This summer, The Peninsula Hotels’ newest Academy offerings take guests deep into the heart of each destination, from exclusive access to a private chamber in Beijing’s Forbidden City to oyster foraging in New York – all in true Peninsula style.
The Peninsula Academy’s programmes elevate the travel experience, inspiring guests in each Peninsula destination through the lens of art, cuisine, fashion, style and culture.
Foodies will go beyond the kitchen’s borders, spending the day fishing with Chef Codney in Beverly Hills, tasting the highest-quality caviar with Hong Kong’s culinary team, or enjoying a day of oyster foraging on Long Island’s Great South Bay with The Peninsula New York.
Art lovers delve into the local art scene with a private tour, pre- or post-opening, of the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), or with a personalised tour of Tokyo’s vibrant art galleries with a noted art connoisseur.
For the fashionista, shopping for pearls goes native in Manila, where a helicopter transports guests to a private pearl farm in the Palawan Sea; while in Shanghai, one of China’s most celebrated young fashion designers opens up his studio for an exceptional meet-and-greet experience. In Beijing, culture and history are celebrated together with a private tai chi class on the steps of the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The new programmes of Peninsula Academy Summer 2014 are listed below:
The Peninsula Hong Kong
The Style Academy: An Inspirational Fashion Foundation
This style journey includes a half-day consultation with one of Hong Kong’s leading fashion stylists, who will provide an overview of the season’s latest trends and style tips, including private viewings of local and international designer collections housed in The Peninsula’s iconic Arcade, together with access to one-of-a-kind pieces.
Caviar Connoisseurship: A Gourmet Class in Refining Tastes
Rare gastronomic delicacies such as caviar are most appreciated in the context of a detailed study of their provenance. This fascinating programme delivers an in-depth insight into the world’s finest sustainably-farmed caviars, their unique characteristics and how best they should be enjoyed.
The Peninsula Shanghai
Art in Focus: A Private Tour of the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Housed in a giant glasshouse, the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is Shanghai’s first independent art institution featuring Chinese and international artists. Guests will have access to the museum either prior to opening or after closing for their private tour with the Deputy Curator of the museum.
Modern Shanghai Chic: Meet Fashion Designer Lu Kun
One of China’s most celebrated young fashion designers, Shanghai-born Lu Kun’s career skyrocketed after he was voted the 2004 Best Young Designer by the Shanghai Fashion Federation. After a traditional Chinese breakfast, guests will ride in style in the hotel’s bespoke Rolls-Royce to Lu Kun’s studio, where he will showcase how modern Shanghai life influences his designs.
The Peninsula Beijing
A Glimpse of the Royal Past: Celebrating the Art of Tea
Academy participants will have the unique opportunity to tour Shu Fang Zhai Temple, a private part of the Forbidden City not accessible to the public. This exclusive chamber was where Emperor Qianlong used to host his acquaintances for tea, and is now used as a VIP reception venue for heads of state and dignitaries. Participants will receive a private tour of Shu Fang Zhai and also learn the history of the Forbidden City’s storied past. After the tour, guests will enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at The Peninsula’s Huang Ting restaurant.
Stairway to Heaven: A Journey to Rebalance your Chi
Experience a private Tai Chi session at the historic Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Commissioned by Emperor Yongle during the same time as the creation of the Forbidden City, it was a place of worship visited by emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties who conducted several ceremonies over the years to pray for good harvests. Guests will join Tai Chi Master David Dou for an instructional session on the fundamentals of Tai Chi. Once they return to the hotel in the BMW house car, a healthy lunch at Huang Ting will be served.
The Peninsula Tokyo
Hidden Colours of Tokyo: An Insider’s Guide to the Contemporary Art Scene
Take a personalised tour of Tokyo’s art museums and galleries with noted art connoisseur, Natane Takeda. Ms Takeda will customise a tour based on the participants’ preference for artistic style and interest. Many of these galleries are only open for limited hours and can be difficult to access without a guide.
The Peninsula New York
Long Island Oyster Academy: A land, air and sea adventure
Spend the day seaside oystering, fishing and clamming on Long Island’s Great South Bay, renowned as the home of the Blue Point oysters. Guests will be transported from New York City via seaplane, where they will spend the day learning about the delicate ecosystems that support oyster life, finishing with a private dockside gourmet dinner.
Mastering Mixology: A bespoke bar experience
In this interactive private class at the chic rooftop bar, Salon de Ning, one of the hotel’s renowned mixologists will teach guests the secrets to making a stellar cocktail, from classics such as “Manhattan” to signature cocktails like “Ning Sling”. Guests will also have the opportunity to develop their own “signature” cocktail that can be easily made at home to impress friends and family.
The Peninsula Chicago
Eastern Eats: Cooking Class and Tea Ceremony at Shanghai Terrace
This programme provides a unique opportunity to learn authentic Cantonese dim sum making techniques with Ivan Yuen, Chef de Cuisine of Shanghai Terrace. Guests will begin their experience with a Chinese tea ceremony followed by two hours with Chef Yuen in the kitchen learning the techniques of dim sum making. Guests will then enjoy the benefit of their newfound culinary skills with a four-course dinner in Shanghai Terrace.
Florist for a Day: The Life of The Hotel’s Floral Designer
Learn the creative process behind the hotel’s magnificent floral displays by spending time with the floral design team, Kehoe Designs. Guests will receive a personalised tour of the expansive floral warehouse, interact with the design team as they strike up new concepts and assist with planning the next week’s floral installations.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills Princess for a Day: A Royal Excursion Through Beverly Hills
A little girl who dreams of being a princess can have her dream come true with this unique Academy experience. The adventure begins once she steps aboard the Seven-Wheel Wonder “Crystal Carriage” (drawn by a motorcycle instead of horses), for a magical shopping experience through Beverly Hills, including a fitting at the children’s boutique My Little Dimples for a princess-worthy gown, shoes and tiara. Then it is back to The Peninsula where, all dressed up, the princess will enjoy Afternoon Tea with her parents.
Gone Fishing with Chef: A Sea-To-Table Adventure
Executive Chef David Codney loves to go fishing, and he is happy to take along interested guests. Early in the morning, a Peninsula car will whisk the fishing party to Marina del Rey, where they will board a chartered fishing boat for a half-day adventure on the Pacific Ocean. Chef Codney will share his fishing tips and fish tales as they angle for sea bass, yellowtail, barracuda and halibut. That night, Chef Codney will prepare the fish they caught as part of a four-course dinner.
An Afternoon with Renoir in Beverly Hills: An Artful Immersion
During a relaxed afternoon immersed in art, guests may enjoy the opportunity to meet – and have a private art lesson with – artist Alexandre Renoir, the great-grandson of the famous French Impressionist artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The day also includes a private tour at three of the city’s top galleries before meeting Mr Renoir for a private session, followed by Afternoon Tea, where they will continue their conversation about art and the artist’s famous family.
The Peninsula Bangkok
Holistic Conservation: A Coastal Mangrove Eco-Adventure
Explore the natural wonders of Thailand with this environmentally focused Academy programme. Thailand’s first urban Nature Education Centre, Bang Pu, strives to foster a greater understanding of local habitats and their connection to the larger global ecosystem through exploration and active study. Guided by award-winning naturalists, Academy participants will learn about the native bird, insect and plant population, as well as be invited to help make a difference by planting tender mangrove saplings to help foster the growth of Thailand’s forests.
Senses of Thainess: Exploring Essential Thailand Through the Senses
Academy participants will immerse themselves in a full day of magical Thai-ness culture ranging from food, flowers and all the things that make Thai life along the river uniquely beautiful. The day includes a fun tuk-tuk ride to Thailand’s most renowned flower market; a visit to the Museum of Siam to learn about the history of Thai people and the development of Thailand from past to present; delicious Thai street food in the capital’s best street food area; a long-tail sightseeing boat ride along the Chao Phraya River; a visit to an orchid farm; and a tour of a sacred temple. The day is completed with a signature Thai massage in The Peninsula Spa.
The Peninsula Manila
Burda: Hand Embroidery Art of the Philippines
An authentic exploration into Filipino design, this programme includes spending the day with Filip + Inna, a private clothing line of contemporary women’s wear inspired by traditional weaving, embroidery, beading and patterns of indigenous Philippine groups. Len Cabili, founder and designer of Filip + Inna, will share her mission to preserve the ancient traditions of the Philippines that are in danger of being lost. Guests will then be fitted for their own gawa sa kamay (hand-made) garment.
Perlas: Appreciating the Philippines South Sea Pearl
This day adventure begins with a helicopter ride to a private pearl farm in the Palawan Sea owned by Jewelmer, a Franco-Filipino luxury jewellery house specialising in Philippine South Sea Pearls. During the “pearl safari” guests will explore the mystical process of pearl culturing.
Each Peninsula Academy programme features special touches including bespoke Peninsula transportation, from private helicopter service and chauffeured Rolls-Royces to whimsical MINI Cooper S Clubman vehicles, ensuring guests experience each activity in true Peninsula style. All Academy activities include a unique keepsake ranging from beautiful historical books to child-size chef’s aprons, providing lasting memories for each guest. Meanwhile, The Peninsula Kids’ Academy provides younger guests with fun insight into the various Peninsula destinations.
Most programmes 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 programmes.
Please click here for a complete listing of all Peninsula Academy programmes.
