Where: Miami Beach, Florida Style: Glitzy solarium Tea Selection: 24+ loose leaf organic teas Teatimes: Daily 12:30 to 3 (last seating) Reservations: 24-hour notice Contact:Reserve here, 305-993-3300 Cost: $82.55 Afternoon Tea Destination Tea Tip: Remember cash for the valet. You will walk into the hotel and to the left to find La Gourmandise in the lobby lounge where afternoon tea is served.
Destination Tea Notes: Having visited The St. Regis in our hometown Atlanta many times, we were curious to see how the afternoon tea at The St. Regis Bal Harbour would compare. The most striking difference is in the setting. Whereas The St. Regis Atlanta is traditionally, quietly elegant, The St. Regis Bal Harbour is boldly designed in drop chandeliers and geometrically patterned ceilings, glass, mirrors and glossy black floors, gentled by brightly colored flower arrangements, floral carpeting and curvaceous modern art. As expected at such an upscale afternoon tea, the food is creative and expertly prepared, the teas high quality and properly brewed. We learn that the French-inspired desserts are not repeats from the pastry counter of La Gourmandise (the French restaurant in the lobby lounge where tea is served), but rather especially crafted for the afternoon tea menu. And a major highlight here is the customer service. Our servers are gracious and professional, taking excellent care of us, but also friendly, surprising us with some comedy (read on). We dislike screens playing overhead in the afternoon tea nooks, but this unpleasantness is quickly remedied if you snag an outward facing seat, which gives diners a glorious view of the ocean.
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