3 Afternoon Tea Experiences and Evening Tea-Infused Cocktails

Millennials are turning to tea as a popular beverage because of its nutritional benefits. Hotels and resorts are offering afternoon and evening tea service, plus tea infused spa-treatments. Here are my Top 3 Tea Destinations:

At the Fairmont Empress Hotel their elegant afternoon tea service has been a favorite tradition for over 115 years. Set in the soaring ceiling of the open Lobby Lounge, guests  overlook the Empress lawn and inner harbor, while listening to piano music. The turn-of-the-century formal service with modern refinement, includes royal china holding premium loose leaf-tea. Pastries, finger sandwiches and flaky scones with honey from the hotel’s bee hives, and house made strawberry jam are some of the menu favorites 

Now in the evening, Sunset Sips transforms the Lobby Lounge into a more romantic atmosphere. Dan McGowan, General Manager of the Fairmont Empress Hotel and his team created an evening tea with cocktails and tapas. “After tea service, this beautiful space remained dark and empty. Since it is one of the best spots to capture the beautiful sunset, we are now providing a similar tea experience, but with tea-infused cocktails,” said McGowan. It’s gained popularity since it opened in June, 2023, with locals, tourists and cruise passengers.

As the sky turns orange, red and purple, guests enjoy tea-infused libations with names like  the ‘Mad Hatter’ and ‘The Spare & The Actress’. The ‘Daisy Ricky’ offers tropical and smooth notes in the citrus punch tea-infused Barcardi. Those who order ‘New Wisdom’ have a choice of hot or cold milk served on the side of a pot of Hennessy VS and amaretto with chai-infused tea offering pleasing notes of orange, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Sweet treats include a strawberry-rhubarb tart, gluten-free tapioca violet mousse and chocolate profiteroles. This special evening Sunset Sips is $45 per person. Extra tapas can be ordered for an additional charge.

The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers an afternoon tea with free flowing Champagne by Laurent Perrier. One-of-a-kind teas and a tower of delectable sweet and savory bites are served in the Living Room with a classical harpist playing for listening pleasure. Nightcap, a new dining series includes live music, cocktails and bites in the evening. Located in the hotel’s Living Room, Executive Chef Ralf Schlegel showcases a carefully curated tower of 10 different hors d’oeuvre paired with tea inspired cocktails.

The menu changes daily, as does the music program. The hotel’s resident pianist, Antonio Castillo de la Gala and special guest vocalist Kevin Francis perform together, providing a unique show, mixing classic piano with modern entertainment. A designated “Song of the Evening” is printed on each menu.

Nightcap is $85 per person for 10 hors d’oeuvres and one specialty cocktail. Reservations can be booked on OpenTable for Thursdays through Saturdays between 7 to 11 p.m.

Omni Hotels & Resorts launched Omni’s ‘Summer of Tea’ programs and packages offering guests special brews and bites in their portfolio of 50+ hotels and resorts nationwide in partnership with Numi Organic Tea.

“Vitality is brewing at Omni,” said Devin Burns, Vice President of Rooms, Food & Beverage at Omni Hotels & Resorts. “Tea has been named one of the top beverage trends for 2023 which inspired us to explore all its versatility and benefits. Steeped in the spirit of the summer, we’ve created a truly dynamic collection of menu offerings that meld different blends with the local flavors and traditions of each Omni destination.”

Guests can sip and savor poolside selecting items from a specialty menu that includes Mai Tai mocktails and a flavorful ‘Mo-Tea-To’ made with Numi Moroccan Mint Tea.  The ‘Tropical Tea Time’ is made with Numi Hibiscus Tea. Indulgent dishes include seared scallops & Chai Tea curried noodles, trout tartar with Sweet Tea vinaigrette and Early Grey ice cream sandwiches and berry Iced Tea popsicles.

“Tea has been a staple for centuries, but its popularity is growing in new ways,” said Reem Hassani, Chief Brand Officer & Co-Founder of Numi Organic Tea. “Our vision has always been to share the transformative healing power of tea with the world. We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with Omni Hotels & Resorts and to be able to share our teas in so many innovative and delicious ways with its guests.”

There are lobby activations, wellness offerings, and SCOUT© Bags exclusive travel tote.  As part of its ‘Carried Away’ package, guests receive generous hotel and resort credits towards  dining, spa and golf experiences.

SCOUT co-founder and chief creative officer, Deb Waterman Johns collaborated with Amin Hotels & Resorts. “SCOUT is proud to partner with Omni Hotels & Resorts to launch the summer travel tote of 2023,” said Deb Waterman Johns. “Our Plus 1 Foldable Travel Bag is designed with the unexpected in mind to help travelers pack more with less, stay organized on-the-go, carry all the items they need, and feel prepared for whatever life (and world travel) throws at them. And there’s lots more where this came from!”

‘Carried Away’ Package booking dates are a minimum two-night stay now through September 7, 2023. With stays until September 8, 2023. Guests receive accommodations, and a $200 resort credit (or $50 hotel credit) per stay, plus an exclusive Summer bag (1 per stay) custom-designed SCOUT Bag.

Get Zen with Organic Oolong Tea-Infused Spa Treatments

Omni Hotels & Resorts enriching spa experience uses tea-based ingredients combined with Biodynamic Flower Essences. These are packed with opulent anti-agers, and probiotic peptides with clinically active hydrators. Treatments will incorporate tea and botanical-based pedicure scrubs, aromatherapy, and massage oils featuring product lines such as the Oolong Tea Collection by ZENTS. These Summer of Tea spa treatments include the Organic Oolong Tea Renewal Ritual, the Organic Oolong Tea Luxe Pedicure, the Organic Oolong Tea Revitalized Massage and Summer of Tea Enhancement to any Facial.

“We’re putting a refreshing twist on what it means to relax and unwind this summer,” said Mary Bennett, Vice President of Marketing & Digital Strategy. “We pride ourselves on creating genuine moments that leave a lasting memory. Whether it’s through our partnership with SCOUT Bags or our ‘Summer of Tea‘ program, we’re committed to curating unique experiences for our guests whether they are traveling to one of our resorts or amazing city-center destinations.”

Cheers to a beverage that is refreshing and contains no sodium, fat, carbonation, or sugar. It is virtually calorie-free. Tea helps maintain proper fluid balance and may contribute to overall good health.