Live Local: Craftsmanship Edition

Discover the ancient craft of soap making in Beirut or watch skilled leathersmiths at work in Kenya. In Budapest, immerse yourself in the exquisite world of fine porcelain or travel to Bangkok to discover the intricate techniques of paperfolding. While in Seychelles you can even learn how to add a little spice and Creole secrets to your own cooking with a masterclass led by one of our talented chefs.

UNCOVER SOAPY SECRETS 

Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort Beirut

Soap-making in Lebanon is as old as the olives that grow there. Get a glimpse into the beauty of this ancient art form with a visit to Khan Al Saboun to hear about their natural products and techniques.

After a guided tour, you’ll learn how to make your own decorative soap and as a relaxing complement, you’ll enjoy an indulgent face and neck massage before sitting down to a delicious meal. When it’s time to return to the hotel, a special souvenir will accompany you home, along with the scents and memories of your journey back into Lebanese history.

Feeling inspired? Browse the hotel’s current selection of authentic Experiences.

Learn more about all the benefits of KEMPINSKI DISCOVERY.

REDISCOVER A TIMELESS CLASSIC

Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi

Spend your day in the company of the skilled leathersmiths at Sandstorm Kenya, where genuine leather bags have been produced for more than two decades using recycled materials sourced from local artisans. By unlocking opportunities for Kenyan talents, it’s a place where craftsmanship and culture converge.

Your tour begins in the tannery, where the raw materials are sorted and prepared before you trace the journey of the finished product through cutting, choosing the patterns, sewing and embossing. And when you’re done assisting with quality control, you can treat yourself to your own timeless creation, with a special saving of 15%.

Feeling inspired? Browse the hotel’s current selection of authentic Experiences.

CREATE A FUSION OF FLAVOURS

Kempinski Seychelles Resort

Composed of 155 captivating islands, Seychelles is an unforgettable destination with a warm and engaging local community. Creole cuisine is an integral part of their culture, and the expert combination of homegrown herbs and spices will leave you wishing you could take a dash of Seychellois flavour back home with you.

This Creole cuisine masterclass will teach you the secrets of their most popular dishes. After being welcomed by our chef, you will be guided through the process of preparing three signature dishes, such as Kari Zourit (octopus curry) and Creole rice. Later, when you’re enjoying your lovingly prepared dishes on the beach, you’ll understand how the simplicity of local cooking techniques allows the flavours to truly shine.

Feeling inspired? Browse the hotel’s current selection of authentic Experiences.

Fresh and colourful produce is a hallmark of the Seychelles.  

GET FIRED UP ABOUT PORCELAIN

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

Your experience begins when you step into the Herend Porcelán Palace to admire over 15,000 handcrafted masterpieces that have been fired, glazed and fired again at 1,410°C (2,570°F) to complete their transition into delicate porcelain. To maintain the highest standards of quality, production continues according to traditional methods and after sipping tea or coffee from one of their authentic cups, you will hear about the centuries of history behind their hand-painted and gilded porcelain.

For the final part of the experience, a master potter will guide you through the techniques required to form a rose from a special paste, before gifting you a fired and finished piece to display at home.

Feeling inspired? Browse the hotel’s current selection of authentic Experiences.

Herend Porcelán Palace specialises in luxury hand-painted and gilded porcelain. 

Handpainted tea sets elevate the tea-drinking experience. 

The Herend porcelain collection is a breathtaking display. 

Delicate roses are shaped by hand. 

LEARN THE INTRICATE ART OF PETAL FOLDING

Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

Across many cultures, lotus flowers are known for their poignant symbolism. In Thai and Buddhist traditions they represent faithfulness, purity and spiritual awakening, encapsulated by the lotus flower’s ability to emerge from the mud, revealing itself to the light and warmth of the sun.

Guided by a skilled expert, you will learn about the folding techniques Thais use to reproduce the elegant shapes of the petals. And when this calming activity draws to a close, you will leave with fresh knowledge, a brand new skill, and your very own delicate paper lotus flower.

Feeling inspired? Browse the hotel’s current selection of authentic Experiences.

The lotus flower is a sacred symbol across many cultures. 

If you enjoyed this, learn more about six Kempinski destinations through this introduction to six of the best festivals worldwide.