FOR A CHARMING AUTHENTIC AFTERNOON TEA

                   THE PHOENICIAN RESORT

Story and Photos By: Robin Roth

Ahhh, there is nothing like the brilliant English tradition of Afternoon Tea. What a joyful, festive and eventful way to entertain neighbors, friends, ladies who lunch, business acquaintances, as well as baby and wedding showers. So civilized and pampering. This time resilient ceremony has been perfected by the Phoenician. Here, afternoon tea remains the same elegant, refined, soothing, relaxing atmosphere that was enjoyed by the English of yesterday. The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale keeps the past in the present, as they celebrate this time-honored ritual in great style and class. They have completely mastered the art of tea time flawlessly in every possible way.

To begin, I felt a sense of awe and well being just entering this beautifully elegant and gracefully plush tea room. You can almost taste the inviting serenity here. Afternoon tea is served daily in the Lobby Tea Court. It has consistently been voted "Best Afternoon Tea" by the Phoenix New Times and Arizona Republic readers. The room, decorated with comfy couches tables and chairs, screams welcome. It is cozy and posh, yet it is inviting and friendly.

For your tea you can pick from a variety of lovely, well chosen teas selections. Your full tea service begins with delectable finger sandwiches that include: English cucumber, Hickory Smoked Salmon, Classic Egg Salad, Phoenician’s Lemon and Thyme Chicken Salad and Crisp Asparagus and Garlic Herb Mousse. I had seconds (ok some thirds, there I said it) of each and every scrumptious one of these tasty sandwiches. YUMMY! Your delicacies are served on elegant, traditional Wedgewood Bone China.

Tea service continues at a calm leisurely pace with my favorite part of the tea party… the luscious, mouthwatering, scones both plain and cranberry accompanied with Devonshire cream and homemade preserves. It is so bloody English and delightful! I adore authentic scones, so this part was particularly my happy place.

Then onward to the tea court's decadent, sinfully delicious pastries. These amazing pastries include: Paris Brest, Raspberry Opera, Scottish Shortbread, Lemon Cream Cake, Fruit Tartlet, Chocolate Cream and Chocolate Biscuit, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and at last Fruit Cake. Every one of them is totally YUM and creative. They are gorgeous just to look at, but dive in and enjoy. I know I did. Did I mention that there are no calories at the Phoenician? Ok, maybe just a few.

What I found lovely about this service is that you are not served scones and pastries on a customary three leveled plate. You are served each course separately with ease and style. The service is stellar and flawless. The lovely, classy and charismatic Wanda and Natalie served this perfect proper tea party with chic sophistication, friendly style and warm flair. Thank you ladies… well done!  It is obvious that they truly love their job and I can’t blame them!

You will also, enjoy, classical piano music providing a charming backdrop for a relaxing, tranquil and peaceful afternoon break.

You’ll actually feel time magically slip away without the hustle and bustle of the world outside the Phoenician doors.

I must add that I hope to review the entire resort in the very near future. At a glance, this boutique resort is breathtaking. I was truly taken back by its stunning splendor. It has a heavenly, alluring ambiance. The award winning Phoenician offers true opulence, grandeur and luxury. I would like to extend a huge cheerio thank you to Mike Cherry and Liz Brownlee for making this review possible.

I highly recommend the Phoenician Tea Courts wonderfully authentic tea service. It hit the excellence mark on every single possible level. Don’t miss out on this treasured experience. Anyone would love it! I rate it an A+ for absolutely amazing… I am confident that this lovely practice will become a beautiful and cherished memory. What a rare treat!

Tea Reservations are required to reserve your table call:  (480) 423-2530

6000 East Camelback Road · Scottsdale, AZ 85251 USA ·Map

Contact  · Phone: (480) 941-8200 · Fax: (480) 947-4311 ·

Email: info@thephoenician.com