Pinterest recently reported that "afternoon tea will be the new happy hour," claiming that people will choose darjeeling with a friend over drinks after work. The social media company went on to say that searches for "tea party aesthetic" and "drinking tea pose" have been spiking across all age groups.
While coffee may have a large cult following, tea aficionados are just as passionate about getting their beverage fix. With these new reports in mind, here are some of our favorite private tea experiences that are certainly worth traveling for:
Mayflower Inn & Spa | Washington, Connecticut - Private Tea Time with Art
Join the Inn on weekday afternoons for an elevated take on the traditional Afternoon Tea experience, served in a specially curated set of porcelain cups, saucers, and teapots from Montreal-based artist, Marie-Claude Marquis. The tea experience is an extension of Marie-Claude’s exhibit at the hotel, “Too Tired to Sleep,” which taps into the importance of rest and self-care, and allows for guests to pause and unwind while enjoying a menu of savory and sweet treats with the exclusively designed tea sets. ($55 per guest, $75 with champagne)
Perry Lane Hotel | Savannah, Georgia - Private Tea in the Library
While so many cultures participate in various forms of tea rituals, the South has embraced the tradition in a way that makes it all its own, from the exquisite tea sets and indulgent bites to soothing selections and touches of booziness for those that dare. This month, Perry Lane Hotel, the quintessential Savannah hotel located in the historic district, launched a new private afternoon tea in the library for groups of up to eight people. A popular offering for bachelorette parties and for brides to extend weekend wedding festivities with a pre-wedding day private bridal tea, the private tea party embraces the Southern tea time tradition and features an exquisite tea set with a variety of hot teas, indulgent sweet and savory bites such as tea sandwiches, house-baked pastries and more. Groups are also welcomed with a zero-proof cocktail and the option to add spirits with tea time cocktails. The private tea party in the library is $500++, and must be booked in advance.
La Concha Resort | San Juan, Puerto Rico - Private Cabana Tipsy Tea
Located on the beach in San Juan’s chic Condado neighborhood, La Concha Resort is the premier beach lifestyle resort in Puerto Rico, offering oceanfront accommodations, a happening pool scene, unique culinary outlets, and a buzzing nightlife – perfect for group getaways. Adding to the resort’s social programming, La Concha Resort unveiled a new Cabana Tipsy Tea Party package. Putting a spin on traditional afternoon tea and drawing from the resort’s tropical atmosphere and sunkissed setting, the Cabana Tipsy Tea Party offers groups an afternoon tea experience to remember including a private oceanfront cabana at Sereno, sparkling tea signature cocktails upon arrival, a variety of flavor-infused teas and botanical cocktails and/or mocktails, and assorted treats such as seasonal fruit, petite desserts and freshly baked pastries for the ultimate tea-time experience in paradise.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills | Beverly Hills, CA - Private Villa Tea
Lauded for its iconic afternoon tea that takes place at Peninsula Hotel’s across the globe, Peninsula Beverly Hills brings a bespoke, 5-star experience to its discerning guests by offering amenities like a private tea service to those spending their time tucked away in one of the hotel’s luxurious private villas. This romantic and decadent experience, ideal for Peninsula’s discerning traveler, comes complete with free flowing Champagne by Laurent Perrier, one of a kind teas and a tower of delectable sweet and savory delights.
