Vanilla Island: Known as "Vanilla Island" for the coveted "black gold" vanilla beans that thrive on its numerous small plantations, the South Pacific island of Taha'a (part of French Polynesia) has long been a secret paradise. While its justifiably narcissistic cousin island Bora Bora gets all the attention (and the tourists), Taha'a basks in its blissful anonymity. That is, until recently, when it rose above the radar by boasting the most luxurious resort in all of French Polynesia. The Pearl Beach Resort and Spa (soon to become Le Taha'a Private Island and Spa) is situated on its own motu (a sort of flora-filled sandbar) in the midst of Taha'a's ridiculously blue, clear-as-Evian lagoon.

With a five star rating, 48 overwater bungalows, 12 beach suites with private plunge pool, three restaurants, infinity pool, tennis court and spa, the resort offers pampering of a kind Robinson Crusoe could only dream. The spa, built as a small village of traditional Polynesian bungalows (or fares), overlooks a private lagoon and hosts an exotic lineup of beauty treatments designed to indulge and stimulate the senses. Treat yourself to a facial scrub of grated coconut and avocado followed by a full body, local vanilla massage (vanilla is said to be an aphrodisiac, so it's popular with honeymooners). To finish, you're smeared in papaya or mango (depending what's in season) and wrapped in banana leaves. Your skin will never feel more succulent. (For more info: www.pearlresorts.com)

Shower of Power: As with all Fresh products, their vanilla concoctions are a nose above, yielding a scent that's pure and sensual at the same time. A shower with just a touch of the body shampoo, followed up by the body balsam, will, quite simply, put you in a dream state. (Body shampoo, 350ml, $25; body balsam, 300ml, $30. Available at Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Fresh stores nationwide, www.fresh.com, www.sephora.com, or call 1.800.FRESH.20)

Light My Fire: With the introduction of a new candle, Nars suggests that if you can't take time off to go to Acapulco, then bring a little bit of Acapulco to you. Decadently rich and intense, the Acapulco candle is a concentrated blend of chocolate, whipped cream, coffee bean and of course, vanilla. Designed to enhance mood, infuse ambiance and evoke individual memories, the black candle is poured into chic matte black glass with the company's signature Nars logo, giving it just as much sensuality in its look as its scent. ($45; Available at Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and select Sephora locations)

It's in the Bag: When it comes to preserving the strongest concentration of scents, there is no better place to turn to than Kiehl's Since 1851. For the lover of anything that reminds them of sugar cookies fresh out of the oven, a gift bag of Kiehl's vanilla products is sure to please. Packaged in a zippered PVC bag, our favorites include the Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser ($13), Deluxe Hand & Body Lotion ($18), glycerin soap ($7.50), silky soft Talc Free Body Powder ($13), and the purest form of all, the vanilla essence oil ($14.50, 1/8-oz.). (Available at Kiehl's boutiques, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus stores).