By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor
Pinkies up, Caribbean lovers! Because despite the balmy weather, the ritual of afternoon tea is alive and well in the Caribbean – and not just in formerly British destinations, either. From Mexico and St. Lucia and to islands you’d expect, such as Barbados and Bermuda, there are plenty of regional hotels where you can enjoy a spot of tea under the sun. So when you’re ready for a scrumptious post-lunch, pre-dinner pick-me-up, consider our choice of the top Caribbean hotels for afternoon tea.
Sandy Lane, Barbados Reservations and casually elegant attire are most definitely required at this posh Bajan retreat, where tea with all the traditional trimmings (as well as champagne, if you opt for the Royal Tea) is served in a lovely outdoor setting under a canopy of mahogany trees.
Belmond Cap Juluca, Anguilla Served en plein air in the resort’s lobby, the complimentary afternoon spread here includes fresh-baked scones with clotted cream and jam; sweet biscuits; and hot and iced teas. The perfect accompaniment: the jaw-dropping sweep of Maundays Bay, mere feet away.
Curtain Bluff, Antigua Despite the resort’s posh reputation, tea here is a low-key and relaxed affair, served on the Sugar Mill Terrace and including an array of fresh fruit and finger sandwiches to complement the traditional hot beverage.
Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, Mexico At this Puerto Morelos resort, a “tea sommelier” guides guests through illuminating (and delicious) 90-minute tea tastings that reveal the history of the brew and show you how best to appreciate its flavor. (Hint: slurp, don’t sip!)
Half Moon, Jamaica Sip in style at the oceanfront Cedar Bar at this Montego Bay classic, where you’ll be forgiven for ordering a cup of coffee (this is the home of Blue Mountain, after all).
Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Bermuda The atmosphere here is undeniably elegant so dress well for the weekends-only tea service at this venerable Bermuda resort, where sophisticates can choose from more than 20 varieties of loose-leaf tea and deliciously decadent desserts.
Jade Mountain, St. Lucia Served on the resort’s awe-inspiring Celestial Terrace, afternoon tea here always includes sweeping views of the Pitons and generous servings of artisanal chocolate bonbons, made with organic cocoa from the resort’s Emerald Farm.
Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, Grand Cayman Repair to the Silver Palm lounge on this Seven Mile stunner, where a selection of white, oolong and green teas, as well as herbal and fruit infusions, are served in style. There’s even a kids’ tea (think peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and hot chocolate) so little ones can get in on the afternoon action.
Round Hill, Jamaica As elegant yet unpretentious as the estate itself, tea service here is efficient yet easygoing, featuring cucumber sandwiches, tropical fruit and scrumptious sweets, all graciously served in the laidback resort lounge.