With spring in full bloom in the Northern Hemisphere, lively afternoon tea experiences designed for alfresco enjoyment or inspired by the season’s bulbs and blossoms are now available at some of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels to guarantee a sprightly gathering infused with a dose of local culture.
At the pedigreed The St. Regis San Francisco located in the heart of SOMA District, Cherry Blossom afternoon tea celebrates the arrival of the season of renewal with a new “Art of Tea” experience from the brand that elevated the elegant ritual to an art form. In the spirit of new beginnings, an exceptional collection of specially selected TEALEAVES blends is available for a limited time at the hotel’s elegantly appointed Tea Salon. Guests can also try exquisite sweet and savoury bites that range from onigiri, Peking duck madeleines and savarin katsu to candied citrus scones, yuzu almond sable and vanilla bean canelé. The price of $135 per person includes a complimentary welcome toast featuring Lallier Rosé.
Multi award-winning resort Anantara Chiang Mai (pictured) in Thailand’s mountainous north serves daily afternoon tea in the gardens of the former British consulate on the banks of the serene Ping River. The setting could not be more apposite – on the veranda of what was Her Majesty’s consulate dating back 100 years. With its fine Wedgwood porcelain, freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream, and a selection of delicate finger sandwiches and tartlets, the experience is as authentic as it gets. For a local touch, guests can swap TWG tea for the hotel’s own Monsoon collection, or elevate the experience with a glass of bubbly or an old-fashioned G&T. The price is THB 790++ per person or THB 1,390++ for two.
At The St. Regis Venice, the brand’s signature afternoon tea ritual takes on a distinctly avant-garde form. As part of the “Art of Tea” experience in partnership with Ginori 1735, a luxury Italian porcelain maker, guests get to experience offbeat porcelain sets from the Off-White™ c/o Ginori 1735 and luxury Oriente Italiano collections inspired by the colors of the light that reflects on the lagoon from dawn to dusk. The exclusive La via del Tè infusions were carefully selected to match a delectable menu of Italian tramezzini, scones, chocolate tartlets, cream puffs, and assorted pralines. The price is 50€ per person, including a wide dessert selection, and 85€ per person with Champagne Ruinart to be enjoyed at the Italianate Garden with iconic canal views.
