Discover the rich tea heritage and culture of Victoria, British Columbia, in the company of an intimate group of fellow tea lovers. The storied Fairmont Empress will provide the luxury accommodations, and Lorna Reeves, editor of TeaTime, will be your host for the 6-day sensory-rich adventure—from bespoke workshops with local tea experts and private tours of beautiful historical properties to indulgent daily afternoon tea.

Accommodations are provided at the Fairmont Empress.

This retreat is limited to 20 participants.

Each registered participant will receive a one-year subscription to TeaTime. Current subscribers may choose to extend their subscription or gift it to someone special.

Arrive in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, and check into your suite at the regal Fairmont Empress, which will be your elegant home for five nights. After freshening up from your travels, gather with other retreat participants in the hotel’s iconic Lobby Lounge for its world-renowned afternoon tea.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel or at a nearby café or coffee shop. With its harbor vistas and bountiful shopping, the area near our hotel will undoubtedly entice you to stroll about and take in the city’s charming ambiance. But, don’t stray too far from the Fairmont, as its Empress Blue Ritual tea-centric spa treatment will be on today’s agenda to pamper you and prepare you for a fun-filled week. Later in the day, we’ll take in the sights of Victoria from the unique vantage point of a harbor cruise.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your own and be sure to don comfortable shoes for a day of exploring Victoria. Your first stop of the day will be at Abkhazi Garden, a more than 100-year-old oasis in a quiet residential neighborhood. You’ll savor an early afternoon tea in the Abkhazi teahouse before your guide escorts the group around the beautiful property and regales you with the true story of its origins, which involve an exiled Georgian prince and a forbidden marriage. A short car ride will deliver you to the grounds of the impressive Craigdarroch Castle, where you’ll have a private VIP tour of the Victorian-era mansion built on a hill overlooking the city. Guides will take the group on an immersive experience to parts of the castle not typically accessible to the public, including viewing artifacts stored in its vault. For the tour, guests will need to climb 87 steps to reach the top of the castle and enjoy the breathtaking view.

Following breakfast on your own, the group will gather at our hotel for a bespoke tea-tasting session with certified tea sommelier Bree Sharratt, founder of the local Island Elixir Tea Company. You’ll learn, one sip at a time, how indigenous plant traditions, British rituals, Chinese culture, and modern innovation converge on this island, creating a unique tea scene that honors history and reimagines the future of the beverage. After soaking in Bree’s interactive presentation, you’ll visit Butchart Gardens, where you’ll enjoy afternoon tea and a stroll through the campus of Canada’s sublime and expansive show garden.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast on your own and then join the group for a walk to Silk Road tea shop on the edge of Canada’s oldest Chinatown. Owner Daniela Cubelic, who the Vancouver Sun dubbed “Canada’s tea master,” will be your instructor for the morning workshop. Later, we’ll venture to Pendray Inn & Tea House for the final afternoon tea, where you’ll raise a toast to the new friendships you’ve formed and the memorable moments you’ve shared together.

Check out by 11:00 a.m.

• 5 nights in elegant suite accommodations at the five-star Fairmont Empress

• Welcome afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress

• Scenic Harbour Cruise

• Early afternoon tea and guided visit at Abkhazi Garden

• Private VIP tour of Craigdarroch Castle, including exclusive access areas

• Private tea-tasting workshop with Bree Sharrat of Island Elixir Tea Company

• Afternoon tea at Butchart Gardens

• Tea workshop at Silk Road Tea with owner Daniela Cubelic

• Farewell afternoon tea Pendray Inn & Tea House

• Transportation by private coach to and from schedule retreat activities

• Private round-trip airport transfers

• One-year subscription to TeaTime

• Airfare to and from Victoria, British Columbia

• Some meals

• 5 nights in elegant suite accommodations at the five-star Fairmont Empress

• Welcome afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress

• Scenic Harbour Cruise

• Farewell afternoon tea Pendray Inn & Tea House

• Private round-trip airport transfers

• Airfare to and from Victoria, British Columbia

• Some meals

• Workshops and excursions

• One-year subscription to TeaTime

Fairmont Empress

Overlooking Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour, the Fairmont Empress is a grand waterfront landmark known for its timeless elegance and world-renowned afternoon tea. Opened in 1908, this iconic hotel offers refined guest rooms, attentive service, and a prime location just steps from the city’s historic sites.

You’ll fly into Victoria International Airport (YYJ), which connects with major hubs across North America. Transportation for all scheduled retreat activities is included.

The TeaTime team is available to assist with travel planning and helping you find the best route. Email ttevents@hoffmanemedia.com for assistance.

Participant Single Occupancy

• $8,250 per Participant

• 1 Participant | 1 Private Hotel Room

Shared Participant Double Occupancy

• $7,500 per Participant

• 2 Participants | 1 Hotel Room

Participant & Travel Companion

• $9,250 per Participant & Travel Companion

• 1 Participant + Travel Companion | 1 Shared Hotel Room

• A 50% deposit is due within 48 hours of confirmation, along with signed travel waiver and cancellation policy acknowledgment

• The remaining 50% balance is due June 15, 2026

• Payments accepted: ACH direct deposit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, and Union Pay

• All prices are listed in U.S. dollars

All bookings for this retreat are final and nonrefundable under all circumstances. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruption, illness, and other unexpected events. You agree that you will not initiate a charge-back or payment dispute for amounts properly charged in accordance with this policy.

If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you understand and agree that you are responsible for all costs or losses related to trip interruptions.

Changes, Cancellations & Unforeseen Events

We are not responsible for expenses related to travel delays, cancellations, illness, injury, or other events beyond our control, including but not limited to weather, government actions, and airline or transportation issues.

In the event that we must cancel this retreat due to circumstances beyond our control, our liability will be limited to a refund of amounts paid to us, or a credit toward a future retreat, at our discretion. We are not responsible for additional expenses such as airfare, lodging, or other travel costs.

Health & Travel Risks

Travel involves inherent risks, including the risk of exposure to communicable illnesses. By booking this retreat, you acknowledge these risks and agree to assume responsibility for your own health and safety during the trip.

If you become ill during the retreat, particularly with a suspected or confirmed contagious condition, the group leaders may require you to modify or end your participation if they reasonably believe your presence poses a health or safety risk to other participants. In such cases, no refund or credit will be provided. 

Program Changes

Due to circumstances beyond our control, certain activities, instructors, services, or amenities may be modified, substituted, or unavailable. Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund, but we will work tirelessly to make sure you have the best experience possible. 

Acknowledgment

By booking this retreat, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to this Trip Cancellation & Travel Risk Policy.

What airport should I fly into? We recommend flying into Victoria International Airport (YYJ). Guests are responsible for arranging their own airfare.

Are airport transfers included? Airport transfers are included.

Can I arrive early or extend my stay? If you would like to inquire about additional nights at the Fairmont Empress, please email ttevents@hoffmanmedia.com. Requests for early check-in or late check-out will be made on your behalf but cannot be guaranteed.

Is breakfast included? Daily breakfast is not included.

Are children able to attend this retreat? All participants must be 18 years old or older to attend this retreat.

Will there be free time during the retreat? The itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to allow for leisure time in Victoria, British Columbia. Guests are encouraged to explore, relax, shop, or enjoy optional experiences such as spa services.

What should I pack for the retreat? We recommend smart casual attire with comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing and excursions. For guided tours and outdoor activities, wear clothing suitable for changing weather.

Is this retreat suitable for guests with limited mobility? Some activities include walking on uneven surfaces, historic sites, and outdoor paths. While we do our best to accommodate all guests, participants should be comfortable with moderate walking. Please contact ttevents@hoffmanmedia.com with specific questions or needs.

Are meals included? Select meals are included, including afternoon teas. Most lunches and some dinners are on your own, allowing flexibility to explore local dining.

Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is not required but is strongly recommended. The retreat is nonrefundable, and travel insurance may help protect against unforeseen changes or interruptions.

Is this retreat limited in size?
This retreat is limited to 20 participants to ensure an intimate and enriching experience.

Will I receive a subscription to TeaTime?
Each registered participant will receive a one-year subscription to TeaTime. Current subscribers may choose to extend their subscription or gift it to someone special.

Who should I contact if I have questions?
Please email ttevents@hoffmanmedia.com with any questions about the retreat.