It’s easy to walk past the Drawing Room at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in search of a tucked-away lounge. But the pastry case should be a good clue to stop and plonk yourself down into one of the armchairs that looks out onto the palm trees and aquamarine waters of Saadiyat.
Better yet, book into the iconic Lady Astor Afternoon Tea that takes inspiration from the actual Mrs. Astor, aka the founder of the first St. Regis in New York, who hosted teatimes with her friends.
That tradition has been carried all the way to Saadiyat Island. Just don’t come famished because it takes 20 to 30 minutes for the tea to be prepared.
Thankfully, it’s worth the wait. And you have your choice of tea (or even coffee, if you want to be more unconventional) while you count down.
Speaking of different, there are classic and local afternoon tea options as well as a Tiny Afternoon Tea for kids. Go with someone and get one of each and share, although one afternoon tea set is definitely enough to satisfy two people. This is a meal.
Sandwiches and desserts come out first on a three-tier circular tea stand followed by freshly baked scones with proper clotted cream (none of that whipped stuff), strawberry jam and orange marmalade in another ‘grammable box. The mini chocolate chip scone is cram-jam full of chocolate bits, but even the plain scones hold their own.
Staff helpfully explain what everything is, then leave you to conquer your cake stands. If you want a fresh cup for your meal this is the time ask, otherwise it might be hard to grab someone for a fresh brew. And no one likes a lukewarm tea, or worse, a cold cuppa.
Some teas are better suited to sweet over savoury, and vice versa, so consider carefully because you get one choice. We learned the hard way what works with coronation chicken and smoked salmon, and what definitely doesn’t. (Swerve the rose and other floral teas.)
If you’re a chocolate-lover, you might be left craving something more than chocolate frosting. The dessert options try to be fresh and light, or as best as they can be after you’ve scoffed 10 things over the afternoon.
And an afternoon it is. Once you’re seated in one of the chairs with endless views and beautiful décor around you, life takes a slower pace. (We can see why Mrs. Astor was a fan of afternoon tea.) You’re in no rush, and nor are staff to hurry you out, so settle in. Count yourself lucky and someone might even tinkle the ivories of the piano located in the opulent marble room.
Dhs195 (soft). Dhs240 (glass of French bubbly). Daily 2pm-6pm. Licensed. St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island (02 498 8888).
What is it
A storied afternoon tea with views at every turn
Why go
To gaze out onto the palm trees and pristine waters over a chic cuppa
