Breaking the Coffee Culture

By Sandra Scott

“We are trying to break the coffee culture,” explained Michelle Hammond.

We were having afternoon tea with Michelle Hammond, the Spa Director at the Radisson Blu Resort located near the historic walled city of Dubrovnik on the Adriatic Coast of Croatia. Croatians love their coffee. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon they enjoy strongly brewed espresso-style coffee with a pastry. They can be seen sitting in cafes relaxing with their coffee. It is a time-honored tradition.

Then along comes the slick new Radisson Blu Resort which opened in July 2009. After the summer season when, the hotel—and the whole Dalmatian Coast, for that matter—was fully booked, the innovative hotel started offering afternoon tea. As the slow season was beginning they wanted to create a relaxing respite to compliment the season, and, of course, to convert coffee drinkers into tea aficionados.

English-born Michelle explained, “All my Croatian friends say, ‘I only drink tea when I am sick.’ I tell them that tea is good when one is not feeling well but there is a tea for every mood.” Michelle knows what she is talking about. She may be the spa director but in Croatia spas are referred to as wellness centers, so she is keenly aware of everything that is good for one’s health and wellbeing.

John and I totally agreed that tea can really set the mood. After two weeks of marvelously sunny warm September days on the Adriatic, the rain moved in for an entire day. One might think that it would be depressing. Not so. As we sat on the covered balcony looking out over the sea, the pastry chef arrived with Chocolate Fingers for the tea table. Chocolate Fingers are the Radisson’s signature dessert. From the gleaming samovar the staff prepared our tea. John and I both selected a tea we had never tried before—Vanilla Roibosh - passing up on the peppermint, Earl Grey, usually John’s favorite, and the green tea, usually my choice. Vanilla Roibosh was an excellent choice as it is a full-flavor herbal infusion from South Africa with just the right touch of Madagascar vanilla. It is an antioxidant, in vitamins and minerals, and naturally caffeine free. It is reputed to aid in relieving allergies. The view of the islands of the Adriatic and the pleasant company along with the flavorful tea and scrumptious Chocolate Fingers made the rain seem inconsequential, even enjoyable.

During our stay at the Radisson Blu Resort afternoon tea became part of our ritual. One sunny day, after several hours exploring the historic city of Dubrovnik, which was bustling with passengers from two cruise ships, we returned to the Radisson to relax on the balcony enjoying the soothing tea and mesmerizing view of the sea. There is nothing quite like Dubrovnik with its incredibly massive walls. The fortification was first built in the 13^th century and strengthened over the next century. During the war of the 1990s the city received more than 400 direct hits but it has been repaired and rebuilt with loving attention to historic detail. Tea time allowed us to reflect on the amazing history of the area.

The Radisson Hotel is beautiful so we spent one entire day wandering the landscaped grounds and enjoying the seaside pool (just one of three pools). We also took a dip in the still-warm Adriatic Sea,too. Refreshed and invigorated we enjoyed afternoon tea. For more information

Visit www.radissonblu.com/resort-dubrovnik.

Sandra Scott is a frequent contributor to travel publications and to Copley News Service and has co-authored two books on local history. She lives in Mexico, NY.
Images by Sandra and J. J. Scott

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