You just can’t help but be impressed when you walk in to the Royal Suite at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel in Calgary. It’s located on the eighth floor and boasts some pretty decent views of Calgary. The Chandelier, private dining room (fit for six) and kitchenette, the Kind bed (which I had to myself), and – my personal favourite – the suite made for a pretty fab afternoon with friends, working on 2020 planning and some inspirational chats about the year ahead!

The Royal Suite is, of course, named for Queen Elizabeth 11. The Queen stayed in this suite during her visit to Canada in 1990, and if it’s good enough for Queen Elizabeth, then it’ll do for us! If you haven’t done Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Palliser, then it’s definitely a must-try for a special occasion, take friends and family, or even to treat yourself (why not?!). Each friend received her own tier, which included clotted cream, strawberry jam and fresh-baked scones, chocolate-dipped strawberries, pastries, and finger sandwiches (no crusts!). The Fairmont team also prepared my own gluten-free tier so I could enjoy the afternoon. The tea service was amazing, and it’s the little things that make the difference (I think I even saw gold flakes in one of the finger sandwiches). Our server, Kris, made us and the kids feel right at home. The kids watched Frozen 2 and we created some 2020 visions and had some girly chit chat! It was a great way to catch up with friends and watch a lil’ bit of Frozen 2!

I have been LOVING High Tea for years, and in Sydney Australia, the Victoria Room was my favourite… I have to say here in Alberta, Fairmont Palliser does an amazing job! Interesting side note…. High Tea actually originated in the 1700s and was not so glamorous.. it was what we know today as afternoon tea and was called high tea, because it was served for working men, who ate quickly, usually on stools which were high, thus the name high tea! I think it might be my favourite meal of the day! What’s yours?

Sophie xo