Steeped in rich tradition across cultures, sipping tea evokes hospitality, friendship and Zen around the globe. In fact, after water, tea is the most friendship and Zen around the globe. In fact, after water, tea is the most consumed drink in the world. Raise a cup and experience this tradition at its best — from luxurious afternoon tea in British Columbia or New York to authentic ceremonies and immersion in Japan and Sri Lanka.

Timeless Tradition in Victoria, British Columbia

Where better to have afternoon tea than in the city named for Queen Victoria? Afternoon tea emerged in Britain during the 1800s, where a friend of the queen is reported to have started the custom. Having hosted afternoon tea for more than a century, the Fairmont Grand Empress Hotel serves more cups of tea than most English hotels — more than half a million each year!

A perfect setting to sample a spot of tea, the Empress even has its own blend, combining tea leaves from Assam (thick, malty and full bodied), Kenya (floral-like with a golden coppery infusion), South India (fruity and sprightly), Ceylon (airy, almost piquant) and China (burgundy depth with light, oaky notes).

Tea is served daily in the hotel’s historic Lobby Lounge, which is decked out in rich Edwardian décor and filled with accompaniment from the baby grand piano. Here guests can take comfort in luxurious, hand-carved dining chairs while they sip tea from dainty cups, snack on spiced pecan shortbread and gaze out the bay window to Inner Harbor views. Choose from more than 20 loose-leaf teas ethically sourced from the top tea producers in the world and taste finger sandwiches including curry chicken brioche and smoked salmon with chive crème fraiche. Signature raisin scones are served warm with house-made clotted cream and strawberry preserves that include honey from the property’s own beehives and lavender from the rooftop garden. A variety of chocolates and tasty treats complete the tiered presentation. A Prince or Princess Tea is available for the tiniest of travelers aged five to 12.

Respect and Tranquility in Japan

Tea has been a celebrated ritual in Japan for thousands of years and is still very much a part of its tradition today. There are countless tea houses to visit, so consider experiencing one in Kyoto, where the tea ceremony was born. The elegant and peaceful Camellia Tea Ceremony House should be at the top of your list. The teahouse and its beautiful gardens are located near the UNESCO World Heritage Kiyomizu-dera temple and just a short walk from Ryoan-ji Temple.

The calming and intricate tea ceremony (chanoyu) is performed for small groups by a bilingual host garbed in traditional kimono. She explains the culture and history of tea in an informative, yet graceful fashion, with a balance that’s authentic but not too formal. Guests can also try their hand at making their own matcha green tea while enjoying Kyoto’s finest sweets.

For an even more intimate chanoyu, there’s the option to book a private ceremony with your own tea instructor. There are also options to participate in the tea ceremony in kimono, as a kimono rental is just a quick walk from the teahouse.

Exquisiteness and Opulence in New York

A celebrated gem for more than 90 years, the Russian Tea Room is an over-the-top New York City experience that evokes glamour and sophistication. The iconic venue impresses with a 24-carat gold ceiling, stylish red leather booths and plush furnishings, and extensive artwork with gilded frames adorning the walls. Afternoon tea is served daily, with a variety of options including children’s, vegetarian and gluten-free.

In addition to munching on delectable tea sandwiches (including turkey with truffle croque monsieur, smoked sturgeon with dill and shrimp salad with remoulade) and decadent desserts (assorted seasonal scones, petits fours and cupcakes), sample assorted caviars on blinis served by attentive servers donned in black tails. In addition to an incredible loose-leaf tea selection, guests can partake in a glass of bubbly or even one of 40+ varieties of vodka.

Who knows? You might even spot a few celebrities while you’re socializing over Formosa oolong or rooibos chai. Actors, writers and politicians have been gathering here since 1927. And here’s a fun fact: Not only did Dustin Hoffman film a “Tootsie” scene here, Madonna once worked in the coat room before fame hit.

Gold-Standard Ambience in Sri Lanka

As one of the world’s largest tea exporters, Sri Lanka is an ideal place for tea lovers to immerse themselves in the heartland of Ceylon tea. More than just afternoon tea, travelers can experience everything from hikes through tea-covered fields and “shrub-to-cup” tours to gourmet cuisine and tea-based spa treatments.

The luxurious tea bungalow resort Ceylon Tea Trails — perched in the hills in the region of Sri Lanka famous for Ceylon black tea (used in blended teas such as Earl Grey as well as fruit-flavored varietals) — houses restored tea planter residences that now offer guests lakeside boutique villas following the Tea Trail. Each distinct bungalow features period furnishings, roaring fireplaces and claw-foot tubs, along with butler service and panoramic views. Of course, you’re here to experience the tea, and this resort delivers!

The complimentary “Tea Experience” allows guests to spend time with the property’s tea planter and learn about the tea-making process, including an exploratory century-old tea factory visit, tasting and general overview of the history of tea.

Additional experiences available at the resort include a tea planter’s picnic lunch, tea-infused dinner or an immersive private tea tasting with Bernard Holsinger, the resident tea planter. In this interactive experience, guests will taste and learn to identify the unique flavor profiles that give different teas their distinction.

Feeling adventurous? Guests can also trek the breathtaking hills or bike the winding roads, exploring area tea estates and lush tea fields, lakes and waterfalls.