Pure indulgence in Perth's Valley of Taste

A few minutes into a “guided” walk along the new Tamara Coast to Coast Way, which roughly traces the border of Cornwall and Devon, my guide is looking sheepish. We’re standing in a grassy field flanked by overgrown hedgerows and with no discernible exit. I was promised a panoramic view of the Tamar river stretching off into the distance.

It’s hard to believe now, but Perth was dubbed ‘Dullsville’ back in 2000. The city has spent the last two decades flipping the script.

Some of the best chefs in the world believe that some of the most creative work they do in the kitchen is with vegetables. Plant-based dining has been growing exponentially, with restaurants now taking into consideration this dietary preference when crafting their menus. It has become a lifestyle for many, for reasons ranging from ethical to health to environmental to religious. But one thing is for sure, the momentum is only growing stronger, and for many kitchens, plant-based offerings are no longer just an afterthought or a pity party (i.e., lettuce leaves and a dressing) but high level courses that still celebrate their restaurants’ ethos.

From soaks in therapeutic hot springs to getaways in serene countryside escapes blanketed by fresh air, wellness has traditionally been rooted in nature. But somewhere along the way, self-care made a shift. We ditched outdoor retreats in favor of high-tech treatments, boutique fitness classes, and days spent at luxe spas.

For somewhere as fabled as the ‘birthplace of British tourism’, the narrow, steep lane leading to Symonds Yat’s waterfront was remarkably quiet. In fact, it almost felt like a dead end until I turned a tight corner and there was the River Wye, spread out before me in all its glory.

Greenpoint has become one of New York City’s culinary hotspots in recent years, and a new, luxe chef’s counter is adding yet another destination-worthy dinner to the North Brooklyn neighborhood.

The first surprise for visitors at the brand new non-alcoholic Wilderton Botanical Spirits tasting room is a still. That’s right— there’s a shiny thousand-gallon stainless-steel vacuum pot still looming over the fully zero-proof production facility in Hood River, Ore.

Last summer, on an overcast July day, the coastal town of Sitka, once the capital of Russian Alaska and long a popular stop on Inside Passage cruises in Southeast Alaska, was thronged with passengers disembarking from three cruise ships. To accommodate the crowds, the city had closed the main street to cars. In their place, food trucks, carts and stands had popped up, creating a festival atmosphere where ambulatory diners spooned seafood chowder and gobbled tacos.

Located on the banks of the Swan River, Perth is the capital city of what is, geographically, Australia’s largest state: Western Australia. With a population of about two million, Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild, wet winters. It’s culturally diverse any time of year, with a mix of both modern and indigenous art alongside galleries and museums to rival Sydney and Melbourne, and its west coast remoteness means the city is far less touristy than the cities on Australia’s eastern seaboard. Perth saw 5.7 million arrivals between July 2018 and June 2019 compared to the 16.1 million visits to Sydney in the same period. If you do make the trip here, these are the cultural attractions to see.

Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, a vast area of over 976,000 square miles facing the Indian Ocean to the west and north and the Southern Ocean along its southern border. The state’s population is about 2.6 million, with 92 percent living in the southwestern corner where the capital of Perth sits. North of Perth, the state is sparsely populated, isolated, and perfect for those with an adventurous spirit who are looking for an epic road trip. Here, you can swim with whale sharks and visit Australia’s Coral Coast. Here’s how to make it happen, beginning in Perth.

It was a breezy Caribbean day, and the smell of fried dough and melted cheese flowed through the restaurant kitchen of La Vista at Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino. I was there for a cooking class to make pastechi, a traditional Aruban breakfast staple similar to an empanada or Jamaican patty. And it was a delight.

Like the Sydney of Australia’s west coast, Perth is a vibrant city that’s known for its pristine beaches, thriving food and art scenes, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s home to one of the largest inner city parks in the world, Kings Park, and surrounded by beautiful and historic areas including Fremantle, Cottesloe, and Rottnest Island where you can spot quokkas. Whether you’re looking to soak up the rays during the day or indulge in the city’s nightlife, Perth is worth a visit — and these Airbnbs in Perth are the perfect home base.