Amsterdam: 3-Hour Mindful Perfume-Making Workshop

If you’re traveling through Amsterdam and craving something beyond the usual museums and canals, this perfume-making workshop offers a rare chance to slow down and engage your senses. Hosted in a cozy home studio, this experience promises a blend of creativity, mindfulness, and education — all wrapped into an intimate, small-group setting. Whether you’re flying solo, on a romantic getaway, or in a small group of friends, this workshop aims to make you feel both relaxed and inspired.

What we particularly love about this experience is how much it emphasizes personal connection and sensory discovery. The small group size ensures personalized guidance, which makes learning about perfumery both accessible and fun. Plus, the access to a library of 20 high-quality ingredients means you get to explore a wide world of scents, even if you’re new to perfume crafting. On the flip side, the location’s stairs and lack of wheelchair access are worth considering if mobility is a concern.

All in all, this workshop is ideal for anyone looking to unplug, learn something new, and create a meaningful keepsake. It balances a playful, artistic environment with educational insights, making it perfect for curious travelers and scent enthusiasts alike.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere
• Educational & Creative: Learn perfume basics and science, then craft your own scent
• High-Quality Ingredients: Access to 20 carefully selected perfumery ingredients
• Mindfulness Focus: Grounding meditation and sensory awareness enhance the experience
• Flexible Options: Take home a 3ml spray or upgrade to a 10ml bottle
• Authentic Local Setting: Hosted in a Dutch home studio for a genuine Amsterdam vibe

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect During the Workshop

This 3-hour session is thoughtfully divided into three parts, each designed to deepen your appreciation for scent and foster a sense of calm and curiosity.

Part 1: Welcome & Grounding

The experience begins with a warm welcome in a cozy Dutch house. You’ll connect with your fellow participants over shared senses, discussing your favorite smells and the memories they evoke. This is followed by a grounding meditation, which sets a mindful tone, helping you relax and focus. The host aims to create a friendly, approachable environment — perfect for first-timers or seasoned scent lovers alike.

Part 2: Introduction & Guided Discovery

Next, you’ll receive a crash course in perfume fundamentals, learning about the science behind scent and how our noses work. The instructor will guide you through recognizing and categorizing different fragrances, with a focus on 20 high-quality ingredients. This part often surprises visitors, as many don’t realize how nuanced and complex perfume notes are—think top, middle, and base notes. As one reviewer remarked, “I learned a lot about top, middle, and base notes and how our sense of smell reminds us of nostalgia.”

Part 3: Artistic Blending & Creation

Now comes the fun part: you’ll unleash your creativity by blending your own perfume. The host provides step-by-step guidance, encouraging experimentation. You’ll leave with a bespoke 3ml spray in a handstamped linen pouch, or for an extra fee, a 10ml travel-friendly bottle. The emphasis on mindfulness means you’re encouraged to take your time, savoring each scent and the process of creation. Guests often find this part both relaxing and empowering. One participant shared, “We weren’t just making perfume but also learning about the science behind it.”

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Final Touches & Reflection

As the session concludes, you’ll receive your handcrafted perfume, a tangible reminder of your sensory journey. Refreshments like tea and water keep you comfortable and focused during the workshop, and the intimate setting fosters genuine connection and conversation.

The Value of This Experience

At $142 per person, this class offers excellent value considering the personalized attention and high-quality ingredients involved. The workshop’s duration is just right — long enough to dive deep into perfume craft without feeling rushed. Participants often mention how much they walk away with not just a new skill, but also a renewed appreciation for scent and the role it plays in memory and emotion.

The fact that the workshop is hosted in a local home adds authentic charm, making the experience feel more like visiting a friend than attending a commercial class. The host’s expertise shines through, with reviews praising her as “kind,” “knowledgeable,” and “passionate,” which significantly enhances the learning process.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This workshop is best suited for travelers seeking relaxation, personal growth, and creative exploration. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who appreciate arts and crafts, or simply want to do something more meaningful than just sightseeing. It’s especially appealing if you’re curious about the science of perfume or want a tangible souvenir that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Considerations and Limitations

The workshop takes place in a third-floor apartment with no lift, so it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues. Because chemicals are involved, children under 15 and pets aren’t permitted, which is worth noting if you’re traveling with family. The session is conducted in English, and the group size is limited to six participants, ensuring each person receives ample guidance—and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Grounding & Introduction
The initial half-hour sets a calm, reflective tone. It’s a chance to share your scent memories and be guided into a mindful state. Several reviewers mentioned how much they appreciated this grounding phase, noting that it created a relaxed, friendly vibe. Arielle, the host, often starts with a meditation that helps everyone settle in and focus on their senses.

Perfumery Science & Ingredient Exploration
This is where the workshop truly becomes educational. Participants learn about the science of scent, recognizing how different notes come together to form a perfume. The guided discovery of 20 ingredients is often described as “a mini science class,” providing insights that elevate your appreciation for perfumery. One reviewer shared, “I felt like I was in a little mini science class, not only did I leave with a custom perfume but I also learned a ton of new facts.”

Creative Blending
Armed with new knowledge, you’ll experiment with blending, guided closely by the instructor. Expect to try various combinations, smelling, adjusting, and refining your perfume. It’s a process that encourages patience, mindfulness, and playful experimentation. Several visitors have expressed how much they enjoyed the freedom to create something personal, with one saying, “I loved how my personal perfume turned out.”

Final Touch & Takeaway
After your creation is finished, you’ll bottle and label your scent, then take it home as a meaningful souvenir. The option to upgrade to a larger 10ml bottle provides flexibility, especially if you want to gift your perfume or use it frequently.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

Many reviews highlight the guides’ expertise and the setting’s warmth. One guest gushed, “Arielle was an incredible workshop host, so kind, intuitive and knowledgeable. She opened the session with a grounding meditation which I really appreciated.” Others appreciated the deeper understanding of scent—“I learned a lot about top, middle, and base notes and how our sense of smell reminds us of nostalgia.” The mix of education, creativity, and mindfulness hits a sweet spot for a memorable, enriching activity.

Final Thoughts

This perfume-making workshop in Amsterdam offers more than just crafting a fragrance. It provides a chance to slow down, reconnect with your senses, and learn about the art and science of scent in an inviting, local setting. The experience’s emphasis on mindfulness, combined with expert guidance and high-quality ingredients, makes it a genuine value for those seeking an authentic, creatively fulfilling activity.

Though it’s not suitable for everyone—particularly those with mobility issues or young children—the workshop is a perfect fit for curious travelers eager to embrace a new skill while relaxing and reflecting. It’s ideal for solo explorers, couples, and small groups wanting a meaningful, sensory-rich memory of their trip.

If you’re looking for a unique, artistic experience that leaves you with a personalized keepsake, this Amsterdam perfume workshop is well worth considering. It’s a tasteful blend of education, creativity, and local charm—an experience you’ll fondly remember long after your trip ends.

FAQ

Is transportation provided to the workshop?
No, transportation isn’t included; you’ll need to meet at the host’s home studio. The address is given after booking, and it’s best to arrive 10 minutes early.

What should I wear or bring?
No special attire is required. Just dress comfortably; you’ll be working with scents and blending, so wearing clothes you don’t mind getting a little fragrant is wise.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Children under 15 are not permitted, mainly due to the chemicals involved and the setting. It’s designed more for adults seeking a mindful, creative activity.

Can I upgrade to a larger bottle?
Yes, you can pay an additional €35 to upgrade to a 10ml travel-sized bottle. This is perfect if you want more perfume or a gift.

How personalized is the experience?
Very personalized — you’ll get guidance tailored to your scent preferences and creative input. The small group size ensures individual attention.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, this Amsterdam perfume workshop combines educational depth, creative freedom, and mindful practice in a way that few activities can match. Whether you’re a scent enthusiast or just looking for a calm, meaningful activity, it’s a chance to create a beautiful, personal souvenir while learning a new skill.

You can check availability for your dates here: