Travel

Urasenke Ceremony at Nagoya’s Sanshotei Tea House

Ancient symbolism and practices are essential aspects of Chanoyu the Japanese tea ceremony, although much of the experience is about enjoying the present moment. Many Japanese consider chanoyu the quintessential artistic expression of Japanese hospitality.

A Tea Drinker’s Guide to Brighton

Experience what it’s like to be a tea lover in Brighton, England, home to specialty tea shops Hoogly, Bird & Blend, and MD Teas. All three brands originated in this popular day-trip destination and seaside city loved by Londoners.

When In Colombo… Make Time For Tea

Colombo’s quiet residential neighborhoods are a world apart from its crowded main streets, full of honking tuk-tuks and spicy street food hawkers. Enchanting areas like Cinnamon Gardens feature picturesque tree-lined avenues and colonial architecture, housing boutique tea shops and hidden […] Read More

Resplendent and Indulgent Ceylon: Q&A with Malik Fernando

Malik Fernando, of Resplendent Ceylon, and a legacy in tea, speaks about what drew him to hospitality and why tea lovers must visit Sri Lanka.

Sinna Dorais Bungalows Balance Comfort and Old World Charm

If you drive 250 kilometers west of Bangalore, India, you reach Sakleshpur, where the coffee country begins. And sitting here amongst the coffee estates is a tea garden called Kadamane. And that itself seemed reason enough to book a stay.

Teahouse Treks: Of Himalayan Hospitality and Tranquility

Taking a steaming cup of tea in my hands, I stepped out onto the Palmo’s teahouse porch. And there it was, a rainbow stretching across the vast expanse of the Langtang mountain range. The vibrant colors contrasted against the backdrop […] Read More

Journeying on the Darjeeling Train

In 1881 when it was completed, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was the only option to commute. Anyone who missed the train boarded a bullock cart on a much longer journey. There was no concept of a “Toy Train” back then. In the decades since it was constructed the commuter railway with its 55 miles of zig-zags and loops has established itself as a tourist attraction. It was a welcome change for those who prefer a closer look at the Hills instead of just check-boxing! Among those who came were authors, filmmakers, poets, scholars, and artists. When the Buddhist monks traveled on regular passenger trains, they also had opportunities to interact with residents, which brought them closer to the realities of daily life at the hills.

Araksa Tea Room

With every delicious sip and satisfying bite, the Araksa Tea Room in Bangkok is revolutionizing Thai tea culture. Araksa means “to preserve” and both the tea garden and restaurant promote Thai traditions while simultaneously elevating the way tea and food are produced and consumed.