Looking to enhance your guest experience during the day? I might have a delicious solution: THE tea time offer.

The afternoon is often a quieter moment—between two activities, when the weather is too hot or not quite right for outdoor plans. Why not turn it into an opportunity to surprise your guests with an indulgent break?

A tea time experience is an elegant pause in the day, composed of a curated selection of sweet and/or savory bites, paired with a drink—whether that’s tea, coffee, or something more festive, like a glass of champagne.

This moment can also become the perfect romantic experience for couples visiting your secluded lodge.

Tea time offers more than just a snack. It’s an opportunity to create a memorable experience, whether it’s for a couple on a romantic getaway, a corporate retreat team bonding over a break, or a family enjoying the serenity of your lodge. Tea time can be the perfect touch for your secluded location, adding a sense of luxury and relaxation that elevates the overall guest experience.

Start by choosing the style of food you want to serve. Do you want to offer only sweet treats, or include savory items too?

In France, tea time is usually sweet, but depending on your guest profile, adding some local savory bites can be a thoughtful and appreciated touch.

Let’s focus on the sweet selection, my little gem:

From pastries and cakes to fresh fruits, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few principles to guide you:

• Small portions: Choose bite-sized options—one of each item per person is ideal.
• Flavour balance: Offer variety—from chocolate to fruit-based treats.
• Texture diversity: Combine crisp (cookies, tarts), moist (cakes), and creamy (choux pastries) textures.
• Keep it curated: Avoid buffet-style spreads. For a refined and intimate lodge experience, a carefully plated, smaller selection reduces waste and increases perceived value.
• Visual appeal: Guests eat with their eyes first. Play with color, plating, and composition to create a “wow” effect.

To preserve the excitement and exclusivity of the tea time, I recommend creating a dedicated menu, separate from your standard dessert options.

Some items might not fit your restaurant dessert menu but are perfect for tea time—like mini éclairs or madeleines.

This encourages guests to try something new and enhances their stay with variety. And no, it doesn’t mean more daily work. Many items can be prepared in advance and frozen, without compromising texture or flavor.

Here’s what I would recommend for two distinct ranges:

• Drink: A glass (or small bottle) of sparkling wine or champagne.
• Savory: 2 savory items (local specialties like small fish bites or meat skewers).
• Sweets: 4 small sweet items (mini éclairs, mille-feuilles, cookies, or a fruit tartlet).
• Fresh Fruits: Seasonal fresh fruits to complement the flavors.

The savory options should reflect the local cuisine, adding authenticity to your offering. Think about samosas, meat skewers, or other local snacks that are easy to eat in small portions.

As for the sweet treats, mix local desserts with classics — macaron, mini éclairs, madeleines, small mille-feuilles, and mini cream puffs. The possibilities are endless!

While it may be tempting to create an elaborate buffet-style tea time selection, I highly recommend a more curated, smaller offering at your secluded resort. Why? Waste. By focusing on fewer, well-executed items, you minimize the risk of waste while ensuring guests enjoy each bite.

Offer a few carefully selected treats — these will always be more appreciated than an overwhelming quantity of mediocre options.

Don’t forget to change your offerings with the seasons! A winter-themed tea time might include warm, spiced cakes or rich, chocolatey treats, while a summer tea could feature lighter, fruit-based items, like a refreshing lemon tart or berry-filled cream puffs.

Whether you’re serving tea time on the beach, by the pool, or in the middle of the bush, the setup is key to creating an unforgettable experience. Take advantage of your unique location and curate the tea time setup accordingly. Perhaps guests enjoy their treats in a cozy corner with a stunning view, or on a terrace with the sun setting behind them — every location at your secluded lodge can become the perfect tea time experience.