Sahn Eddar, Burj Al Arab

Afternoon tea at Sahn Eddar, at the base of the 180-metre atrium of the Burj Al Arab, runs to seven courses from savoury to gold-leaf pastry: the most spectacular tea in the guide.

The lounge sits at the foot of the tallest hotel atrium in the world, beside a fountain that dances every half hour. The tea arrives in seven courses: a welcome, savoury bites, finger sandwiches, scones with date and rose jams, a pastry tier with gold leaf, Arabic sweets and a chocolate finish; the tea list runs from Darjeeling to karak and saffron.

The reservation is the ticket into the hotel, which is why most visitors take tea here; book a week ahead and arrive early for the fountain.