After a long day hoofing it around one of the great cities of the world, it's nice to kick back and relax with a soothing cup of tea in cultural reflection. Several hotels have gotten the point, offering not only tea services, but also their own signature tea blends. Plus scones, you say? What time should we be there?
Mandarin Oriental New York, New York, New York: Upon check-in at any Mandarin Oriental property, a Welcome Tea comprised of the house blend and fresh cookies or pastries is delivered to the guest's room. In New York, it's the Mandarin Blossom, a Chinese green tea laced with the essence of fresh mandarin oranges. We suggest pairing it with the hotel's ginger scones and taking it in the 35th floor's lobby while ogling views of Central Park.
The Langham Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China: The global hotel group recently added four signature teas to the Langham Afternoon Tea experience offered at all of its properties. Available on-site or for retail in a black tin accented with pink flowers, they include the Langham Blend, a black tea with hints of orange, and the Silk Road Blend, which is infused with jasmine and rosebuds.
Le Pavillon des Lettres, Paris, France: The chic salon on the ground floor of Le Pavillon des Lettres, which derives inspiration from literary luminaries like Yeats and Flaubert, is the perfect spot to settle with a book and a cup of tea. A variety of blends are on offer, including Le Thé des Écrivains, a green tea flavored with cinnamon and honey, and accompanied by cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks.
Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa: Tea at Mount Nelson is served in the hotel's lounge, on the terrace, or around the garden fountain, and is complemented by a vast spread of finger sandwiches, requisite scones, and other sweets, The brew itself is the signature Mount Nelson Tea, blended from six varieties of leaves—Darjeeling, Kenya, Assam, Keemun, Yunnan, Ceylon—as well as rose petals grown on-site in the picturesque garden.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills, California: The Peninsula Beverly Hills' original Belvedere Blend, named after the hotel's posh restaurant, is served during three daily services in the Living Room salon to the accompaniment of a classical harpist. To celebrate the hotel's 20th anniversary in July 2011, the Tropical Peninsula blend—Black Assam accented with mango, pineapple and blue cornflowers—was added to the menu.
This post was originally published by CondeNastTraveler.com.
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