Say goodbye to 2020 in style: Visit these 5 places with spectacular sunset views

By Rupali Dean

As 2020 comes to an end, give your eyes a treat and enjoy the picturesque views at these 5 sunset points as you sip on your afternoon tea.

MOSAICO LOUNGE, DUBAI

Mosaico Prides itself in being a space that is relaxed, contemporary and trendy and where one can indulge in elaborate high teas. The ambience pays tribute to the swaying palm trees and Dubai Creek spread out like a fantastic carpet in the front. As one of the best hotels in Dubai, Palazzo Versace’s afternoon tea could become a tourist sideshow, somewhat to ‘tick off’ the list. Soft, warm scones are served with clotted cream and the most delightful raspberry jam. The cake shelf is a banquet for the eyes, with miniscule tarts and decadent choux pastries. Finger sandwiches make a longed-for flavoursome intrusion from the sweet treats.

MARCHAL, COPENHAGEN
The quintessential dwelling of panache and sophistication and with its Scandinavian legacy, Marchal restaurant is held as the place to be for pampering in top quality confections, chocolates in the affluent D’ Angleterre hotel in Copenhagen. In collaboration with KRUG Champagne, d'Angleterre has reinterpreted the model English Afternoon Tea and serves it in the beautiful Gallery Hall with high ceilings and impressive chandeliers. Unconventional and extensive specialties are featured and especially poised tea is offered to accompaniment the taste of Champagne.

SEALOUNGE, MUMBAI
The iconic and graceful large windows open to the magnificent views of the Mumbai harbour and The Gateway of India. Whether it be an indulgent high tea, or a soothing late evening listening to live jazz, Sea Lounge at The Taj Mahal Mumbai is ready to welcome you back, preserving and reinventing the fairy-tale of the bygone era. It has witnessed generations come and experience the ingenious cuisine that it is well-known for - its signature dishes like the Bombay Toasty and Bombay Chaat. A pianist plays classic tunes, which means the tête-à-tête isn't restricted to a whisper, and the tranquil ambiance and hospitable staff make it cool to lose an afternoon here, irrespective of the food. But, of course, there is food, a lavishness of it.

SAPPHYR LOUNGE, COLOMBO
The lobby doubles up as Shangri-La’s popular tearoom and is considered to be a must go to when visiting Colombo. This beautiful space offers a panoramic view of the magnificent city blending both the ocean and city view, thus making it a perfect spot to indulge in a hearty cup of Ceylon tea. You can pair it up with the afternoon high tea set that encompasses of two delightful options: Thea Welawa Srilankan inspired and the Shangri-La classic western set. Go for the tall local option that includes short eats like the Srilankan chicken roll, lamb samosa and vegetable cutlet etc. and also sweetmeats like chocolate kokis, caramel banana and cashewnut cake etc.

PALMS,MACAU
Immersed with palm trees, the vivacious setting of the Café and bar at the Sheraton Grand is arresting and entices you to ascent up in the core of the rainforest enthused surroundings. Come with sufficient time - and stretch pants, tea here is a lingering affair and there’s so much food you’ll need to pace yourself. Presented in a birdcage caddy, there is a very expert art in crafting such an iconic experience as afternoon tea here. And the sweet treats are the actual highlight: the tiramisu will have you studiously scooping up every last drop, while the lemon and vanilla cake is pleasingly citrusy; decadent without leaving you feeling like you have had a sugar overdose.

Rupali Dean is a food writer based out of Delhi