives at Flamingo Estate, discovered a perfect fit. Their conversation led to a meeting of minds and a contract. The two set out to create an experience that would pique curiosity — in the sweetest way.
“The honey collaborations they’ve done with many notable figures have been a big success for them. It sparks your curiosity, like, ‘Why is LeBron James making honey?’” Rohr says.
Now, guests will ask, “JW Marriott makes honey?” Yes, they do — and it’s a Flamingo Estate California wildflower co-branded honey (available at curatedbyjw.com for $35) with adaptogenic holy basil and bergamot to promote well-being and resilience to stress. The chefs at each property use the nectar to enhance cocktails, mocktails and savory menu items. The JW Marriott Dallas Arts District created the Flamingo Daiquiri incorporating the honey at Vincent’s bar and the Busy Little Bees cocktail at Montage restaurant.
Flamingo Estate California Wildflower Honey
Christiansen says of the collaboration, “We both believe in real hospitality and it’s at the heart of what we do. The rare art of making someone feel loved and cared for.” That is best done through indulging in things which connect us to the world around us. “This is communicated through all these senses, especially taste, touch, and smell.”
The collection features the co-branded “calming” scent called Expansion, herb-laden with notes of greenery, damp earth and white lotus flowers and hints of rich woods, rosemary, and Holy Basil, which is used in Ayurvedic medicine to soothe and promote healing. It is meant to transport you to nature and rejuvenation and mindfulness immediately.
“Expand your mind and possibilities as you encounter the scent,” Rohr says. In addition to it wafting through the lobby spaces of JW Marriott hotels, the Expansion is also available as an eight-ounce hand-poured candle, reed diffuser, room spray and scent sticks on Curated by JW.
“One of our dreams has always been to create an interesting playlist of music inspired by nature and the Flamingo Estate team said, ‘Yeah, we can do that, too,’” says Rohr. As a result, guests will hear four different playlists (Aurora, meditative jazz; Sun, mid-tempo beats and uplifting sounds; Dusk, dream-like blend of soft tunes; and Moon, melodic compositions to unwind) throughout their stay, serving as a soundtrack upon arrival in the lobby and seamlessly integrating into their stay. All are available on the Flamingo Estate Spotify channel as well.
Find the Flamingo Estate x JW Marriott incorporated into the guest experience at select properties throughout their 120 hotel portfolio in more than 40 countries and territories; and for sale at JW Marriott Dallas Arts District, JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco and JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa.
Rohr says the brand has been on a roll with recent openings in Saigon, Nairobi and their first-ever lodge in Kenya’s Masai Mara. He anticipates opening 50 additional hotels worldwide (in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa) by 2030. JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo, designed by Yabu Pushelberg, will debut in fall 2025 and feature 200 guestrooms and suites and a Croissant Bar.