Where to have Afternoon Tea in Madrid

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Where to have Afternoon Tea in Madrid

April 11, 2024

The elegant, classic English tradition of having high tea has travelled overseas and now you can enjoy afternoon tea in many other countries. That is the case of the capital of Spain. Many luxury hotels in Madrid are offering finger sandwiches, scones, petit fours elegantly displayed and paired with excellent cups of tea that transport you to England.

Afternoon tea originated in England sometime around 1840. Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell, complained of "having that sinking feeling" during the late afternoon. She was looking for some kind of snack to keep her full until dinner time. And that's how afternoon tea came to life. However, it was only a small bite at the time, very far from the three tier trays we enjoy nowadays.

Delicious treats and tea rooms are totally right are right up my alley. If you feel the same, get ready because here's a list of the very best places to have afternoon tea in Madrid.

Afternoon tea in Madrid: Ritz Mandarin Oriental

The Ritz hotel in Madrid reopened in 2021 after years of renovations. This brand new hotel is a mixture of classic and modern with beautifully decorated common areas like the Palm Court where high tea takes place. 

Afternoon tea at the Ritz is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Madrid. From the delicate china to the attentive staff, every detail here is perfect. If you want to add something unforgettable to your to-do list while you are in the capital of sunny Spain be sure to add this.

I devoted a full post to our experience having afternoon tea at the Ritz when we went in 2021 that you can read on this post.

Address: Plaza de la Lealtad, 5

Price: from 48€

Afternoon tea in Madrid: Rosewood Villamagna

Flor y Nata, the patisserie at Rosewood Villamagna, offers afternoon tea all year round but what is special about it is that they serve a Christmas themed tea during the holiday season. Their parisian patissier creates the most beautiful Christmas inspired cakes that are too cute to eat. Even Santa pops by every Saturday and Sunday to talk to kids and collect their letters. 

If you want to burn the extra calories afterwards, you can skate at their ice-rink. Complimentary access is included in the price. 

The good thing about Rosewood Villamagna is that they offer many activities for people who are not staying at the hotel. Apart from the holiday themed activities they do Easter egg hunt and have an Alpine chalet to have raclette during winter. I can't wait to see what they come up with in the next few months!

Address: Paseo de la Castellana, 22

Price: from 48€

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Afternoon tea in Madrid: Orfila

We chose Orfila to celebrate our first wedding anniversary with a delicious and luxurious brunch. When I heard that they also do afternoon tea I immediately added it to my bucket list. This place is everything you could dream decor in terms of exquisite decor and food.

Luxury hotel Orfila serves a very traditional experience and serves English tea with assorted pastries, mini-muffins and finger sandwiches in their beautifully decorated tea room. 

Address: Calle de Orfila, 6

Price: from 40€

Afternoon tea in Madrid: Four Seasons Madrid

Doing some reasearch, I found that one of the most spectacular hotels in Madrid, the Four seasons, also offers afternoon tea. El Patio, the beautiful lobby at the Four Seasons, puts a twist on the traditional afternoon tea experience. Instead of offering the regular sweet and savoury treats, they do a tapas experience to take a culinary tour around Spain with every bite.

I haven't tried it yet, but that tea experience surely has my name on it!

You probably know this hotel for the spectacular Christmas tree they attach to the facade every year. It become's one of Madrid's main attractions during the holiday season.

Address: Calle Sevilla, 3

Price: 24€

Are you a fan of those beautifully arranged three tier trays with delicious treats that we call high tea? Are you planning a trip to Madrid in the near future? 

I hope you found this article about the best places to have afternoon tea in Madrid useful. If you want to save this post, pin the image below so you can find it easily later. That will also help spread the love, thanks! :)

5 Most beautiful restaurants in Madrid

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5 Most beautiful restaurants in Madrid

March 29, 2024

Madrid is not only the capital of Spain, but also one of the gastronomic capitals of the world. There are about 10.000 restaurants in Madrid, some of them are the most beautiful you've ever seen. If you've been to Madrid, surely you know that madrileños really know and love their food. That's why the competition between restaurants to be the most beautiful and serve the best food is fierce.

In my 10 years living in Madrid, I've been to many different types of restaurants. A few have wowed me like no other. On this post I've put together a roundup of some of the most beautiful, spectacular restaurants in the capital of Spain.

The beautiful restaurants in Madrid: Numa Pompilio

Before you set foot in Numa Pompilio restaurant you can't imagine what you are going to find inside. This is not your average italian restaurant, it's so much more. Located in the exclusive Barrio de Salamanca, near Retiro Park, Numa Pompilio offers a luxurious dining experience. Prepare to be transported to Renaissance Italy. It's divided in different dining halls all of them decorated like a majestic italian palace. Cherry on top is the terrace for a unique al fresco meal.

As an appetizer, they serve delicious bologna with assorted breads. I recommend the salad to start and any of their pasta dishes after. Be sure to order the pistachio cream for dessert. 

Tip: if the weather is good, eating in the terrace is lovely but bear in mind that they add a 10% to your bill for eating outside.

The beautiful restaurants in Madrid: Tatel

There's a restaurant in Madrid owned by Rafa Nadal, Pau Gasol and Cristiano Ronaldo. That is Tatel. This beautiful restaurant is great for celebrating special occasions with friends since its dining halls have curtains that can be closed for privacy. Another strong point of this place is that there's always live music.

Needless to say, the quality of the food is exquisite. Be sure to order the spinach, goat chees and berry salad and a rice to share.

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The beautiful restaurants in Madrid: El Invernadero de los Peñotes

Invernadero is Spanish for greenhouse. El Invernadero de los Peñotes is a beautifully decorted restaurant inspired by nature. It's called like this because the restaurant is located in a former greenhouse. The restaurant is huge, with three areas each decorated in a different way. Portions are small but the cuisine is delicate and they use good quality ingredients. It's not located in the city center, it's in the north of Madrid close to A-1 road but still worth a visit.

Prior or after your meal, you can shop next door at one of the biggest garden shops in Madrid, Los Peñotes.

Tip: even though the restaurant is big and located outside of Madrid, it's usually fully booked. If you can find a table here, they have a smaller restaurant next to it equally beautiful, La Cupula de los Peñotes.

The beautiful restaurants in Madrid: Ultramarinos Quintin

Ultramarinos Quintin belongs to the same group as Numa Pompilio, El Paraguas restaurant group. I also recommend you try10con10 and El Paraguas belonging to the same group.

Ultramarinos Quintin is part market, part restaurant which focuses on Spanish food made with fresh local ingredients. The menu is pricey but given the quality of the products it's worth it. The light inside is quite low which creates a cozy ambiance. We started with pumpkin soup, then had a seafood salad to share and my main dish was pork with red cabbage and caramelized chestnuts. Those caramelized chestnuts, it's one of the most exquisite things I've ever had! I wish they had sold it in jars to buy it. Finally, for desert we had their delicious homemade ice-cream. 

The beautiful restaurants in Madrid: Amos at Rosewood Villamagna

Villamagna is one of my favorite hotels in Madrid. It offers many activities for people who are not staying like a Swiss chalet and an ice-skating rink in winter. Their cafeteria Flor y Nata serves high tea and offers the most delicious treats in a cozy and exclusive ambiance.

Cenador de Amos is one of the restaurants at the brand new Rosewood Villamagna hotel in Madrid. They specialize on Cantabria cuisine a region in Northern Spain where you can find delicious food. Restaurante Amos offers traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern twist. They use excellent ingredients and cooking techniques to serve exquisite dishes.

Your dining experience at Amos starts with a set of appetizers including tapas, homemade bread and highest quality virgin extra olive oil. They charge 4€ per person for this. For starters we ordered anchovies and fried calamari. These are the top dishes in Cantabria, you can find them everywhere around the region. The main dishes were fish and meat. Their scrumptious desserts include chocolate in different textures with coffee ice-cream and Pasiego cheesecake among other delicious treats. Their desserts are small, delicate and taste like heaven. To finish the meal they serve a set of cinammon macarons.

Tips: Amos is pricey, but worth it. Here are two insider tips to make the most of your experience.

• Your booking includes 2 hours of free parking.
• If you have a The Fork account you can get 20% off. 

I hope you enjoyed this post about 5 of the most beautiful restaurants in Madrid. Let me know if you've tried any of them or if you end up going to Amos, Los Peñotes, Numa Pompilio, Tatel or Ultramarinos Quintin!

If you are planning a trip to the capital of Spain or simply daydreaming about travel destinations don't forget to pin this post to save it for later.

You can find more amazing restaurant blog posts clicking on the tag Madrid for foodies.

Altea, everything you need to know about the Spanish Santorini

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Altea, everything you need to know about the Spanish Santorini

August 29, 2023

Altea is a coastal town bathed by the Mediterranean sea in the region of Alicante, Spain. A gorgeous white washed old town and warm turquoise waters make it the perfect summer destination. So much so that people have started calling it "the Spanish Santorini".

Perched over a hill, Altea is a balcony to the Mediterranean with white houses and a prominent blue dome from the church. These picturesque features make it one of the most beautiful towns in Alicante and Spain.

If you have traveled to Alicante, you have probably heard of Benidorm, the #1 coastal town in Spain. Altea is just a stone's throw from Benidorm and much less crowded.

Let's take a closer look at everything Altea has to offer.

What to do in Altea

Altea has served as inspiration to many artists. As soon as you reach the old town you can understand why. The narrow streets, the clobblestones, the perfectly preserved architecture make Altea the most charming town.

The church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo is located at the top and can be seen from anywhere in town thanks to its white and blue domes. Needless to say, you have the most spectacular views of the bay and the sea from this spot.

Altea's sea promenade is the perfect place for a relaxing walk and do some retail therapy. Don't forget to get an ice-cream, they are typical of Alicante and, trust me, they are not your average ice-cream, the quality is amazing!

A trip to the Mediterranean is not complete until you go for a swim! In Altea there are several beaches: playa de la Olla, playa de Roda and playa Cap Blanc. A little bit further is Cap Negret, more secluded and with mountain range views.

Tip: visiting Altea with kids

Altea's old town is the highest spot in the village. The cobblestone steps to reach it make it almost impossible to get there with a stroller. If you are visiting Altea with a baby, be sure to bring a carrier.

Where to eat in Altea

There are many dining options in Altea. We had lunch at La Capella, a beautiful rustic restaurant with an ample terrace that offers gorgeous views of the town. They serve excellent quality Mediterranean food and classic rice dishes so popular in the are such as paella.

What to see near Altea

Right next to Altea you can find a spectacular Orthodox church made of wood. St Michael's Russian Orthodox Church was built in 2007 to be a copy of a 17th-century church in Russia. Its materials were imported from the Ural Mountains and put together by Russian craftsmen. The church is located about half way between the towns of Altea and Calpe and is open to the public. Entry is 3€.

North and South of Altea you can find other interesting coastal towns such as:

• Benidorm with its unbelievable skyscrapers
• Calpe and Peñon de Ifach, an impressive rock that you can climb
• Villajoyosa and its colorful highly instagrammable houses

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I hope you enjoyed this quick guide about Altea. If you have any questions, leave them on the comment section below.

Looking into other Mediterranean destinations, check out these blog posts:

5 best things to do in Castellon

5 day Costa Brava Itinerary

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Belmond La Residencia Photo tour

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Belmond La Residencia Photo tour

June 7, 2023

Belmond La Residencia is a luxury hotel located in the charming town of Deia, Mallorca. It's without question the most spectacular accommodation in the Spanish island. The property, located in Sierra de Tramuntana, is surrounded by mountains with breathtaking views everywhere you look.

During my Mallorca vacation last summer I had the oportunity of visiting the beautiful Belmond La Residencia hotel and couldn't stop taking pictures at every step. So today I'd like to share with you a photo diary of this stunning place. Are you ready to see all the hidden gems this 5-star hotel has to offer?

The vibrant photos are full of pastel hues with pink flowers, stone buildings, tiles and amazing views. Does the Mediterranean vibe appeal to you? Then, take a peek into Deia's most famous luxury hotel!

Some history first... the two main buildings are manors dating from around the 16th century. During the 18th century Deia was practically owned by Cistercian monks. The monks acquired one of the twin manor houses that form the core of the hotel. They directed a source of water to it, to irrigate the estate that surrounds the property. Thanks to the water supply olive oil production became the principal source of income. But by the mid-20th century the estate was no longer as profitable. Axel Ball bought the property and turned it into a hotel in 1984. In 1987, British business magnate Richard Branson partnered with Axel Ball, and in 2002 it was sold to Orient-Express Hotels. Finally, in 2014 Orient-Express changed its name to Belmond Ltd. At that time the hotel was renamed Belmond La Residencia and that's how we know it today.

Belmond La Residencia Photos: Manor Houses & Suites

The hotel has 70 rooms and suites. They are decorated in the style of a classic Mallorcan country house. What does that look like? There are lots of antiques, terracotta tiles and beamed ceilings. Color is added by flowers and the most colorful original paintings.

Belmond La Residencia Photos: Dining options 

El Olivo Restaurant

El Olivo restaurant is one of the most instagrammable spots in Mallorca. This outdoor dining experience is a must while you are in the island. You can eat there even if you are not staying in the hotel. However, be sure to book well in advance. Tables are limited and demand is high. The name was chosen because the restaurant is located in the old olive press.

Cafe Miro

If you can't get a table at El Olivo, you can try Cafe Miro, their indoor cafeteria and restaurant. They offer an afternoon tea that you can enjoy surrounded by some of Joan Miro's original paintings, 33 in total.

Belmond La Residencia Photos: The Pool

One of the best places to relax in the hotel is their amazing pool. There's nothing like taking a swim surrounded by spectacular mountains.

Belmond La Residencia Photos: The Gardens

The well-kept paths and gardens are a joy to walk around. Get your phone camera ready because you will be taking pictures non-stop. Your Instagram will be on fire! Every step of the way is social media worthy.

Belmond La Residencia Photos: art works 

The 5-star hotel is also an art gallery with a collection of over 800 works, plus 33 originals by Joan Miro -which you can find at the cafe dedicated to the artist- plus its very own gallery.

I hope you enjoyed this photo tour of Mallorca's most famous hotel. Which part did you like best?

Are you planning a trip to Mallorca soon? Check out the following posts 

Mallorca best road trip itinerary with map!

Ca's Patro March restaurant, everything you need to know

Need some help planning your trip? Leave a question on the comments below. I'll be happy to help you!

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