Coqui Coqui Perfumes Yucatan & Polynesia

COQUI COQUI | BORA BORA: FRENCH POLYNESIA

Inspired by Polynesian flowers, fruits, woods, and herbs, perfumer Nicolas Malleville of Yu- catan-born Coqui Coqui Perfumeria has started a new chapter on the island of Bora Bora. The history and olfactory dream of Malleville now continues, after a longterm vision of one day bringing his project to French Polynesia. During his first trip to the islands in 1999, Mal- leville was enchanted by the isolated, majestic lands — the islands are home to a lush array plants because of the tumultuous volcanic mountains and the vast sea, making Bora Bora a perfumer’s dream. The mild tropical climate allows Bora Bora to exist as a true paradise, filled with colorful landscapes that offer an abundance of fragrant, natural scents. Known as the jew- el of the South Pacific, Bora Bora is the most emblematic place within the Polynesian triangle. The extraordinary beauty to be found within its gem-colored, emerald and turquoise lagoon is second to none. Even further, these islands stand apart because of the authentic smiles and soulful personalities of the Polynesian population.
From dream to reality, Nicolas Malleville and Francesca Bonato crossed over to the South Pa- cific in the summer of 2017 with a bold and fantastic project: the birth of their new boutique de curiosities and future didactic olfactory botanical garden on the lush hills of Matira Beach. In collaboration with Raphael Delente, a talented landscaper, neighbor and friend of the cou- ple, the garden is set to open in fall 2018, while offering an enchanting interlude between the brightness of the sky and the lagoon below strewn with rocks in colors of obsidian. When walking through the forthcoming garden, guests will be greeted with scents of traditional Polynesian plants such as Tiare (Gardenia Taitensis), Moto `i (Ylang Ylang) Pita (Jasmine), Sandalwood and a selection of curated plants, fruits, and trees. At the top of the hill and in the middle of the array of botanical treasures, Coqui Coqui plans to open a new residence (*also opening in fall 2018) in perfect harmony with nature and filled with traditional Polynesian bungalow charm. This true gardener’s home will be complete with Polynesian architecture and history and built for living, relaxing and enjoying the inescapable beauty and paradise found below.

NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN and sitting at the foot of the future botanical garden is Coqui Coqui’s boutique de curiosities and fragrance laboratory. Here, visitors are given the chance to discover a beautiful range of Polynesian inspired products, as well as Coqui Coqui’s found- ing Yucatan collection crafted by Malleville — unique fragrances, oils, beauty products, and scents for the home and body can be found in the boutique. The store front is a true explo- ration of the spirit of traditional Polynesia (merged with elements of the Yucatan) through a sensory experience captured in the essence of Coqui Coqui’s entire collection.
Within the boutique ambiance, its easy to notice the two worlds of the Mayan and Polynesian cultures, folklore, and history overlapping through craft, aesthetic, and tradition. The history and styles of each culture are reimagined within a tropical, yet colonial atmosphere. Inside, you will find items made in the unique style of Coqui Coqui’s Yucatan-based manufactur- er Oficios Artesanos, as well as traditional Polynesian handcraft items, straw hats, and beach wares. The bungalow exists as a former part of Hotel Bora Bora — a souvenir for some, and a new discovery for other. A collection of timeless and hand-crafted clothing curated by Fran- cesca Bonato is also available, along with original jewelry and luxury travel accessories. From Polynesian folklore, to Mayan accessories such as hammocks, every corner in this Cabinet of Curiosities has a unique story and meaning.
The feast for the senses continues with the revelation of the latest Polynesian perfume collec- tion. With eight intoxicating flavors, filled with Pacific island scents such as coconut, tiare, sandalwood, vanilla and grapefruit, this collection creates a sensory experience reminiscent of beautiful French Polynesia. In addition to the traditional perfumes, this collection is also available in an array of candles, massage and bath oils, and eau de cologne. Malleville’s French Polynesian collection was created to be enjoyed as a counterpart, alongside the fragrances of Coqui Coqui’s Yucatan collection.