Attributed to the afternoon cravings of Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, the tradition of afternoon tea—often called “high tea”—has evolved into a cherished custom around the world. Originating in England in the 1840s, when the Duchess satisfied herself with a simple spread of bread, butter, cake and tea, afternoon tea has grown into a refined ritual featuring delicate pastries, fine sweets, sparkling wines, and an array of exotic tea blends.
If this history has you craving a cup, Silver Palm at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, is an outstanding place to experience the ritual in a tropical setting. Situated on Seven Mile Beach and named for the national tree, Silver Palm offers a bright, relaxed atmosphere ideal for a leisurely tea. Afternoon tea is served Friday through Sunday from 2–4 p.m.; reservations are recommended at least 24 hours in advance. Tea selections commonly include French Garden, Sencha Superior, Genmaicha Yama, Blue of London Earl Grey, Big Ben English Breakfast, and Bai Mu Dan white tea. The accompanying menu mixes sweet and savory bites such as curry and coconut chicken sandwiches, mini muffulettas, lobster and tarragon sandwiches, tropical tea tarts, vanilla and coconut scones, jasmine and pistachio mousse, and Oolong yogurt opera sponge with peach gelee.
© Tea Forté
For travelers who value a daily tea ritual, it’s easy to recreate that comforting pause on the road. Tea Forté offers carefully composed blends and elegant ceramic travel steeping cups that make it simple to enjoy a well-brewed cup anywhere. Pack your favorite blend and a travel steeping cup in your carry-on or vehicle, and you’ll be able to enjoy premium tea whether you’re between meetings or exploring a new destination.
“A big thing to communicate is the importance of keeping up with your daily rituals while you travel,” says Erika Yevick, product manager at Tea Forté. “If tea is one of your rituals, maintain it when you’re away from home. Drinking your usual English Breakfast instead of reaching for coffee helps you stay level-headed and focused. Travelers frequently struggle with sleep—Chamomile Citron or Serenity can be helpful before bed. For an upset stomach or a developing sore throat, Ginger Lemongrass can be reassuring to have on hand.”
Sakura Steeping Cup © Tea Forté
Tea Forté’s travel cup collection includes refined designs such as the Sakura Fiore series and three watercolor Fiore cups created by Brazilian artist Fátima Seehagen. Each cup holds 14 ounces and pairs a handled ceramic steeping cup with a fitted stainless-steel infuser for loose-leaf brewing on the go. The brand’s wide-ranging tea lineup features blends like Apricot Amaretto, Bombay Chai, Cherry Marzipan, Citrus Earl Grey, Darjeeling Quince, Estate Darjeeling and Harvest Apple Spice—offering flavors suited to many moods and moments.