High tea in Bali isn’t all cucumber sandwiches and Earl Grey. There’s fine China, pastries, breathtaking views and settings, and even our favourite friend: the bubbly!
From morning ‘til evening, Bali has SO much to offer when it comes to wining and dining. Think brunching in Seminyak, coffee in Canggu’s Insta-famed cafes and award-winning dining in Ubud. With the island’s booming cafe scene, there’s always a spot for the coffee lovers to drop by and sip the day away… But what about those who pick tea over coffee? Fret not, because high tea in Bali is an up-and-coming institution of its own!
And if you think high teas here are tiny sandwiches and a pot of tea, think again! From elegant beachfront venues and jungle vista, to boozy afternoon soirée with the ladies, here are our fave places to go for (not so regular) high tea in Bali fit for royalty.
THE TOP SPOTS FOR AFTERNOON HIGH TEA IN BALI
1. Biku
Looking for a classic and elegant afternoon ritual? You’ll want to check out Biku’s high tea. For starters, you’ll sip the afternoon away inside or at the patio of an antique Javanese traditional house, AKA joglo, made of 150-year old teak wood. There are 50 different teas on offer, hailing from China, India and Indonesia, all brewed by the in-house tea master. If that’s not enough, a clairvoyant is in residence most afternoons. And psst… there’s even a fabulous kid’s version too!
Biku, Jl Taman Ganesha Gg. Bina No. 888, Petitenget, Seminyak, p. +62 851 0057 0888, e. [email protected]; Open daily.
2. The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali
If there’s anything Mulia is known for (well, other than being the “Best Hotel in The World” and having the most gorgeous infinity pool on the island), it’s the endless selection of awesome dining – the high teas included. You can head upstairs for a rooftop afternoon tea at the Cascade Lounge, or swing by The Bar for an intimate tea sesh… One thing’s for sure, you’ll get a taste of the most luxurious high tea in Bali.
The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali, Jl Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Nusa Dua, p. +62 361 301 7777, e. [email protected]
3. Andaz Bali
If high tea in the outdoors is your kind of afternoon bliss, then you’ll want to check out Andaz Bali. A village-inspired resort in the heart of Sanur, Andaz gives you a Village Afternoon Tea with a twist – a picnic-style tea sesh on a grassy lawn, in the middle of a garden or on the beach. Graze the whole afternoon on sweet and savoury dishes from the resort’s bakery, and choose between free flow of coffee, tea or homemade iced tea. Or make it a bubbly afternoon, and add a glass of sparkling wine… Cheers!
Andaz Bali, Jl Danau Tamblingan No. 89A, Sanur, p. +62 361 320 1234
4. Byrd House
Nestled in the northern strip of Sanur‘s golden sands is Byrd House’s nest-like bamboo wonder. This elevated beach house redefines beach clubs with its laid back and family friendly vibes. And not only is it a space for socialising over great food and awesome cocktails, it’s also where you can spend a sophisticated afternoon with an al fresco high tea. The high tea at Byrd House is an afternoon soirée that includes a tower of pretty-as-a-pic sweet and savoury bites, as well as a wonderful selection of tea or coffee. Top tip: you’ll want to stay ‘til the sky turns golden, and take in the view from the beachside seat with the bar’s signature cocktail in hand.
Byrd House, Jl Segara Ayu, Sanur, p. +62 361 288 407 / +62 812 3866 7935, e. [email protected]
5. Hanging Gardens of Bali
You may know it as the resort with the most stunning infinity pool on the island, hanging atop a canopy of greenery, but did you know that you can have an elegant tea sesh right by that famous pool? Hanging Gardens of Bali offers an elevated, traditional English high tea, overlooking Ubud’s lush jungle. Think traditional Balinese sweets alongside éclairs, fruit tartlets and scones with whipped cream and delish jams. Yep, a high tea here is always a delightful affair…
Hanging Gardens of Bali, Buahan, Payangan, p. +62 361 982 700 / +62 811 3800 988
6. Jati Bar
An afternoon high tea doesn’t get more elevated than at the No. 1 Hotel in The World in 2018! Four Seasons’ Jati Bar gives you a sophisticated high tea in the afternoon to unwind and savour the calming views of Ayung River. Enjoy carefully crafted light snacks and sweet treats, and as the golden hour approaches, prop up by the teak-wood bar and sip your way through the selection of barrel-aged cocktails.
Jati Bar at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Jl Raya Sayan, Ubud, p. +62 361 977 577
7. R Bar
Hip and stylish, when it comes to afternoon tea R Bar at Renaissance perched on Uluwatu’s cliff gives you the best of both worlds: tea and treats, with stunning sunset views. The high tea is inspired by the ‘hood’s famous Uluwatu Temple – light bites are beautifully arranged on a temple-shaped hanging tower, which you can graze on at the bar’s open air balcony. All this, best paired with the premium local tea brand, or better yet, the bar’s signature sunset cocktails…
R Bar at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa, Jl Pantai Balangan 1 No. 1, Ungasan, p. +62 361 200 3588, e. [email protected]
8. The Ritz-Carlton Lounge & Bar
Glamorous just like its five-star venue, you can expect an elevated high tea experience at The Ritz-Carlton Lounge & Bar. For starters, the Asian-inspired light bites are specially curated by the chefs. You’ll have the option to wash it all down with the premium TWG teas, or go bubbly with the Sparkling Afternoon Tea. But we say go all out with the Exquisite Champagne Afternoon Tea package… Now that’s how you have high tea in Bali!
The Ritz-Carlton Lounge & Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Bali, Jl Raya Nusa Dua Selatan Lot III Sawangan, Nusa Dua, p. +62 361 849 8988, e. [email protected]
9. Veranda Lounge & Bar
Picture this: a grand, high tea in the middle of lush flower gardens – nope, that’s not Alice in Wonderland, that’s the Grand High Tea at Grand Hyatt Bali’s Veranda Lounge & Bar. Raised eight metres above the glittering ocean, an afternoon tea here is an elegant affair which starts with savoury dishes like wood-fired pizza, burrata on focaccia bread and greens. Then, the star of the afternoon is the traditional three-tiered tower of delectable sweets, from layered cake, choux and crème brûlée, to mousse, tropical fruit jelly and ice cream! The best bit is, they’re all paired perfectly with the selections of tea, coffee, smoothies, soda and granita. Or, add on a bottle of sparkling wine and let’s call it a bubbly high tea…
Veranda Lounge & Bar at Grand Hyatt Bali, Kawasan Wisata Nusa Dua BTDC, p. +62 361 771 234
10. Folie
Folie is a French eatery in the heart of Canggu, where you can take a tea break from the busy streets. This restaurant invites you to a luxurious afternoon tea experience with all the trimmings. Choose from six carefully curated tea varieties, from the classic jasmine, ginger and rosella, to the elegant French Rose, Lychee Bomb and Versailles. Treat yourself to the delicious sweet and savoury goodies, like madeleines, choux, petit gateau, sandwiches and scones with cream and jam. The best bit is, there are options for dairy-free and vegan too!
Folie, Jl Subak Sari No. 30a, Canggu, p. +62 811 392 7555
11. W Lounge
Just like its home in W Bali – Seminyak, the high tea at W Lounge is unlike any other afternoon tea on the island. For starters, this restaurant is frequently flocked by the most stylish crowds, sipping the bar’s very best cocktail concoctions. So it’s not surprising that the W signature high tea, AKA W T-Party, is fancy and delectable as can be. The colourful sweet treats are chicly arranged, and feature the best cakes, pastries and chocolate creations you can think of. Plus, you have the option to add on some bubbly… need we say more?
W Lounge at W Bali – Seminyak, Jl Petitenget, Kerobokan, p. +62 361 300 0106 / +62 817 001 5808, e. [email protected]
