Affordably priced tea pairing returns to Le Meridien Bangkok. Following their previous pairing of a mango-themed afternoon tea and massage, this second edition of the promotion goes rosy by taking on a more pink-toned colour scheme. The Rose Afternoon tea set is priced at 1,700 baht, which is slightly higher than the previous mango set, but considering that you get a tea set as well as a 45-minute rose oil massage for two, there isn't much to complain about. In fact, the upcoming festive (and gold-flanked) pairing they've got in store for the end of the year is likely to increase in price too, so don't miss this deal.
Make reservations, as this promo is quite popular and sees at least two pairs coming in every day. You can choose whether you want to have your tea or massage first, which can be held in both single or double treatment rooms. The treatment is mostly frill-free and gets straight to the point after you've had your welcome herbal drink. The whitewashed wall of pebbles is simplistic, but there is no denying that this pin-drop quiet space is calming to be in, after venturing through the usually busy and tourist-packed lobby downstairs. Rose oil is used during the massage, the whiff of flowers filling the room and scenting your skin after the treatment. The well-trained masseuses expertly iron out all the tight muscles that you told them to focus on, making this a quick, relaxing getaway that doesn't drag on.
After the massage (or before), the Rose Afternoon tea set is served. Take note though that the rose theme is applied rather loosely, as the food features all sorts of ingredients or flavours that fall on the red/pink scale. What makes it worthwhile are the savoury bites, all of which are delectable. The best one is salmon wrapped in a pink crepe and cucumber ketchup, followed by eclairs stuffed with chicken mousse and a grape-beetroot gel. The flax seed bruschetta, even if a bit on the hard side, is topped with raw zucchini, cashew cheese and rose petals. On the sweet side, there are petit madeleines and classic scones served with an olive-orange jam (which marks, however, a slight digression from the colour theme). Still, they get back on track with fuss-free blocks of red jello and a gluten-free red velvet beetroot-almond cake. Don't let the vegan description turn you away, as this moist and flavourful cake was one of the most delicious treats of the set. This time around, they've also thrown in a DIY macaron set, where guests can try to assemble the two lids, lychee, raspberries, mousse and rose petals into a photogenic snap.
For drinks, nothing goes wrong with their hot pot of tea, although there is also the option of a slim glass of peach iced tea. In this rainy weather, we would recommend going for the finest loose leafs by Ronnefeldt. Brewed to perfection, there are a dozen of black, green, white and fruit teas to choose from -- making for a calming close to your rosy afternoon.
The Rose Afternoon tea set and spa for two will be available until Oct 31. For reservations, call 02-232-8888 or email dining.lmbkk@lemeridien.com.
