Barbara Muckermann is the first woman to lead Kempinski, Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Previously, she served as the CEO of the luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises. A native of Germany, she speaks five languages fluently and holds a doctorate in political science and economics.
As Chief Executive Officer of the Kempinski Group, Barbara Muckermann leads the iconic brand, which operates more than 78 hotels in 32 countries around the world. She's the first woman to head the luxury hotel group in its 128-year history. A true wilderness enthusiast, she prefers to travel to places where nature remains untouched—like Alaska. To unwind, she enjoys long walks or relaxing on the deck of her boat. Falstaff TRAVEL interviewed her.
Falstaff TRAVEL: Do you have a place you long for?
Barbara Muckermann: I love nature—especially when it's untouched, where humans haven’t yet placed it in chains. Take Antarctica, for example—I’ve been there three times. Or the Galápagos Islands.
Do you seek out that closeness to nature in your everyday life too?
As often as I can. I live in a house at the foot of the Alps, right by the edge of the forest. I love long walks—soaking in nature, its colors, sounds, and scents. Unfortunately, my job means I spend far too much time in airports.
Your most unforgettable travel moment?
My first time in Antarctica. I was kayaking when suddenly a massive whale appeared in the water right beside me. It was a moment of shock—but also incredibly beautiful.
What makes a vacation truly memorable?
The people you travel with—I’m not a solo traveler. And the food: if you understand a country’s cuisine, you learn a lot about its history, traditions, and values.
Have you ever experienced a real culture clash?
Not really, because I always try to stay curious and open—that’s what traveling is all about. But the place where I felt the most out of my element was South Korea. Everything was so completely different, starting with the alphabet.
The Kempinski portfolio includes 80 hotels in 34 countries. Have you already traveled to each of them?
Not yet, but there are some that I have always wanted to experience, even before I became CEO of Kempinski. The "Ciragan Palace" in Istanbul, for example, a former sultan's palace on the Bosphorus with its own hammam - the only Ottoman palace in the world to have been converted into a hotel.
Do you have a favorite hotel that does not belong to Kempinski?
Clearly the "Plaza Athénée" in Paris - one of the most elegant and timelessly beautiful hotels in the world. You can really learn something from the hospitality there.
Kempinski is a benchmark in the hotel industry. What sets a hotel apart from the average?
The hotel industry is a people business - success depends largely on the right people. No matter how luxurious, stylish and comfortable a hotel may be, it takes dedicated personalities to give it a soul through passion and hospitality.
Kempinski is planning 41 new hotels worldwide over the next few years - big plans. Is there an opening that you are particularly looking forward to?
The Royal Residence at Nymphenburg Palace, the most exclusive domicile in Munich. Our aim is to preserve the heritage while setting new standards in luxury.
When you go on vacation yourself: boutique hotel or farm?
Boat! In the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. My husband and I have a small motor yacht. We often spend the whole day on deck, catch our own fish, and cook it ourselves. But I don’t have a boating license.
What’s your favorite dish—and at which restaurant?
Fried zucchini blossoms. In Rome, they’re fantastic everywhere, no matter where you go.
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