Six of the best: High teas

By Lena Gidwani, August 7, 2014

Shangri-La Hotel (pictured above)

Escape the city and head to the Shangri-La in Pazhou, where you can savor a cuppa in tranquil garden surroundings. The pastries are exquisitely presented in a three-tier tray stand and served with two imported teas or two freshly brewed coffees. RMB198 plus 15 percent. // 2/F, 1 Huizhan Dong Lu, Haizhu District 海珠区会展东路1号2楼 (8917 8888)

Four Seasons Hotel

A dramatic setting for a three-tier high tea set, you can’t go wrong with the 70th-floor lounge’s freshly prepared assortment of sweet and savory petit fours and an exclusive range of green, black and herbal teas or coffee. RMB238/388 plus 15 percent. // 70/F, 5 Zhujiang Xi Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城珠江西路5号70楼 (8883 3888)

Langham Place

Too hot for a traditional afternoon repast? Langham’s flavored ice cream is sinfully good and comes in mini cones, with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, green tea, strawberry, mango and coffee. The set includes seasonal fruit tarts and coffee or tea. RMB168 plus 15 percent. // 1/F, 638 Xingang Dong Lu, Haizhu District 海珠区新港东路638号1楼 (8916 3388)

Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich

Touted as the ultimate anti-aging superfood group, berries are packed with nutrition. Mar-Tea-Ni offers up a healthy twist on the afternoon tea norm, with berry-inspired offerings to excite just about any fitness lover with a sweet tooth. RMB198 plus 15 percent. // 1/F, 988 Guangzhou Dadao Zhong, Tianhe District 天河路广州大道中988号1楼 (3883 8888)

The Ritz-Carlton

Tai tais and suits alike can sample beverages and small bites infused with coffee, such as mocha cheesecakes and hazelnut financiers, throughout the month. Head down to the Pearl Lounge for a truly luxury indulgence that is one of the top teas in town. RMB228 plus 15 percent. // 1/F, 3 Xing’an Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城兴安路3号1楼 (3813 6688)

The Westin

Refresh and reinvigorate with carefully steeped tea leaves accompanied by natural and light nibbles in a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Chill out to Westin sounds, scents and sights with 11 signature desserts and drinks. RMB208 plus 15 percent. // 1/F, 6 Linhe Zhong Lu, Tianhe District 天河区林和中路6号1楼 (2886 6868)