The best places in the world to have afternoon tea are not necessarily in the United Kingdom. Here are a few of the most popular options from London to Mumbai: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, and the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Afternoon tea doesn’t have to be a British tradition – in fact, many of these places have Indian influences.
Fairmont Empress Canada
Afternoon tea is an iconic part of the British lifestyle and a must-try experience when traveling to India. If you are not sure how to start your afternoon, you can start by checking out the Fairmont Empress in Victoria. Located on the harbor, the Fairmont Empress is a landmark with a quiet, luxurious atmosphere. There are very few people in the hotel, and there is no swimming pool, which can be a little scary. However, you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea with some scrumptious treats.
You’re sure to have an unforgettable experience at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, which serves afternoon tea in its Lobby Lounge. This elegant lounge has been serving high tea for over 110 years. The tea is served in historic re-created surroundings with 1914 china and live classical music. The tea menu features locally sourced ingredients, including flowers, fruits, and other goodies. The Empress also serves tea-to-go, so you can enjoy it on the go.
If you’re looking for the ultimate experience in Victoria, you can’t go wrong with the Fairmont Empress. This landmark hotel opened its doors in 1908 and has since undergone a thorough renovation. Today, the Fairmont Empress has been brought back to its original elegance while incorporating modern amenities for today’s luxury travelers. In addition to their high-quality afternoon tea, the Fairmont Empress offers Willow Stream Spa treatments and luxurious dining options.
Afternoon tea is a tradition in the UK and has grown in popularity in other parts of the world. However, formal afternoon tea services are the exception and many places now offer immersive tea services that include finger sandwiches, mini cakes, and more. Whether you are visiting London for business or for pleasure, you can enjoy a delightful afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Fairmont Empress, Canada – Book your hotel now!
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Situated in the lush Ayung River Valley, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is an architectural masterpiece and verdant riverside sanctuary. Accessible only by river raft, this luxury resort offers spacious suites and private villas with views of the Ayung River. Indulge in riverside dining and soak up the enchanted atmosphere on the waterfront Riverside Pool Terrace. Other features of the resort include a pond and rooftop lotus pond, plus eclectic dining and yoga.
Located near Ubud, the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is a hidden gem tucked away in the Ayung Valley. This beautiful resort is nestled between the Ayung River and a quieter village, yet it’s still just minutes from the buzz of Ubud. Guests can enjoy delicious Indonesian and Balinese cuisine while unwinding in the spa. The Sayan Bridge is a highlight, which links the two sides of the hotel.
The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan has three restaurants and a bar to keep guests well-fed. A full-service spa is available on site, and the hotel has a children’s club for children. It also provides complimentary Wi-Fi and four-language assistance. If you’re traveling to the island, Four Seasons is a perfect choice. You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery and feel like you’re in a world-class resort.
The hotel’s location on the southwest coast is also an advantage. Nearby attractions include the Ayung River, which is famous for rafting, and the Riverside restaurant. You can also enjoy a half-day bike ride down the mountain. The hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness center and whirlpools. And if you don’t feel like rafting, there’s a spa on-site for that.
Four Seasons Resort, Bali at Sayan – Book your hotel now!
Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai
Traveling from London to Mumbai? Stop by The Ritz-Carlton, Mumbai for an afternoon tea in style. Located on the 34th floor, AER is the highest rooftop bar in the city, sitting 146 meters above the ground. Four Seasons, Mumbai has a rooftop bar that’s home to a happy hour at sunset. You can experience a British tradition while enjoying a delicious, high-quality treat.
Afternoon tea is an English tradition, originating in the 1800s. The tradition began when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, was a lady-in-waiting for Queen Victoria. She grew impatient between lunch and dinner and requested a midday snack of tea, bread, and cake. The tradition is still celebrated today. Today, high-end hotels and resorts around the world offer delicious tea menus. However, you should make reservations as tea services are popular and usually sell out quickly.
Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai – Book your hotel now!
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
In England, afternoon tea is traditionally served on a three-tiered stand. While some hotels in Asia have kept the tradition, others have put their own spin on the classic British fare. No matter which style you prefer, there is a tea service at a luxury hotel somewhere around the world. Here are some of the world’s top options for afternoon tea:
The Ritz: The Ritz is a London high-end destination that serves 18 varieties of loose-leaf tea. The Ritz is one of the only hotels in the UK with a certified Tea Sommelier, Giandomenico Scanu, who travels to tea plantations to find the best tea blends. Tea lovers will love the ambiance and the service at The Ritz.
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel: Aristocratic in its style, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai has been serving afternoon tea since the early 20th century. It serves traditional English fare along with local specialties. And don’t worry about breaking the bank. Even the price of afternoon tea here isn’t too expensive. Afternoon tea isn’t just for the British anymore – it’s a tradition that has spread its wings from the capital to the remotest corners of the world.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo – Book your hotel now!
Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai
The newest addition to this luxury hotel is the rooftop pool. Surrounded by pink and orange chaises and a gin cart, this stunning pool area has the feel of an island resort with afternoon sitar music and tinkling pianos. In the evening, the pool becomes a cocktail bar and a place to linger over a glass of gin.
The lobby of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is grand and has a distinct old-world charm, but the rooms in the tower are more modern. A plethora of boutiques are found within the hotel’s grounds, which are mostly selling clothes and jewelry. The hotel also has several restaurants and bars that appeal to both tourists and locals. The La Patisserie is a popular choice among expatriates, while Wasabi by Morimoto has a bar on the upper floor. Those looking for a more sophisticated experience should try Masala Kraft, a contemporary Indian restaurant with old Bombay photographs.
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is another historic institution in the city. Originally, afternoon tea included bread and butter. However, over time, the menu has evolved and has a much larger selection of cakes, sandwiches, and desserts than the classic English treat. The Taj also hosts live entertainment in the evenings and has a buffet-style tea service every afternoon from 7 p.m. to midnight. The hotel has a charming atmosphere and traditional British delicacies that won’t break the bank.
The Taj Mahal Palace is an iconic landmark of The Indian Hotels Company Limited. The regal hotel offers everything from modern business hotels to idyllic beach resorts. Every hotel in the Taj has a unique fusion of Indian hospitality, world-class service, and contemporary luxury. The Taj Hotel has a worldwide presence and a legacy to uphold. There’s no better way to travel.
