Several hotels around the globe are hosting teas for Mother’s Day either traditionally or with a creative twist to the usual scone and finger sandwich affair.
Afternoon tea is a fancy-schmancy affair which was believed to have started as a social event during the early nineteenth century in Britain. In fact it was rumored the 7th Duchess of Bedford (who was rumored to be friends with Queen Victoria) complained of being what we today term as Hangry, during the late afternoon after lunch. The solution for the Duchess was a pot a tea and a light snack, taken privately in her boudoir during this time.
From then to present this royal affair has transformed into an international social and delicious event, welcoming us common folk to partake in the all the delicious tea affair activities. Especially in May, also known to be the month to celebrate of all mothers. What better way to celebrate your mom than to treat her like the royal queen she is. See below for the destinations hosting afternoon tea affairs across the globe.
An English mansion-hotel located across from Kensington Palace and Gardens, offers an award-winning Afternoon Tea menu.
The decadent tea includes:
- Delicate finger sandwiches like Smoked Scottish salmon and cream cheese, free-range egg mayonnaise and Hampshire watercress, Mull of Kintyre Cheddar and tomato, and chicken mayonnaise with chopped almonds, warm freshly baked scones served with Devonshire clotted cream and homemade strawberry preserves, as well as a selection of French pastries like éclairs, tartlets, and macarons. A vast selection of teas will accompany the meal, along with a bottle of champagne.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Peru
Tucked away in the Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls and stone pathways, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offers an adaptation to the classic afternoon tea.
Mother and daughter duos can take part in the tea making process;
- Picking fresh tea leaves, Peru is best known for their cocoa tea leaf.
- Pressing it over wooden blocks and finally sealing their own tea bag – at the property’s organic tea plantation and tea house.
After an eventful day of adventuring, enjoy a glass of fresh iced tea or cocktail with homemade pastries overlooking the surrounding forest, then head to the UNU Spa to indulge in their various all natural treatments.
Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Germany
Germany has a unique tea culture, the Frisian Tea Time. Closely related to English tea culture, where a strong black blend (similar to breakfast tea) is usually used called “Ostfriesentee”. Served in a large porcelain teapot, with candied sugar and cream With the tea mostly cakes and wafers are served.
At Berlin’s landmark Hotel Adlon Kempinski, the Royal Afternoon Tea service is a feast fit for state heads, aristocrats, presidents and stars from all over the world. An array of savory and sweet classic tea selections are served along with a few classic German delicacies such as roast beef sandwiches and German profiterole.
d’Angleterre, Copenhagen
Scandinavians are some of the biggest coffee drinkers in the world and are likely to prefer a fika, or a dark cup of jo over a cup of tea. While tea is not popular it is still available for the few tea enthusiasts to enjoy.
For a truly royal experience, The Grand Cuvee Package at the d’Angleterre – the Grand Dame of Copenhagen – serves Krug Grand Cuvee champagne alongside its traditional afternoon tea.
A vast selection of teas (and of course coffees) is prepared with tea bites which include smoked salmon sandwiches, cakes, mini-quiches, tarts and gateaux. See more on the menu. Champagne is paired with the more upscale bites like lobster and truffles.
Experience a unique high tea, emphasis on “high”served with the resort’s treepod dining experience. Comfortably seated in a bamboo pod, the team gently hoists up to four diners high up into the tropical foliage of Koh Kood’s ancient rain forest. Get outstanding views of the boulder-covered shoreline as they savor gourmet delights like their freshly made flaky croissants and fine tea, delivered via the zip-line acrobatics of a personal waiter.
This luxury resort sits on Thailand’s fourth largest but least populated island, Koh Kood—just one hour by private plane south-east of Bangkok. It offers an unrivaled combination of luxury, an integral environmental approach, authentic Thai experiences and mouth-watering organic food. Soneva Kiri Resort comprises 36 vast pool villas on beach level, hillsides or cliff tops, all overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.
