Magical afternoon tea with a view of Ubud
“There is something in the nature of tea that leads us into a world of quiet contemplation of life.” — Lin Yutang.
Tea holds an unmistakable grace. More than a drink, it’s a comforting gesture, a quiet companion through life’s joys and stumbles. From the first sip offered in welcome to its soothing warmth for the weary or unwell, tea has long been humanity’s time-honoured solace.
What is Afternoon Tea?
Did you know tea bags were invented by accident in 1908? Curious customers brewed silk sample bags of tea without removing them, creating the convenient tea bag we now take for granted. But the tradition of afternoon tea itself goes back much further.
In 1840s England, Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, started a simple habit. She often felt hungry in the late afternoon, and dinner was served later because kerosene lamps kept the evenings bright. To fix this, she began ordering tea with light snacks, such as cakes. This quick break caught on with the wealthy and became what we now call Afternoon Tea. At first, it was a private social gathering for high-society women, but after Queen Victoria gave it her stamp of approval, afternoon tea became a popular British tradition.
These days, afternoon tea has become the new happy hour, a moment to slow down, sip, and savour. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a pre-wedding gathering, or simply catching up with friends, it’s less about formality and more about joy.
A Modern Take on a Classic Ritual
“Tea is the expression of an art practised in a unique manner,” said tea expert Taha Bouqdib, and at CasCades, this art is taken seriously. The afternoon tea here is presented with elegance; elegant fine china, candles, and fresh flowers set the scene. In the centre of your table, a three-tiered tray showcases an array of delights.
The savoury selection includes sandwiches such as smoked salmon with red onion and cream cheese, free-range chicken with avocado and truffle mayonnaise, Paris ham with Comté and semi-dried tomato, and an omega egg with romaine and gherkin in egg white mayonnaise. Next come the pastries, handmade plain scones and coconut scones, served with clotted cream and berry preserves. These are a nod to the British tradition but with a tropical twist.
The finale is a tempting assortment of miniature desserts, including crème brûlée and meringues, an apple tart with hazelnut crèmeux, and Valrhona chocolate cake on a sable Breton base. Almost too beautiful to eat, but far too delicious to resist.
The Perfect Tea Pairing
CasCades partners with TWG Tea, a luxury Singaporean teahouse brand renowned for its artisanal blends and rare selections that you won’t easily find at other venues in Bali. Every cup of tea is carefully curated and hand-selected to complement the flavours on your plate perfectly.
Whether you choose the malty Royal Darjeeling, the citrusy French Earl Grey, the roasted notes of Genmaicha, or the floral, tropical Geisha Blossom Tea, each sip elevates your afternoon tea experience.
FYI: Seasonal teas can really change the vibe of your afternoon tea experience. On warm sunny days, go for light, floral teas like Geisha Blossom to refresh your palate. When it’s cooler or raining, soothing blends like peppermint, chamomile, or the toasty notes of Genmaicha hit the spot. Not sure what to pick? Our CasCades team is happy to help you find your ideal cup.
For those who prefer coffee or hot chocolate, CasCades also offers expertly roasted beans and decadent chocolate options, including a special Nutella hot chocolate.
What Makes Afternoon Tea at CasCades So Unique?
Afternoon tea at CasCades offers more than just a scenic view; it’s a cultural experience shaped by both tradition and a strong sense of place. Served at the edge of a ravine overlooking Ubud’s lush valley, the setting is peaceful, with the sound of the river below and the nearby pool adding to the calm. Traditional Balinese carvings and statues bring a local touch to the space.
What sets this afternoon tea apart is how it blends the elegance of the classic English ritual with Balinese flavours and hospitality. Many ingredients are sourced locally, including fresh herbs and flowers grown in the resort’s greenhouse, which brings a sense of freshness and connection to the island. From subtle tropical notes in the pastries to gentle infusions in the teas, every detail reflects the surroundings.
The atmosphere is warm and personal, with service that’s thoughtful and relaxed. It’s a perfect setting for romantic occasions or special celebrations. For guests seeking an extra touch, the experience can be customised with private seating in unique locations, such as near the ravine edge or by the infinity pool area, accompanied by special floral arrangements.
The afternoon light between 3 PM and 4 PM offers ideal natural lighting for photos and a serene ambience before sunset. Sometimes, a playful monkey might pass by, adding a lighthearted reminder that you’re truly in the heart of Bali.
Afternoon Tea Details
The afternoon tea experience at CasCades is priced at IDR 450,000++ per person. Children aged 6 to 11 enjoy a 50% discount, and those under 6 dine for free. Available daily from 2 PM to 4 PM, reservations are required at least one day in advance. Private events and groups of up to four guests are welcome, with special dietary needs accommodated upon request. Please note prices exclude 21% tax and service charge.
Afternoon Tea Etiquette: The CasCades Way
Afternoon tea at CasCades is elegant yet delightfully unpretentious. We recommend bright summer dresses, linen shirts, or neat resort wear to strike the perfect balance between Bali’s tropical charm and our lush, green setting.
Feel free to pick up your sandwiches with your fingers, just skip the pinky raise! Stir your tea with a gentle back-and-forth motion rather than in circles, and when it comes to enjoying the tiered stand, tradition suggests starting with the savoury bites at the bottom, followed by scones, then sweets. But honestly, feel free to indulge in any order that suits you.
Hold your teacup naturally, and there’s no need to be overly formal. What matters most is that you unwind, savour the flavours, and enjoy the stunning Ubud view.
To book your afternoon tea experience:
Click here to book online | Call or WhatsApp: +62 (361) 972111 | Email: res@cascadesbali.com