Sipping Tea Around the World

Take part in tea rituals at Four Seasons worldwide, from ceremonies steeped in tradition to fresh brews.

Dec 4, 2012

By: Callie Young

Mint tea ritual, Marrakech

Tea Connoisseur’s Delight, Mumbai

Dragon well tea, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou

Afternoon tea, Tokyo

Afternoon tea, London

Afternoon tea, Austin

Texas Tea, Houston

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At the Maarifa Cultural Centre at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, take part in Morocco’s artistic and cultural offerings—including a traditional mint tea ceremony. The ritual is performed throughout the country to welcome guests into one’s home; at the Centre, Mohamed the tea man (as he’s affectionately known) takes guests through the elaborate ceremony, which involves steeping tea leaves and sugar in boiling water, then serving the tea with handfuls of fresh mint in small glasses. It’s a refreshing and hospitable way to enjoy Morocco’s beloved beverage.

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

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Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai pays homage to local and global tea flavours with a new Tea Connoisseur’s Delight menu at the Hotel’s Café Prato. Guests can choose from blends sourced from India, such as Kashmiri kahwa from the Himalayan foothills or southern India’s Blue Mountain nilgri. Japanese sencha, African rooibos, and herbal infusions fill out the menu.

Photograpy courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resort

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Longjing, or “dragon well” tea, grows in abundance around West Lake and throughout Zhejiang Province. The leaves are picked by hand and heated soon after to halt the natural fermentation process, resulting in tea with a lovely green colour and rich, distinct flavour. The green tea is the highlight of the daily traditional tea service at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake.

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

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After a day of shopping in Ginza or exploring the Imperial Palace, relax with afternoon tea service at Ekki Bar & Grill, located on the seventh floor of Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi. Choose from a variety of aromatic black, green and herbal teas, while the seasonal East-meets-West menu has standouts such as Wagyu cheeseburgers, pumpkin pudding with caramel sauce, or scones with clotted cream and dried figs.

Photography courtesy Four Seaons Hotels and Resorts

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Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane’s Amaranto Lounge is a traditional English affair, with sweet and savoury fare and an extensive tea selection, including unique bespoke blends. Dine on smoked salmon or egg-and-watercress sandwiches, crumpets with housemade jams, and decadent panna cotta and éclairs, accompanied by expertly blended brews. For something a little less traditional, Amaranto Lounge’s La Dolce Vita Tea serves Italian specialties.

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

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At Four Seasons Hotel Austin, tea comes with a Texas twist. In addition to the Lobby Lounge’s Traditional Afternoon Tea is a special Texas Tea menu, featuring bites with a bite. Think Texas peach serrano jam with blue cheese on cornbread toast, or chicken salad with roasted poblano mayo, along with pecan shortbread cookies and Hill Country peach pie for a sweet finish.

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

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Flavours of the Lone Star State shine on the afternoon tea menu at Four Seasons Hotel Houston. Here, the Texas Tea menu offers regional classics such as Texas rub roast beef and horseradish on pretzel bread, or Gulf shrimp po’ boys.

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

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Since it was first cultivated 5,000 years ago in China, tea has become one of the most popular beverages in the world. It has a rich history that spans continents and cultures; today tea is revered worldwide for its pleasing taste and endless varieties, not to mention its rejuvenating effects and health benefits. And in many places, the ritual of the tea service is as grand as the beverage itself. Here are some memorable ways to savour tea at Four Seasons hotels around the world.

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