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The National
4 days ago
- The National
The Ritz-Carlton, Perth review: Global brand's first Australian hotel boasts beautiful sunsets
Australia's east coast – home to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane – has traditionally been the country's visitor hotspot. But more than 2,000 miles to the west lies Perth, the country's most isolated city but also its fastest-growing in terms of air travel and tourism. There are three main contenders for a luxury getaway in the western Australian capital: The Ritz-Carlton Perth, the first of two hotels opened by the chain in the country; Crown Towers Perth, deemed one of the most expensive in the country; and Como The Treasury, a heritage hotel in a renovated 19th-century state building. The National checks in to The Ritz-Carlton, Perth to find out what's on offer. The welcome I am with a friend and her four-year-old daughter, which is a little more complex than solo travelling. Hence, we're grateful when we pull into the hotel and see that parking and unloading are quickly delegated to hotel staff so our holiday time can begin. The vast, high-ceiling lobby is beautiful. Pinewood floors with stone brick walls and a vibrant display of colourful dried flowers brighten one corner, while an intriguing Jenga-style rock sculpture sits in the other. Above, a gigantic wind chime-like chandelier hangs from the tall ceiling. Upon checking in, the smallest member of our party is offered a choice of soft toy to be her companion for the stay. It is a thoughtful touch and a good distraction for an excited child eager to jump into the hotel pool. The room For The Ritz-Carlton, Perth's central location and size, with 205 rooms and suites making up the hotel, I'm surprised by the ample space even a standard accommodation boasts. As we check into our King Studio, the floor-to-ceiling windows curve around the room to showcase both the lush green of Langley Park, where a lively festival was taking place as we checked in, and the sun reflecting from the silver high rises making up the city. The studio also features a round table for two to dine and chat, a mini bar and an armchair to wistfully soak in the view. The sizeable double bed looks on to the gorgeous view. Wardrobes and drawers are out of sight by the room entrance. As for the washroom, the giant stand-alone bath, complete with Philosykos goodies, gets put to great use during our stay. Like the scenery it overlooks, wood floors and wall panels, alongside plush autumn hues, give warmth and character to the space. It's stylish, spacious and scenic. The food The food offering here is a concentrated yet well-executed effort. By day, it's poolside nibbles. In the evening, we head to Songbird for dinner and drinks. More a spot for clinking glasses and chatting than an elaborate degustation menu, the offering is select. For meat eaters, there's a well-curated offering such as glazed Western Australian lamb ribs (AU$27, or DH64), Mexican spiced pork belly (AU$28) and prawns marie (AU$34). Vegetarians and vegans? Not so much. Luckily, the staff are happy to accommodate, switching up the tempura eggplant (AU$22) to make it vegan for me and putting together a Mediterranean meze board – the veggie take on the menu's charcuterie board (AU$36) – of hummus, felafel, fluffy flatbread, mixed olives and babaganoush. While it's reassuring to have friendly staff whip something together without a fuss, it leaves me pondering the same question I've had a hundred times before: isn't it easier to add at least one staple vegan dish to the menu? Breakfast for the next two days is served at Hearth, which prides itself on using local produce and indigenous ingredients in the kitchen. Guests can help themselves to everything from fluffy pancakes with ample drizzling options and apple crumble, to crispy sweet potato waffles and steaming vegetable gyoza. There are scrambled eggs and teriyaki chicken. Black bean basil and miso eggplant. And the following morning, a different selection of hot food for the taking. Cereals, yoghurts, cold cuts, cheeses, pastries, muffins and bread take over another station, while fresh fruit is hosted on one island and salad cuts on another. Family-friendly factor We spend a fair portion of our time at the pool. While loungers are consumed mainly by couples and small groups, we don't feel unwelcome with a child in tow, and sun-soakers look on laughing at the underwater games taking place. The following day, a family joins with a newborn and a small boy, so we're not anomalies. Later, we head up to the club lounge for a break from the midday sun. It's filled with kid-friendly snacks (Freddos included), games and even an easel surrounded by oil pastels, and the staff go on their way to make us feel welcome. From check-in to breakfast, every staff member goes out of their way to speak to and accommodate the little one. While dining at Songbird one evening, however, we do get a side eye from one couple who move to sit by the bar – but it's early in the evening and we're reassured that we're well within our rights to dine there, too. The neighbourhood The Ritz-Carlton, Perth sits on Elizabeth Quay. From there it's easy to walk along the promenade to check out bars, restaurants, public art and a water park. For those keen to soak in greenery and prepared for an uphill climb, Kings Park is worth a visit. It takes about half an hour by foot to get to the city centre, where cafes and shops await. There's plenty to explore, from a war memorial to a DNA-shaped tower to climb for the optimum view to a 750-year-old Gija Jumula (Giant Boab) tree. There's a busy shopping district nearby and many cultural institutes to visit, such as the Art Gallery of Western Australia and WA Museum Boola Bardip. A day trip option is to take bus 910 from Elizabeth Quay bus station to Fremantle and visit the former convict house, Fremantle Prison, the PS Art Space and the market from Friday to Sunday. The verdict This is a hotel for sunset chasers. There are views galore from the rooms and restaurants, down to the pool. Although the nightlife surrounding is plentiful, catching a sunset from the hotel itself is worth making time for. The bottom line The average room rate starts at $499 per night. Check-in is from 3pm and checkout is at 11am.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Father's Day Gift Guide 2025: 12 Ways To Gift Quality Time Together
A father and his two boys fishing at Abbott Lake. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Universal Images Group via Getty Images When it comes to Father's Day, the most valuable gift you can give might not come in a box—it's time. Time to unwind. Time to connect. Time to create new stories together. For busy dads, carving out space for memorable experiences is more meaningful than any material thing. These gifts go beyond socks and scotch. They are built around doing, not just giving—offering everything from hands-on workshops and hiking adventures to luxury retreats and customizable global tours. Whether you're planning a day with just the kids, a weekend getaway with extended family, or a bold bucket-list bonding moment, each idea here is designed to inspire connection, laughter, learning and exploration. Turn an ordinary day into a luxury getaway with ResortPass, which lets families enjoy high-end hotel amenities without booking an overnight stay. Dad can spend the day poolside at a five-star resort, unwind in a cabana, or recharge with spa access—all at properties he's always wanted to visit. It's an ideal option for families who want a mini-escape without the full vacation commitment. With hundreds of participating hotels across the U.S., the only hard part is choosing where to go next. Price: Varies by location and amenities. Ready to upgrade family game night? Activate is the world's first active gaming facility, combining high-energy physical challenges with immersive digital gameplay. With over 40 locations across North America, this screen-meets-sweat experience is like an escape room crossed with a laser maze—perfect for dads who want to move, laugh and compete with their crew. It's bonding with a heart rate boost. Price: Varies by location; typically around $25 per person. For a gift that's as entertaining as it is unexpected, take Dad back in time—chainmail and all. Medieval Times' dinner and tournament show combines jousting, feasting and cheering in a full theatrical setting, available at 10 castles across the U.S. For Father's Day 2025, upgrade to the Beer Package, which includes a 25 oz. drinking horn filled with his favorite brew. Expect laughs, competition and family bonding with a healthy dose of spectacle. Price: Varies by location; available for shows June 2 to 15, 2025. Can't decide on just one experience? Giftory makes it easy to let Dad choose his own adventure—whether it's a hot air balloon ride, dinner cruise, stock car thrill ride or wine tasting tour. The site offers flexible, book-now-or-later options that don't expire, so he can schedule when it fits his calendar. Whether he's craving adrenaline or relaxation, Giftory covers it all with one seamless gift. Price: Varies by experience; gift cards available. If Dad dreams of hitting the open road in style, RV Overnights offers the ultimate access pass. With a network of over 1,000 host locations—including wineries, golf courses, farms and historic sites—it's a curated way to experience the U.S. in a luxury RV or camper. The $49.99 annual membership unlocks exclusive locations, zero campsite fees and over $3,500 in partner discounts. It's road-tripping with none of the guesswork and all the perks. Price: $49.99/year. Give Dad a break from the screen and a reason to lace up his hiking boots with the whole family with a premium AllTrails subscription. The app makes it easy to find and navigate beautiful trails across the U.S.—whether it's a beach stroll, forest escape or desert adventure. AllTrails+ offers offline maps and real-time alerts, while the new AllTrails Peak tier adds even more features for hardcore hikers. Price: AllTrails+: $35.99/year; AllTrails Peak: $80/year. Swap another tie for a toast with one of Total Wine & More's in-store classes, offered at 270+ locations nationwide. Whether Dad prefers a bourbon deep-dive, a wine tasting tour through South America or a spirits-with-a-twist session, these guided experiences make for an affordable and enriching night out. Classes are approachable and expertly led. Price: Typically $20 per class; varies by location. For the dad who's impossible to shop for, let Tinggly do the heavy lifting. This curated experience gift box includes access to over 14,000 adventures in 100+ countries, from shark cage diving to exotic car racing. He can redeem it anytime, anywhere—and choose what kind of memory he wants to make. It's the most personalized gift you can give without picking an actual item. Price: Varies by gift box. Few things are more meaningful than building something with your own hands—and Rockler's woodworking classes let Dad do just that. With more than 40 stores nationwide, Rockler offers in-person experiences where families can make cribbage boards, beer mugs, charcuterie boards and more. It's a great multi-generational activity that results in a tangible keepsake. Price: In-store classes typically $80–$250+. For the dad who wants deep connection without the logistics headache, Wanderwild delivers luxury family retreats designed to include everyone—yes, even the kids. These multigenerational escapes place wellness, nature and quality time at the center. It's a rare combination of upscale hospitality and family inclusiveness that's as thoughtful as it is restorative. Price: Varies by retreat type and location. Boatsetter makes it easy to gift a nautical escape—whether it's sailing past city skylines, reeling in trophy catches or wakeboarding with the kids. With thousands of rental options across the U.S., Boatsetter offers everything from laid-back cruises to adrenaline-packed days on the lake. Booking is instant, captains are optional and the memories? Guaranteed. Price: Varies by location and vessel type. For world-traveling dads—or those planning their next big trip—ToursByLocals offers curated, private tours led by hand-picked guides in 176 countries. These aren't group excursions or cookie-cutter itineraries. Each experience is built around what Dad wants to see, taste and learn, whether it's a street food crawl in Tokyo or sailing the Aegean with his crew. It's cultural immersion with concierge-level care. Price: Varies by destination and tour customization.
