Spring Moon Mooncakes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 2014

MAKE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY THE SWEETEST ONE YET WITH THE PENINSULA’S NEW ARTISANAL CHOCOLATES HAND-DELIVERED BY PAGEBOYS

The most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to surprise that special someone with a thoughtful gift or an evening to remember. And with 86 years of experience in creating unique moments that last a lifetime, there is nowhere that can do this better than The Peninsula Hong Kong.

The setting for countless special occasions, The Peninsula has made it even easier to surprise one’s beloved this Valentine’s Day with the launch of a new collection of limited-edition, “haute couture”, artisanal chocolates. Hand-crafted in the hotel’s legendary Chocolate Room by an elite team led by resident Maître Chocolatier Marijn Coertjens, these exceptional Valentine’s Day treats are as precious as jewels, and as such, each one is named after a gemstone. To make the gift even more special, each box of chocolates is hand-delivered to the recipient by one of The Peninsula’s iconic pageboys, an occurrence that’s sure to attract envious gazes around the office.

Each of the heart-shaped chocolates is meticulously crafted from only the finest ingredients and sourced from the most esteemed origins, and each is uniquely coloured to represent one of 12 different gemstones. Each of the gemstones stands for a month of the year, embodying a unique history and particular properties, and as a collection, the 12 chocolates combine to symbolise an entire year of love.

Fittingly, the delicately wrought chocolates are presented in exquisite packaging that resembles a jewellery box. Priced at HK$ 1,800 per box, including delivery, the limited-edition chocolates are available to be delivered to a local office or home address by a Peninsula pageboy on 13 or 14 February 2015 only. - more - MAKE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY THE SWEETEST ONE YET WITH THE PENINSULA’S NEW ARTISANAL CHOCOLATES HAND-DELIVERED BY PAGEBOYS – 2

Guests can place their orders by telephone on +852 2696 6694 or by e-mail at [email protected] from 14 January 2015 onwards. The limited-edition Valentine’s Day artisanal chocolates are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ms Rainy Chan, Regional Vice President, The Peninsula Hotels and General Manager, The Peninsula Hong Kong says, “Valentine’s Day is one of the most special days of the year at The Peninsula Hong Kong, and I always find it amusing to see the long line of Rolls-Royces and other cars arriving at the hotel entrance, each carrying a couple who are about to spend a perfect, romantic evening together at one of our restaurants. Over the past 86 years, The Peninsula has played host to so many unforgettable moments in the lives of our guests, from first dates and Valentine’s Day celebrations to spectacular marriage proposals, weddings and anniversaries, and it is truly a privilege to be entrusted with making sure these occasions are as memorable and as magical as they can be. Through the pageboy delivery of our limited-edition hand-made chocolates, we are delighted to be able to bring a touch of Peninsula sparkle to even more couples on this special day.”

But the magic need not stop there, as the Romantic Rendezvous experience enhances the occasion still further with a selection of alluring extras. As well as the hand-made artisanal chocolates delivered by a pageboy, there is a breathtaking bouquet of a dozen red roses on Valentine’s Day, along with an intriguing note that urges the reader to “Look out for the green Rolls-Royce outside at 7:00 pm”. Having been picked up by Rolls-Royce, the lucky recipient will then enjoy a chauffeur- driven transfer to The Peninsula for a sumptuous, five-course candlelit dinner.

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Couples may choose between the avant-garde delights of Felix or the classic elegance of The Pool as the setting for dinner. The Peninsula’s spectacular Roman-style swimming pool offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour and is open to the public only once a year, on 14 February, making it an extra-special setting for a dinner to remember. Whichever venue they choose, guests will receive a one-of-a-kind menu as a keepsake, which can be personalised in advance with a favourite photograph or romantic message.

The Romantic Rendezvous experience is priced at HK$ 7,880 per couple and is available on 14 February 2015 only.

Those looking for the last word in St Valentine’s Day indulgence, however, should look no further than the Love Unlimited package. Featuring all of the treats mentioned previously, this exclusive Peninsula experience also includes one night’s stay in a magnificent, newly renovated Grand Deluxe Harbour View Room. During their stay, guests can enjoy a complimentary room service breakfast and guaranteed late check-out until 2:00 pm, while each couple will also receive personalised bathrobes embroidered with their initials.

The Love Unlimited experience is priced at HK$ 16,880 per couple and is available on the night of either 13 or 14 February 2015.

To book “Love Unlimited,” please contact The Peninsula Global Customer Service Centre at telephone: +852 2926 2888 or e-mail: [email protected].

Terms and conditions: 1. Offer is available on 13 and 14 February 2015. Rates and benefits are subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers, programmes or promotions. 2. Guests who stay on the night of 13 February will be offered dinner for two at Gaddi’s, while guests who stay on the night of 14 February will have the option of dinner for two at Felix or The Pool. 3. The rate is based on single or double occupancy. 4. All benefits are limited to one use per stay and are subject to availability. Dining options and car transfer arrangements must be confirmed directly by the hotel. 5. Advance reservation is required. 6. The hotel reserves the right to offer alternative benefits should the requested one not be confirmed. 7. In case of disputes, the hotel reserves the right to make the final decision.

Limited-edition Valentine’s Day Artisanal Chocolates

Amethyst – Fig According to legend, St Valentine wore a ring set with amethyst, and the semi-precious stone is believed to promote marital bliss in its wearer. Another historical figure famous for wearing an amethyst ring was Cleopatra, and one can imagine the Egyptian queen would have appreciated the delicate fig flavour of the chocolate named after this eye-catching purple stone.

Sapphire – Blackberry With its piercing blue hue, sapphire has long been a favourite stone of royalty, and in recent times it is perhaps best known as being the stone that adorned Princess Diana’s Garrard engagement ring, a ring that her son Prince William also used in proposing to Kate Middleton. This tasty sapphire is translated into an enticing blackberry flavour, which is arguably just as sweet.

Tanzanite – Grand Cru Chuao Only discovered in 1967, tanzanite gems have become one of the most sought after jewels in the world, described by iconic jewellers Tiffany as “The most important gemstone discovery in 2,000 years.” This tanzanite sparkles with the rich aromas of Grand Cru Chuao chocolate.

Tsavorite – Pistachio The pistachio chocolate is named after the green stone that is most closely linked to romantic love and passion, and which is also believed to enhance fertility.

Jade – Lime In Chinese culture, jade is synonymous with nobility, perfection and immortality, while it is also a symbol of love – particularly apt, as anyone who samples this zesty lime chocolate is sure to fall head over heels in love with it.

Emerald – Matcha Yuzu Forever associated with Ireland, the “Emerald Isle”, this green stone famously graced the engagement ring given to Jacqueline Bouvier by former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, and the matcha and yuzu-flavoured chocolate that shares its name is equally monumental.

Yellow Diamond – Banana This rare, fancy diamond is perhaps best known through the Tiffany Yellow Diamond, which at 287.42 carats was one of the largest diamonds ever discovered. The Tiffany stone is believed to have been worn by only two women ever, the last of whom was Audrey Hepburn in publicity photos for the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Miss Hepburn would surely have approved of the banana- flavoured chocolate that bears the stone’s name.

Amber – Vanilla Caramel A stone that symbolises both fertility and courage, amber was used as a protective charm by Roman gladiators, while in ancient Persia it was believed to bestow immortality upon kings. The vanilla- caramel flavour of the chocolate named after it may not offer eternal life, but it is certainly a delicacy fit for royalty.

Fire Opal – Blood Orange Opals have fascinated humans since the dawn of time – the ancient Greeks believed them to be formed from Zeus’s tears, while Indian mythology attributes them to the Goddess of Rainbows – and the fire opal is the most sought after of all. The gem’s fiery character is reflected in a bold, blood orange flavour.

Conch Pearl – Grapefruit The conch pearl is perhaps the most rare and valuable of all pearls, and arguably the most famous example was the centerpiece in a Cartier bracelet owned by Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain in the early 20th century. In tribute to the pearl’s uncommon allure, this chocolate is uniquely flavoured with grapefruit.

Red Diamond – Passion Fruit Natural, fancy-coloured diamonds are incredibly rare, and the red diamond is the rarest of them all, with 30 or fewer currently known to be in existence. Almost as rare is the incredible explosion of flavour from this passion fruit chocolate.

Ruby – Wild Strawberry Rubies have adorned the most beautiful and illustrious women throughout history, and were famously a favourite of Hollywood screen siren Elizabeth Taylor. The gem’s deep red colour and desirability meets its match in a chocolate that is alive with the sweetness of wild strawberry.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 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 Bangkok, The Peninsula Manila, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, and The Peninsula Paris. 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 and St. John’s Building in Hong Kong; The Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; 1-5 Grosvenor Place in London, UK, and 21 avenue Kléber in Paris, France. The clubs and services portfolio of the Group includes The Peak Tram in Hong Kong; Thai Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand; Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California; Peninsula Clubs and Consultancy Services, Peninsula Merchandising, and Tai Pan Laundry in Hong Kong.

For further information, please contact:

Ms Winvy Lung Director of Public Relations The Peninsula Hong Kong Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong Telephone : +852 2696 6608 Fax : +852 2696 6633 E-mail : [email protected] Website : www.peninsula.com

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