A certain festive season lasts only a few weeks (or maybe months, these days), but itâs tea season all winter long. Hotels around the world are staying true to the afternoon tea traditions theyâve maintained for generations, while others are upping their game with partnerships with luxury beauty brands, premium caviar purveyors and famous Champagne houses. Here are 13 hotels where the afternoon ritual is worth dolling yourself up, stepping out into the chill and being rewarded with cozy (or boozy) beverages and delicate, delicious bites.
The Langham, London
This British institution claims to be the birthplace of afternoon teaâthe first hotel to offer an English teatime menu when it opened in 1865. Their afternoon treats, still served in the legendary Palm Court tearoom, still draw a steady crowd of tea enthusiasts. Overseen by Michelin two-star chef Michel Roux Jr. and executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett, the spread is inspired by Britainâs favorite cakes, including custard cream with a chocolate shell, chocolate fudge cake and Madagascan vanilla cream. Along with the sweets and finger sandwiches, the presentation includes an extensive range of teas, organic sparkling tea and local Gusbourne sparkling wine.
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Hands-down the most glamorous hotel lobby in Lisbon, the Almada Negreiros lounge (named for the midcentury Portuguese artist whose tapestries decorate the walls) has always been an elegant meetingplace. it recently launched a partnership with the French beauty brand Guerlain, whose OrchidĂ©e ImpĂ©rial range is made with orchid botanicalsâa match for the roomâs extravagant arrangement of white orchids. Executive pastry chef Diogo Lopes took inspiration from the flowers to create sweets like lavender and hibiscus macarons and honey and lemon spheres with dried flowers. Executive chef Pascal Meynard supplies savory treats like smoked salmon with gold and bergamot gel, and foie gras with ginja (Portuguese cherry brandy). The goodie bag includes OrchidĂ©e ImpĂ©riale product samples. Note that the menu will be paused during December but will resume in January.
Raffles Singapore
Since 1887, the original Raffles has been one of Asiaâs most famous grand hotels. Today its afternoon tea service still brings to mind the extravagant parties that were held in the Grand Lobby in the 19th century, but is designed to be a place for chic celebrations or light repasts with friends in the 21st century. Amid the grand Victorian pillars and soft sunshine streaming through the skylight, guests can enjoy finger sandwiches, house-made scones and cakes, and seasonal delicacies, all complimented by a curated collection of exquisite teas and Champagnes.
Sommerro, Oslo
This year-old hotel has been a big deal all around; itâs Norwayâs largest-ever preservation project and the countryâs most ambitious hospitality project to date. The landmark 1930s building was once the HQ of the cityâs electric company, and its new design combines neoclassical contemporary aesthetics with original historic elements. The watering hole To SĂžstre serves oysters and Champagne by night and an elegant afternoon tea by day. British executive head chef Jonathan Howell brings the best of traditional English high tea with a Sommerro twist. The menu, by award-winning pastry chefs Jared Jiann Lih Chuah and Aziz Muhammad, changes with the seasons and includes finger sandwiches, scones and sweets, alongside bubbles and carefully selected teas. Guests can also try the “tipsy teaâ from the passing Champagne trolley or enjoy a masterfully concocted non-alcoholic cocktail.
The St. Regis Bermuda Resort
The St. Regis Bermuda Resort in the historic town of St. George (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is also known as the House of Astor. Back in the day, Mrs. Astor hosted tea parties that were intimate gatherings with her closest associates, a low-key prelude to her more notable social events, which have been part of St. Regis lore for more than a century. Todayâs tea service includes variety of teas, finger sandwiches, scones and sweets, as well as tea-inspired cocktails, such as the Lavender Bespoke with Bombay Sapphire, açaĂ liqueur, lavender-infused Earl Grey tea, fresh lemon juice, and the Green Iced Tea Mojito with Bacardi Superior, pineapple-mint green tea, fresh lime juice and soda.
Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka
Afternoon tea doesnât get much closer to the source than it does at Ceylon Tea Trails, a Relais & ChĂąteaux hotel in Sri Lankaâs UNESCO World Heritage highlands that consists of five historic tea-planter bungalows. In the gardens and on the terraces, guests sip their tea just meters away from the bushes from which the leaves were plucked. Along with the fragrant black and green Ceylon teas from the famous Dilmah brand, butlers serve savory bites and delicate cakes.
Cromlix, Scotland
Tennis great Andy Murray opened Cromlix in an exquisite Victorian mansion and estate to pay homage to the rich history of the Stirlingshire countryside near Dunblane. One of the traditions that he and his wife, Kim, has kept alive is a high tea with all the trimmings. This has proved to be wildly popular, with the boutique hotel serving about 1,000 afternoon teas to guests and outside visitors per month. The menu, which changes seasonally uses garnishes, fruits and herbs grown in the hotelâs kitchen garden. Along with the classic rendition of the British custom, the hotel recently launched a series of Tiger Tea Party afternoon teas for children in partnership with WWF, featuring the iconic picture book The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
Auberge Saint-Antoine, Quebec City
This classic hotel recently brought back its beloved afternoon tea at its famous Bar Artefact, which offers a glimpse into Quebecâs history via unique relics from the French and British regimes that were unearthed during the most recent renovation of the museum-like Auberge Saint-Antoine hotel. The service includes premium English teas alongside selections from local teahouse Camellia Sinensis, homemade hot cocoa using premium chocolate from local chocolaterie Couleur Chocolat, and tea-infused cocktails such as a lavender haze tea with pastis. Other signature drinks can be ordered a la carte from the cocktail menu, one of the most creative in town.
Mihir Garh, Jodhpur, India
At Mihir Garh, high tea takes place on the sunset terrace, affording breathtaking views of Rajasthanâs expansive wilderness. The experience, which is meant to cap off a day of wildlife viewing or riding on the estateâs Marwari stallions, begins with a curated selection of aromatic chai and other teas, followed by a delectable mixture of local dishes, classic recipes and reimagined delicacies that blend traditional flavors with contemporary finesse. In keeping with the overall spirit of the nine-room Relais & ChĂąteaux hotel, the experience is designed to be a harmonious celebration of taste, culture and natureâs grandeur.
BĂŒrgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
DamiĂĄn Carini, the executive pastry chef at this ultra-luxury resort and wellness retreat in the Swiss Alps, was named Gault & Millauâs Patissier of the Year for 2024. So it goes almost without saying that the sweet, airy confections served as part of the resortâs legendary afternoon tea are some of the best in the world. The setting is the sky-high Lakeview Bar & Cigar Lounge, which has panoramic windows overlooking Lake Lucerne, and the menu of sweetsâpaired with chilled Champagne, of courseâis exquisitely light, bringing intense pleasure without overindulgence. During holiday seasons, the proceedings take on a decidedly festive air.
The Westbury, Dublin
Afternoon tea at the Westbury is served in the hotelâs buzzy gallery overlooking Grafton Street. The classic menu includes usual fare of sandwiches, scones and homemade pastries alongside fragrant teas from all over the globe served in pretty silver teapots. Guests can also add a glass of Charles Heidsieck RosĂ© RĂ©serve NV from the very popular Champagne trolley. Of special note are the vegan and vegetarian tea menus, which feature items like sweet potato fritters with cucumber and coconut yogurt, roasted beets, feta and hummus on focaccia, and chocolate brownies with hazelnut pralinĂ© ganache.
The Adolphus, Dallas
Afternoon tea in the French Room has been a storied tradition since the early-20th-century days of the Adolphus. These days it takes the form of a three-course menu of sandwiches, scones and pastries paired with loose-leaf teas from local purveyor Zakti, including a distinctive blend thatâs made especially for the hotel. Guests can add a glass of Champagne or (and!) the newly debuted caviar service with Regiis Ova Siberian reserve caviar, buckwheat blini, crĂšme fraĂźche and shaved egg yolk. Until the end of this year, a special Holiday Tea Service will be offered seven days a week and will include a glass of bubbles or a festive non-alcoholic drink.
Fairmont Royal York, Toronto
The Fairmontâs Clockwork is a self-described swanky Champagne and cocktail bar with imaginative details inspired by the hotel’s rich railway history. On weekend afternoons, another, less boozy beverage is on offer. A house-curated selection of quality teas are served beside with a house-made buttery scones, savory sandwiches and delectable pasties. The limited-edition holiday tea is a festive upgrade that includes mini smoked turkey croissants, sausage rolls, snow religieuse (a puff-pastry concoction) and chocolate truffle mousse.