Some experiences unfold with quiet inevitability. Others take you completely by surprise. My visit to Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel was the latter.
I didn’t overnight at the five-star hotel – renowned for its lavish suites with their refined furnishings, artisanal touches, and immersive views of the Mother City and her mountain. Instead, I was there to enjoy the Diptyque Tea Experience, an intimate affair that gives this luxury hotel an edge.
Diptyque is a French luxury fragrance and candle house founded in 1961 by three Parisian friends – Christiane Gautrot, Desmond Knox-Leet and Yves Coueslant. Considering their training – interior designer, painter and set designer, and theatre administrator respectively – it’s understandable that Diptyque is a brand rich in storytelling and artistry. From the minimalist labels with hand-drawn typography to the beautifully illustrated packaging and tale behind each scent, it is a commitment to craftsmanship. The scents are avant-garde and gender-neutral, often blending unexpected ingredients. And with many inspired by real-life travels, they feel like transportive, olfactory landscapes rather than a conventional perfume. Philosykos, for example, carries the unadulterated scent of wild fig trees in summer in Greece, while L’Ombre Dans L’Eau (rose and blackcurrant) conjures up a Parisian garden after the rain.
Everything about Diptyque is perfectly aligned with Labotessa – also a small, intimate brand created by friends. Earlier this year Labotessa officially rebranded its in-house retail space, making it South Africa’s first standalone Diptyque Boutique. It’s the only hotel in Africa and one of a handful globally that offers Diptyque amenities in the rooms. “Guests often fall in love with the products after using them in their suites. We’re excited to now offer them the chance to take that experience home with them,” says Johan Du Plessis, Proprietor and General Manager of Labotessa.
Building on this exclusive concept is the Tea Experience with Diptyque as the star of the show. The sensory journey starts with a glass of Cap Classique paired with the scent of Vetyverio as guests are given a brief guided tour of the collection, which includes 18 different fragrances, candles, home fragrances, body lotions and soaps. It’s followed by a pairing of Diptyque’s signature fragrances with a selection of fine TWG teas chosen to match the scents, and sweet and savoury bites at Labotessa Café & Terrace. (Guests can choose between the cosy indoor lounge or outside on the leafy terrace.) These are no ordinary finger foods – I was amazed at how so much flavour and originality could be packed in small bites! The savoury options include a trio of sandwiches paired with bergamot – cucumber and smoked salmon with dill and cream cheese, and egg salad on brioche – and a spinach, mushroom and cheese muffin paired with the scent of oud. On the sweet side, the fragrance Eau Rose accompanies the sublime buttermilk scones topped with rose and strawberry jam. Dark Lindt chocolate brownies partner Oud, and the macaroons – made specially for Labotessa, complete with the name on them – accompany Oyedo.
The experience extends beyond the tea – probably because the space is so inviting, so fascinating that you just want to explore further. From the moment you enter The Diptyque Boutique, which is located at the entrance to the hotel, there is a feeling of being enveloped in a pocket of time, removed from the sights and sounds of the city. The hotel itself is located within a national heritage monument dating back to the 1700s so is steeped in history. The décor is an eclectic mix grounded in luxury, each art piece or design item drawing one in for a closer look. The staff are ever present but discreet. If the tea or lunch at the café is what draws you in for your visit – and make sure you do – the chances are you will be back. Again, and again.
The Diptyque Tea Experience costs R650p/p and includes a tour, a glass of bubbles, the tea and bites pairing and a luxurious Diptyque gift bag valued at R1 000. It is available between 11am and 2pm daily. Bookings must be made 24 hours in advance on the website or call +27 (21) 010 6600
