by Tokay

The Art of Tea

Ibah, one of Ubud's fine bijou hotels, has recently added an intriguing new feature. Inspired by their Tea Master son Tjok Gede, owners Cokorda Raka and his wife Asri created an intimate yet airy Tea House on the hotel grounds. Tucked against the hillside, it faces the final curve of the sweeping Oos Valley, its lush depths a perfect counterfoil for the airy ridge beyond. The energy here is pure and potent, the trees echo with birdsong and the Oos River can be heard rushing through the jungle far below.

Two tables with chairs and a long raised platform with big, comfortable cushions comprise the interior. The soft filtered light of late afternoon gives it an almost heavenly ambience, an ideal space to relax and savour the view while sipping a perfect cup of tea - because it's all about tea at the Tea House.

Premium organic teas share the menu with selections from China, Taiwan,
Japan, India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Brazilian mate and herbal infusions from Europe balance the list. Every tea is served in an appropriate pot and needless to say, there is not a teabag in sight.

Select a Chinese tea and a carefully trained tea server begins a whole tea ceremony as he sets out the pot, cups and other tools on a perforated wooden tray. First a measure of loose tea is offered to the patron so its aroma can be savoured. Then a complex ritual of preparation begins; this is not just a cup of tea, it is an experience! Ultimately, the tiny porcelain cup will contain the distilled art of a thousand years. Asri has caught the passion for tea from her son and is now an enthusiastic student of the art. True to her Australian roots, she has a soft spot for the tradition of afternoon tea, and her guests at Ibah enjoy a pot of tea and freshly baked cake at the Tea House from 4pm every day.

The jewel in the crown of afternoon tea, of course, is High Tea. The Tea House offers the real thing -– loose black tea in a silver pot and a tiered silver tray with a tempting range of traditional and local teatime treats. Topping the list are feather-light fresh scones with cream and home made jam, and cucumber sandwiches with the crusts off. Ginger nuts, apple cake and intriguing biscuits made with Earl Grey tea and dipped in chocolate reflect the custom's English roots; delicate vegetable spring rolls add an Asian element.

The Tea House welcomes tea aficionados between 10 and 6 every day. Drop by soon for an experience that's probably unique in Bali.