An inspired afternoon tea

I have always found the custom fascinating: it feels elegant and relaxing, and it can be enjoyed in its traditional form or given a modern twist that reflects the place where it is served.

Although I am not British, I have gone with some of my British friends for an afternoon tea in Portugal, which was served in the traditional way, and I loved the experience. When I worked years ago at a five-star yacht hotel in Gibraltar, afternoon tea there had a glamorous atmosphere. Local families would visit regularly, and it was lovely to see people taking the time to sit down and have their tea together.

So, when I heard that Hyatt Regency Vilamoura had introduced an afternoon tea inspired by the Algarve, I knew I wanted to try it.

An inviting space

The hotel is in one of my favourite parts of Vilamoura, close to the marina and beach. I always enjoy coming back. This time, we headed to Lume Lounge Bar, where the afternoon tea is served. It is an inviting space, with a bar and high chairs as well as quieter seating areas where you could settle in with a book and take your time.

At the back of the lounge, several tables are set aside for afternoon tea. We visited on a warm October afternoon, with sunshine still coming through the windows and the hotel’s pool in view. People were relaxing outside, while our plan was to settle in for a slower kind of afternoon.

I am a big tea drinker, especially during the colder months. I come from a country where tea is part of everyday life, although I have to admit that my own tea routine is usually much less sophisticated than this. My “official” tea season had already started a few days earlier, so this was not my first cup of the year. It was, however, a good excuse to enjoy tea in a different way.

Watch the full experience here 👇👇👇

A relaxed experience

José welcomed us and talked us through the different options. He was so warm and helpful, and it made the experience feel relaxed from the start. The hotel’s launch information says the Algarvian Afternoon Tea is served daily from 4 pm to 6 pm at Lume Lounge Bar. It is open to hotel guests and outside visitors, so you do not need to be staying at the Hyatt to book a table.

The menu brings together familiar afternoon tea favourites and regional touches, with Garden Series teas, freshly prepared scones and open sandwiches. Our selection also included miniature pastéis de nata, lemon cake and Algarve orange cake. I especially enjoyed the little pastéis de nata, while the smoked salmon sandwich was my favourite savoury bite. My partner preferred the avocado sandwich.

There are three options, each available for one or two people. The Classic Experience, with tea, open sandwiches and scones, or the Modern Twist, which adds a signature cocktail, and Tea & Bubbles, which includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label. The hotel also lists the Classic Experience as a benefit for World of Hyatt members with Globalist status.

Local flavours

As we sat down, more tables began to fill with families enjoying the same experience. Afternoon tea lends itself naturally to a long catch-up, and it was nice to see people of different ages sharing the same table, talking and taking their time. It felt like a lovely way for families to spend part of the afternoon together, especially with tea and freshly prepared scones at the centre of it.

What I liked about the idea is that the Algarve influence does not need to replace the British tradition. The familiar parts are still there, but local flavour gives the experience its own setting.

Afternoon tea at Lume is a welcome change of pace from a busy day. It is easy to imagine stopping by after a walk around Vilamoura or meeting friends for a few hours away from the beach. And on an October afternoon when the sun is still shining over the pool, it is a lovely place to sit, enjoy a good cup of tea and let the afternoon unfold slowly.

Practical information: The Algarvian Afternoon Tea is served daily from 4 pm to 6 pm at Lume Lounge Bar, Hyatt Regency Vilamoura Algarve. Prices start at €20 for one person or €30 for two. The hotel’s dining page describes Lume as a lounge for afternoon tea, coffee and evening cocktails, open daily.

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