The week leading up to Mother’s Day means it is the perfect time to tell that lady how special she is. Recognize her with a treat—like tea. A favorite with many a child and many a mother, one of the most charming ways to honor Mom has to be the tea party. Whether it’s afternoon high tea, or a twist on that tradition, you’ll find plenty of intriguing options on the Las Vegas Strip.
Afternoon tea
The elegant Petrossian Bar & Lounge at Bellagio, just off the hotel lobby, features afternoon tea service from 1-4 p.m. daily, complete with classic teapot and matching cups. Indulge in pastries, scones and clotted cream, a variety of English tea sandwiches and imported teas (reservation strongly suggested, 702.693.7111 ext. 6163, 21-plus only). And the pianist is sure to thrill Mom.
Mandarin Oriental
At Mandarin Oriental, the lush, ornate Tea Lounge serves tea and snacks from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. But at noon, 2 and 4 p.m., you can get a full afternoon tea experience with pastries and loose-leaf teas, or a glass of champagne. Need vegan or gluten-free options? Just let them know when you make your reservations (24-hour advance reservation required, 888.881.9367).
Another option is Verandah at Four Seasons, which offers an extensive high tea from 3 to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday (24-hour advance reservation required, 702.632.5000). Sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and organic teas highlight the experience. Champagne or a Zen cocktail adds to the decadence.
And if you need afternoon tea in a more casual yet international atmosphere, head to Rí Rá at The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay. The Irish pub serves up tea daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (702.632.7771), including finger sandwiches (some with Irish cheddar, of course), scones with Irish preserves and mini desserts, and teas from Darjeeling to chamomile lemon. Add champagne if you wish.
Qua Baths & Spa
Relaxing tea
Make the day completely relaxing at Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace (702.731.7822). In addition to a treatment, you can hang out in the Tea Room, where a tea sommelier will put together a tea service designed to enhance that massage, facial or what have you. Pure decadence.
Twist on tea
Tea doesn’t have to be limited to the hot kind—think of those lovely, refreshing raspberry iced teas or the infamous Long Island iced tea. One of the trendier teas you can get is boba tea (or bubble tea). Although there are many iterations of this beverage, it is generally sweet with flavorful tapioca beads inside, ready to be sucked through colorful straws. At Hong Kong Café in The Palazzo (702.607.2220), teatime is sure to increase Mom’s sweet disposition—indulge in the taro milk tea with boba for maximum flavor. That’s just the tip of the teas, though—you can try several varieties of milk teas, hot teas and even Thai iced tea. Pair it with mochi to make the day perfect.
