If you’re looking to treat yourself—or spoil a friend, mom, sister, or your favourite person—I’ve found something truly special in the heart of Cape Town: the Diptyque Tea Experience at Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel.
I had the absolute pleasure of spending a morning there recently, and it felt like stepping into a Parisian daydream.
Labotessa has reimagined its in-house boutique to exclusively showcase Diptyque, making it the first standalone Diptyque Boutique in South Africa. If you’re already a fan of the iconic French fragrance house (founded in Paris back in 1961), this will feel like fragrance heaven.
Diptyque is known for its dreamy scented candles, perfumes, and home fragrances—each one telling its own story. What I love about the brand is how its scents seem to transport you to another time or place. They’re elegant, nostalgic, and crafted with such precision that you can’t help but linger a little longer in their world.
Labotessa, with its mix of European charm and Cape Town flair, is the perfect partner for Diptyque. Both are all about quality, elegance, and thoughtful experiences—which brings me to the tea.
The Diptyque Tea Experience is a gorgeous sensory journey. It begins with a welcome glass of Cap Classique (yes, bubbles!) and a short, guided tour through the boutique, where you can explore up to 18 different Diptyque scents, candles, and bath luxuries.
Then, you’re whisked off to the Café & Terrace for a tea and bites pairing inspired by the fragrance profiles.
Each sip and nibble is beautifully curated to match a scent’s essence—whether it’s floral, woody, citrusy, or spicy. The whole experience felt indulgent, calming, and oh-so-elegant. At R650 per person, it includes the boutique tour, glass of bubbly, tea and food pairings, and a luxurious Diptyque gift bag valued at R1000 (yes, really!).
What made it even more memorable was the personal touch—from the knowledgeable team to the tranquil setting. And if you fall in love with a scent during your visit (which you probably will), you can take a piece of the experience home with you.
I genuinely recommend this for a special celebration, or just because you deserve something beautiful. Be sure to book at least 24 hours in advance—spots are limited.
For bookings, visit www.labotessa.com or contact them at stay@labotessa.com.
