Perth, Unplugged

Finding paradise and disconnecting from the world comes easy in Perth

- Joe Tan

Perth is arguably one of the world's most underrated and loveliest cities. Though it's been nicknamed the "most isolated capital city globally", due to its distance from the next nearest city-it's a 28-hour drive from Adelaide-its remoteness adds to its charm and character. With fewer crowds and a more relaxed vibe, Perth is a city where corporate types rub shoulders with laidback surfers at the farmer's market or a buzzy new spot in town; where vast swathes of nature, from parks to waterfront living, are mere minutes away from the Central Business District. And when city life begins to take its toll, one only needs to hop into the car, and take a short drive to disconnect and breathe at the heart of nature.

On my first night in the city, I stayed at The RitzCarlton, Perth, which boasts a sweeping panorama of Swan River and the skyline, and is a stone's throw away from the nightlife of Barrack Street, humming with locals and tourists. The hotel also houses an award-winning spa with bespoke treatments by skincare labels Biologique Recherche and LaGaia Unedited, an infinity pool, a rooftop bar, and dining establishments. When in Perth, one naturally has to take in at least one glorious sunset view. For a stunning meal to accompany the golden hour on a clear evening, consider Odyssea City Beach, a beachfront restaurant that puts the focus on the seasonality of local produce, a culinary ethos widely embraced by most dining establishments this side of the world. It is hard to beat for sophisticated yet unfussy Australian fare, with a sunset view to kill for.