There is a certain kind of traveler who is not chasing the obvious. Not the headline destinations or the places where luxury has turned into a predictable formula. Kempinski’s “Road Less Travelled” collection is built for people who crave discovery and seek out corners of the world where authenticity still holds its ground. These are hotels that invite you to slow down and experience places where the noise of mass travel has never taken root. They offer heritage that feels untouched, landscapes that command attention and hospitality that is still delivered by people who genuinely care.
What makes this group of hotels compelling is not just the locations. It is the perspective of the people who run them. Their voices reveal what luxury can be when it is shaped by nature, culture and a sense of place rather than trends. Here, in full, are the General Managers’ reflections.
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea — Jordan
General Manager Victor Betro describes a sanctuary shaped by geology and silence.
“Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea stands out as a true sanctuary of luxury and serenity where European elegance meets the authentic Jordanian hospitality at the natural wonder of the world’s lowest point. Designed to reflect Babylonian-inspired architecture, the resort blends timeless craftsmanship with modern sophistication. Guests experience an unparalleled sense of peace surrounded by cascading pools, lush gardens and the unique mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea renowned for their healing properties. Unlike typical beach resorts, Ishtar offers a journey of rejuvenation from holistic spa rituals using Dead Sea ingredients to tranquil sunsets that cannot be replicated anywhere else on earth. It is not just a stay; it is a one of a kind sensory escape. Being off the radar makes the Dead Sea and Kempinski Hotel Ishtar feel like a hidden gem rather than a crowded hotspot. Guests find exclusivity, privacy and authenticity that modern luxury travellers increasingly seek. The sense of discovery adds to the magic: reaching a place where silence is golden, time slows down and nature takes centre stage. It is a destination where you disconnect to reconnect with yourself with nature and with a sense of timeless serenity.”
Kempinski Palace Engelberg — Switzerland
High in the Swiss Alps, General Manager Andreas Magnus speaks to the value of places that still feel undiscovered.
“There is great value in the preciousness of the unknown. In a world where authenticity is under attack and where conveyor belt luxury dominates many conventional destinations, there is profound beauty to be found in places that are just being discovered. While Engelberg has been a historical pilgrimage point for centuries and Mount Titlis is popular for day tourism, the village remains wonderfully uncorrupted for the luxury traveler. The secret ingredient of Kempinski Palace Engelberg is the authentic untouched experience we offer. It is a place where discerning guests can find true genuine moments throughout the destination distinct from the noise of over-tourism. Raw luxury at its best. When asked about what makes our regular guests come back to us, there is one sentiment which frequently is mentioned. The underhanded luxury that comes through the quality of the materials and design, the residential layering and the detailed decoration and accessorizing of the spaces combined with an unpretentious confident and friendly service. While these might be traits most hotels aspire to and would use to describe themselves, this is what our guests say about us is truly unique.”
Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City — Accra, Ghana
Accra’s energy and warmth define this hotel. General Manager Silvia Rajniak captures the city’s spirit.
“Accra may not be the first city that comes to mind when one thinks of luxury travel and that is exactly what makes it so captivating. At Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, we offer guests a rare blend; the refined elegance of European hospitality intertwined with the warmth and rhythm of Ghana. It is in the smiles that greet you the art that adorns our walls and the flavours that tell the story of a nation. What sets us apart is our ability to turn every moment into a genuine connection; sophisticated, soulful and distinctly Accra.”
Kempinski Palace Portorož — Slovenia
Cluster General Manager Eike Clausen reflects on a property shaped by old-world grandeur.
“A palace of deep history, the Kempinski Palace Portorož carries the legacy of 1910 where Austro-Hungarian nobility found their summer retreat. It remains a cultural monument and a unique destination offering a vantage point that overlooks and symbolically links the greater Istria region across Slovenia Italy and Croatia.”
Kempinski Seychelles Resort — Baie Lazare
In the Seychelles, General Manager Oliver Kuhn stewards a resort committed to both indulgence and environmental protection.
“Kempinski Seychelles Resort is a destination for those who wish to go beyond the ordinary and gain a true flavour of the Seychelles with pristine beaches, lush jungles and authentic Creole culture. You cannot find such places anywhere else on the planet. It is also something we must protect. Recognised as Seychelles’ Leading Green Resort and EarthCheck Gold certified, we combine barefoot luxury with a deep care for nature from wooden room keys to reef restoration, wetland preservation and much more. What sets our resort apart is that there truly is something for everyone whether you are travelling solo as a couple or with family. Guests can climb Mount Kempinski unwind with oceanfront spa rituals or enjoy starlit dining in private pavilions. Families can explore our kids club Eco adventure garden and meet our resident giant tortoises while adventurers may even take to the skies from the resort’s helipad for breathtaking views of the islands. Moreover, signature experiences such as Creole cooking masterclasses, seaside art brunches and elegant afternoon teas allow our guests to immerse themselves in the charm of Seychelles.”
Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden — Germany
General Manager Werner Mueller describes a mountain retreat defined by its setting and its people.
“It is indeed the location. It is still a little secret. If you have not been here you have to feel it when you stand outside on the terrace and have this unbelievable view in the valley and up the mountains to Untersberg Reiteralpe Hochkalter and Watzmann. Untersberg this mystique mountain divided by the close border to Austria full of caves and secrets in front of the hotel.It is the location where you can just exit the hotel and start hiking where there are endless possibilities in the Bavarian National Park. And last but not least it is the team of people down to earth following our pure alpine lifestyle. Like Ulrich Heimann our 2* Michelin Chef. Highly professional in his kitchen restaurant PUR. What is his balance… the mountains and surroundings around. In every way, every season of the year.”
Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko — Bulgaria
A resort anchored by a UNESCO mountain range. General Manager Rene Detzen explains the hotel’s ethos.
“Nestled in the heart of the Pirin mountains, a UNESCO heritage site, Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko invites discerning travelers to discover an Alpine elegance where world-class hospitality meets the raw beauty of an off-the-radar destination. From architecture inspired by local heritage to exceptional dining that celebrates regional flavours, every element reflects authenticity and sophistication. Guests enjoy personalized service curated local adventures and a sense of belonging that transforms a stay into a distinct high-quality retreat away from home.Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko is the only international 5-star luxury mountain resort offering ski in ski out access bespoke wellness experiences and culinary artistry in an environment of unparalleled natural beauty. Our vision was to create more than a resort hotel. We wanted to craft a destination where every guest feels the heartbeat of the mountains. Luxury here is not about excess; it is about experiences that stay with you forever.”
Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras — Slovakia
A grand dame in the Carpathians. General Manager Kathrin Noll describes its rare character.
“Unlike many modern Kempinski properties, the Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras is a historical landmark, a Grand Dame that seamlessly combines three interconnected historically protected buildings. The hotel’s architecture spans over 100 years and multiple styles from Belle époque to unique Rondo-Cubism resulting in a picturesque and completely unique complex that captures the romance and charm of royal times. This sense of place and historical depth is far less common than in properties purpose-built for modern luxury. The views of the lake and the majestic High Tatras peaks are incredible; it offers genuine seclusion and a true getaway feel. It is an escape to raw pristine nature, not a hub for high-end international shopping or crowded tourist sites.”
Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara – Kenya
“Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara offers a definitive safari experience defined by luxurious solitude. Being strategically off-the-radar means our guests aren’t just observing the Mara, they are immersed in it, enjoying unhurried, exclusive game viewing away from the crowds, shares Rozlaine Hakiki, General Manager, Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara. “We define luxury as absolute privacy. This is enhanced by our signature bush dining experiences and Maasai guided experiences giving our guests a profound and personal connection to this magnificent land.”
Why These Places Matter
Taken together, these General Manager voices form a quiet manifesto for what the road less travelled can look like in modern luxury. These are destinations where heritage stays intact rather than diluted, where hospitality is still defined by human connection and where the landscape is part of the experience rather than something you look past. Across this collection, luxury shows up through authenticity instead of repetition. It is Kempinski making a point about the future of travel: the most meaningful journeys are not about going farther or finding bigger statements but about going deeper into culture, nature and a sense of place that cannot be replicated.