Peninsula Hotels to launch 'Peninsula Wellness'

The Peninsula Hotels is set to launch 'Peninsula Wellness' a lifestyle program that aims to touch every aspect of a guest’s well-being, both during their stay and beyond, and which focuses on providing a sanctuary for the five senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. The all-encompassing Peninsula Wellness program will be progressively rolled out in stages over the next 12 months throughout the seven hotels in The Peninsula group: Hong Kong, Bangkok, Beverly Hills, Chicago, New York, Beijing and Manila, and The Peninsula Tokyo, which is slated to open in September 2007.

As well as staying in luxurious hotel accommodations, guests will now be able to renew themselves in mind, body and spirit through an integrated approach to help them escape stress, and to relax and rejuvenate in a deeply personal way.

"The daily interactions of our hotel staff with our guests and indeed the experiences of our own traveling executives indicate that a hotel needs to place increasing importance on giving guests healthy lifestyle choices, which can also extend beyond the duration of their actual stay in the hotel," says Chief Executive Officer Mr. Clement K. M. Kwok.

The Peninsula Spas

The heart of the new Peninsula Wellness program is a new generation of Peninsula spas that will be introduced beginning this spring.

New Peninsula spas will debut at The Peninsula Hong Kong in May 2006 and in December 2006 at The Peninsula Bangkok. The Peninsula Hotels is working with international spa consultancy ESPA, headed by renowned spa authority Susan Harmsworth, to develop a unique spa concept at its hotels in Asia. Exciting treatment “Journeys” will draw upon Eastern and Western wellness and relaxation philosophies, emphasizing a back-to-basics approach with authentic treatments delivered by highly-trained therapists.

In the United States, The Peninsula Beverly Hills recently re-launched its spa following a $7 million makeover to offer its guests an innovative and state-of-the-art oasis, while The Peninsula Chicago will unveil a renovation of its rooftop spa in May 2006. Encased in floor-to-ceiling windows on the top two floors of the hotel, The Peninsula Chicago’s renovated spa will showcase new VIP treatment rooms, a deluxe manicure/pedicure room and a new relaxation lounge.

Opening in September 2007, the brand-new Peninsula Tokyo will also feature an extensive Asian-inspired spa.

“Naturally Peninsula” Cuisine & Guest Nutrition Advisor

To appeal to the hotels guests' sense of taste, the Peninsula Wellness program includes “Naturally Peninsula” light and healthy cuisine options being introduced at all Peninsula dining establishments, and specially created dishes debuting at The Peninsula Hong Kong alongside the Spa opening in May.

The Peninsula Hotels is sourcing organic produce from local farms for this new range of dishes that offer light and healthy dining options without a compromise on taste. The Peninsula’s new Guest Nutrition Advisor Gabrielle Tuscher is working with the hotels’ award-winning chefs to develop menu choices that are well-balanced, healthful dishes appealing both to the eye and to the palate. Dining options catering to those with alternative diets, such as vegetarian, lactose-free or low-carb diets, will also be developed.

Ms Tuscher, a U.S.-accredited and registered dietician with a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition and Food Studies from New York University, will also be available for individual guest consultations to develop personalized daily menus to meet a guest’s individual taste and health requirements and will work with the hotels’ chefs to conduct Peninsula Academy cooking classes that focus on light and healthy cuisine and cooking methods.

Peninsula will publish a cookbook showcasing “Naturally Peninsula” recipes created by The Peninsula’s team of talented and innovative chefs from around the world. The recipes will focus on light and healthy dishes that subtly reflect the seven Peninsula locations while promoting the use of organic ingredients wherever possible, enabling guests to recreate their favorite “Naturally Peninsula” dishes at home.

“Naturally Peninsula” also features a range of organic food and beverages including an organic green tea and five organic black teas -- Breakfast, Afternoon, Peninsula Blend, Assam and Darjeeling -- which are naturally rich in anti-oxidants. A range of organic herbal teas (including chamomile, Indian basil, peppermint, ginger, lemongrass and orange), organic coffees and organic chocolates will be launched later in the year, and these will be served at The Peninsula’s spas and dining outlets, and be available for purchase from The Peninsula Boutique.

“Simply Peninsula”

Also launching this summer, Peninsula’s new “Simply Peninsula” range of toiletries and other products aim to appeal to guests’ sense of smell, hearing, sight and touch. Guests’ senses will be enlivened by “Simply Peninsula” bath and shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, hand and body lotion, handmade soap, as well as natural beeswax candles, all made using essential oils and fragrances such as geranium, ginger lily and nutmeg.

To further create a sense of serenity and relaxation, Peninsula has created spa CDs of soothing Chinese and Thai music that will be played at all Peninsula Spas and will also be available for purchase so that guests can take their experiences home with them.

The Peninsula Hotels’ innovative Peninsula Academy – offering learning experiences and introductions to the local cultures of each Peninsula location – will also offer Wellness–themed components including “Wellness Experience” spa packages and “Naturally Peninsula” cooking classes.

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