Photo: Sutera Harbour Resort
Cover Photo: Sutera Harbour Resort

Hard Rock Hotel Penang, the Pacific Sutera Hotel, and more scenic hotels to enjoy high tea in film-worthy settings

From romantic table settings overlooking the Andaman Sea to tasty feasts about 50 floors above ground in a skyscraper, enjoying a change of scenery with your tea and scones can be an uplifting and magical experience. Of course, skeptics may opine that tea and scones taste the same whether you're eating them by the beach or in the rainforest. Nevertheless, when you're in the mood for an extra indulgence or longing to treat yourself after a stressful week at work, these alluring resort eateries may just offer the staycation you deserve and the afternoon tea experience you never knew you needed. 

Related: The Top 20 Restaurants in Malaysia in 2023

Ritz-Carlton Langkawi

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Guests can tuck in to a decadent afternoon tea set in the comfort of their room or villa, overlooking incredible views of the Andaman Sea and an ancient rainforest. This month, the resort’s Valentine’s Day afternoon tea brings you one step closer to the sound of the wind and waves with a romantic setup at Horizon, an adults-only bar and restaurant that sees the best sunsets in Langkawi, thanks to its position atop a rocky outcropping by the sea. The afternoon tea is available from now till February 19, 2023, inclusive of two glasses of mocktails or TWG tea.

Ritz-Carlton Langkawi | PT 313, Jalan Pantai Kok, Teluk Nibong, Langkawi | +604 952 4888 or WhatsApp +6017 573 7001 | restaurant.langkawi@ritzcarlton.com

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur

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Valentine's Day afternoon tea at Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, available till March 15
Above Photo: Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur

Treat yourself and your girlfriends to a luscious afternoon tea at Altitude on Level 53 of Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur. A luxurious place to unwind and relax for couples or small groups, the elegant lounge's floor-to-ceiling windows guarantee uninterrupted views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline. 

Grab your chance to soak in these amazing vistas this Valentine’s Day and try out the Signatures of Love Valentine’s Afternoon Tea, available from now till March 15, 2023. Developed in collaboration with Acqua di Parma, this elegant high-tea set is curated by Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur’s new executive pastry chef Carlos Valente and team, and comprises a menu inspired by signature Acqua di Parma scents, including Golden Fruits, Calabrian Bergamot, Citrus and Orange.

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur | 2 Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | +603 2113 1823 | altitude-kl@banyantree.com

More: 5 Stunning Rooftop Bars We Love in Kuala Lumpur

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur’s signature restaurant Thirty8 is generally known and beloved for two things: its hearty Sunday buffet, delicious cocktails and a spectacular 360-degree view of Kuala Lumpur. It’s no surprise then that people flock to this cosy corner in the clouds for get-togethers over afternoon tea, namely the Thirty8 Afternoon Tea: Malaysian Voyage. This unique high tea experience offers locally-inspired delights like Penang ‘Kari’ Tortilla, Muar otak-otak buns, Melaka chicken rice cubes and more.

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur | 12, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur | +603 2182 1234

Hard Rock Hotel Penang

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Above Afternoon tea at the Rock Royalty Lounge (Photo: Hard Rock Hotel Penang)

Tea and scones by the pool at Hard Rock Hotel Penang is an Instagram-worthy experience in itself. However, you can also indulge in afternoon tea at the Rock Royalty Lounge and be treated to peaceful vistas of Batu Ferringhi Beach while indulging in local delights like Penang fruit rojak, pai tees and more.     

Hard Rock Hotel Penang, Batu Ferringhi Beach, Batu Ferringhi, Penang | +604 881 1711 | info.penang@hardrockhotels.net 

See also: 7 Luxury Hotels in Penang That You Need to Check Out

Cameron Highlands Resort, Pahang

Escape to the windy mountains of Cameron Highlands and sit down to an immaculate afternoon tea spread at the Jim Thompson Tea Room at Cameron Highlands Resort after a long day of golf or misty mountain hikes. Expect tiers of plump strawberries, clotted cream and warm scones at this hilltop boutique hotel while feasting your eyes on the green undulating hills, the golf course and tea plantations all around.        

Cameron Highlands Resort, By the Golf Course, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang | +605 491 1100 | travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my 

The Danna Langkawi Resort and Beach Villas

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Photo: The Danna Langkawi
Above Photo: The Danna Langkawi

From soul-warming raisin scones with homemade strawberry kaffir lime jam and clotted cream to prawn tartlets and kalamansi tarts, the Signature Danna Afternoon Tea is typically served in the Langkawi resort's Straits & Co cafe. For the more adventurous—or more accurately, those willing to brave the humid Malaysian weather—you can opt to have your afternoon tea by the pool or in the comfort of your own private pool villa.     

The Danna Langkawi Resort and Beach Villas | Telaga Harbour Park, Pantai Kok, Langkawi, Kedah | +604 959 3288 | reservation@thedanna.com

Hompton by the Beach, Penang

With a name like that, it's no surprise that this trendy hotel in Penang goes all out to ensure its guests enjoy the sand and waves every chance they get. Beach lovers won't want to miss out on Hompton Hotel's D'Seven Seas Afternoon Tea, a dreamy waterfront affair at Elementos Tapas & Lounge that overlooks Tanjung Tokong Beach. Available daily between 2pm and 6pm, the D'Seven Seas Afternoon Tea should ideally be booked at least a day in advance. 

Hompton by the Beach | 533, Jalan C.M. Hashim, Tanjung Tokong, Penang | +604 373 3233 | info@homptonhotel.com 

The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands

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Above Photo: The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands
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Above Photo: The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands

Imagine sipping on a hot cup of Cameron Highlands tea and munching on dainty cakes and scones while taking in views of a nearby lake, rolling hills and Tudor-style buildings. It's no wonder that families and couples flock to The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands for a rustic countryside escape that feels like a trip abroad.

The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands, 30th Mile Ringlet, Cameron Highlands, Pahang | +605 495 6152 | info@lakehouse-cameron.com

The Pacific Sutera Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Sutera Harbour Resort
Photo 2 of 2 Views of the South China Sea

For sprawling ocean views with your afternoon tea, The Pacific Sutera Hotel's Pacific Club Lounge on the 11th floor will not disappoint. Sit back in your cosy corner and feast on a rich array of salmon and smoked duck canapes, spinach quiches, scones and more delectables as you're greeted with stunning views of the harbour and the South China Sea. Do take note that the Pacific Club Lounge is only for adults aged 18 years and above. 

The Pacific Sutera Hotel | 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard Sutera Harbour, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah | +6088 318 888 or +6017 833 5877 | reservations@suteraharbour.com.my

Related: Home Tour: A Multi-Generational Home in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, by the Sea

Tiarasa Escapes Glamping Resort, Janda Baik

Here's one for the 'gram: If the weather permits, opt for a gourmet hi-tea picnic at Tiarasa Escapes Resort and sink your teeth into onde-onde, cekodok, keropok lekor and more local delights in a picturesque riverside setup overlooking the Enderong River.     

Tiarasa Escapes Glamping Resort | Jalan Enderong, Kampung Janda Baik | +6012 887 7777 | tiarasa@enfiniti.com.my 

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