The Peninsula Hotels Re-Launches the Peninsula Academy
June 9, 2014
THE PENINSULA CHICAGO INTRODUCES
NEW PENINSULA ACADEMY PROGRAMS
Guests can experience unique, cultural activities with a local flavor
Visit the Windy City as The Peninsula Chicago adds two new classes to its iconic experiential program, The Peninsula Academy, with unique activities designed to enchant and educate guests. In-house guests of The Peninsula Chicago can select from ten different options, ranging from a princess-for-a-day, fairy tale experience, VIP access to a Broadway show with dinner, an architectural river tour on a private 48 ft. yacht and more – providing guests with a taste of the local culture of Chicago. The two new programs feature a private Chinese dim sum cooking class with a Chinese tea ceremony; and a floral design class with the hotel florist to design the elaborate, gorgeous displays throughout the hotel.
The new Peninsula Academy programs will be launched in June 2014 and feature a Chinese cooking class and a creative floral design experience:
Eastern Eats: Cooking Class and Tea Ceremony at Shanghai Terrace
A Chinese tea ceremony is an ideal way to introduce guests to Chinese culture and begin this class, followed by a private, two-hour kitchen session with Ivan Yuen, Chef de Cuisine of Shanghai Terrace. Guests will gain an overall knowledge of traditional Chinese ingredients and techniques in dim sum making, ingredient selection, menu planning, tasting for final seasoning and plate presentations. Following the class, guests will enjoy a four-course dinner in Shanghai Terrace, with wine pairings. Pricing for this program is US$ 600 per person, including wine pairings.
Florist for a Day: The Life of The Hotel’s Floral Designer
Guests will be a part of the process first-hand from creating design concepts of the weekly floral displays to the perfect placement of these beautiful designs as they enhance the elegant atmosphere of The Peninsula Chicago.
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THE PENINSULA CHICAGO INTRODUCES NEW PENINSULA ACADEMY PROGRAMS – 2
A personalized tour of the floral warehouse begins the experience followed by interacting with the design team as they strike up new concepts and plan the next week’s floral installations.Guests will witness the ordering process, how vessels are selected and learn how the concepts come to life. Champagne, tea sandwiches, a monogrammed apron and floral shears,plus a take-home arrangement they helped create, is all included in this unique experience. Pricing for this program is US$ 450 per person.
About The Peninsula Academy:
The Peninsula Academy is a global, group-wide initiative available at Peninsula hotels worldwide and was created to give guests an insider introduction to key aspects of culture, lifestyle, cuisine, arts and history through individualized classes, tours and activities. The Peninsula Chicago has meticulously curated their programs by sourcing the very best tour guides and local partners, bringing to life the city through exclusive activities, all accomplished with the celebrated Peninsula attention to detail.
Each program features special touches, from bespoke Peninsula transportation in a whimsical MINI Cooper S Clubman, to a unique keepsake ranging from beautiful historical books to child-size chef’s aprons, providing lasting memories for each guest.
A dynamic section on The Peninsula’s website has been developed for The Peninsula Academy, including insightful information on each hotel’s programs, comprising images and videos, sample itineraries, maps and other interactive features at www.peninsula.com/academy.
Most programs are available with just a few days' notice, so guests can choose activities according to their own interests and travel schedule. Reservations are subject to availability and advanced booking is highly recommended for all Academy programs.
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THE PENINSULA CHICAGO INTRODUCES NEW PENINSULA ACADEMY PROGRAMS – 3
Existing Peninsula Academy programs include:
For a “wow” experience, the Princess for a Day program is perfect for young ladies aspiring to be a princess. A fairy tale experience awaits, complete with princess attire and tiara, a horse-drawn carriage ride to a shopping spree and a princess etiquette class. The day culminates with Her Royal Highness receiving a visit from Prince Charming for a glass slipper fitting.
Birthplace of the skyscraper and world-renowned architecture, the Private Architectural Boat Cruise is the best way to experience Chicago’s remarkable structural design from the Chicago River.
Never worry about missing a show – the Broadway in Chicago Academy gives guests access to premier house seats of select performances, including sold-out shows and a three-course dinner at the hotel. Once at the show, a personal escort will guide the guests to their seats and serve complimentary welcome and interval beverages.
Explore the ins and outs of some of Chicago’s historic neighborhoods rich in culture and diversity. The Historic Chicago Neighborhoods three-hour, private tour highlights coveted destinations including Millennium Park, Lake Shore Drive, President Barack Obama’s home, Willis Tower, Wrigley Field and more. Guests will then enjoy a multi-cultural dine-around at the hotel’s three restaurants and bar.
Ideal for aspiring young firefighters who wish to experience what it’s like to be a firefighter in an urban environment, the Chicago Fire House Excursion is where guests and their little ones will learn what it takes to be a firefighter in an active city and have the chance to tour a working firehouse.
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THE PENINSULA CHICAGO INTRODUCES NEW PENINSULA ACADEMY PROGRAMS – 4
The Art Institute of Chicago is a national treasure, offering the country’s leading collection of Impressionist paintings, among many other prized pieces. Experience unprecedented access to the museum’s revered collections with a customized tour tailored to the guests’ selected art preference.
Get behind the wheel of an exotic car with The Peninsula Chicago’s Exotic Car Adventure. The program begins with a sumptuous steak dinner at one of the city’s most coveted steak restaurants, followed by a hearty scotch-flight in the handsome Bar at The Peninsula. The next day, the guest will slip behind the wheel of an exotic vehicle and drive through the city, including Autobahn Country Club to drive high-powered race vehicles.
The Peninsula’s younger guests who want the opportunity to get a “taste” of the Pastry Kitchen can indulge in the Little Bakers Pastry Class for Aspiring Chefs program. Designed for guests’ little ones with an interest in sweet treats, the chef-in-training will experience an interactive class conducted by the hotel’s pastry team and a special tour of the kitchen, followed by an hour-long sweet treat and cookie decorating class.
Additional information on each Peninsula Hotel Academy program is available at www.peninsula.com/academy.
About The Peninsula Chicago:
The Peninsula Chicago was named the Number One Hotel in Illinois on Travel + Leisure’s ‘500 Best Awards’ (January 2012). The hotel is located on the “Magnificent Mile” at 108 East Superior Street (at Michigan Avenue), within the city’s premier shopping district. The 339 guestroom hotel opened in 2001 and features three distinctive award-winning restaurants, a popular bar and a world-class spa. For information on The Peninsula Chicago, please call the toll-free number at 1 866 288 8889 or visit chicago.peninsula.com.
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About The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH)
Incorporated in 1866 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (00045), The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited is the holding company of a group which is engaged in the ownership, development, and management of prestigious hotels and commercial and residential properties in key locations in Asia, the United States and Europe, as well as the provision of tourism and leisure, club management and other services. The Peninsula Hotels portfolio comprises The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai, The Peninsula Beijing, The Peninsula Tokyo, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Bangkok, The Peninsula Manila and The Peninsula Paris (expected opening in 2014). Projects under development include The Peninsula London and The Peninsula Yangon. The property portfolio of the group includes The Repulse Bay Complex, The Peak Tower, The Peak Tramways and St. John’s Building in Hong Kong; The Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; the Thai Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand, and 21 avenue Kléber in Paris, France.
For further information, please contact:
Ms Susan Ellefson
Director of Public Relations
The Peninsula Chicago
108 East Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Telephone: +1 (312) 573 6616
Fax: +1 (312) 573 6612
E-mail:
Website: chicago.peninsula.com
News Room: news.peninsula.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThePeninsulaChicago
Twitter: @ThePeninsulaChi
Instagram: @ThePeninsulaChi
Visit The Peninsula Hotels’ new News Room on news.peninsula.com– press releases, images, broadcast quality video, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and more.