I think we can all agree that sharing intimacy with a companion is an incredible experience. But getting to know each other outside of the bedroom can deepen your relationship and provide an opportunity to explore your world together outside of the confines of four walls.
Luckily, our scenic city is offering a number of idyllic options for social dates this summer, so you can enjoy a sun drenched day or sultry evening together.
MONET IN PARIS.
Running until February the 4th is Monet in Paris, a lush immersive experience showcasing the history of the French Impressionist movement. After wandering through the lilies, what better way to polish off your Parisian flavoured outing than with dinner at Bistro Guillaume or champagne and oysters at La Vie? At the risk of sounding cheeky, one could even book a suite at Crown Towers and convert a social date into a very romantic evening!
BEACHSIDE DINING.
Summer is the perfect season to cool down with good company and cocktails in the gentle ocean breeze while watching the sun set. Our locale offers not just internationally renowned coastline, but some quality beachside venues for wining, dining and basking in the beauty of the Indian Ocean. For those venturing south, you can sip cocktails with the sand between your toes on a beach lounger at Fremantle’s Bathers Beach House or feast on locally sourced produce at legendary Leighton Beach institution Bib and Tucker. Sample the seaside splendour of The Shorehouse in Swanbourne. Il Lido has an exceptional selection of Italian wines with rustic fare to match on the iconic Cottesloe beach. North of the river, Odyssea serves marvellous modern Australian cuisine with breathtaking views. Further up the coast, El Grotto dishes out casual Mexican to a live music soundtrack upon City Beach.
PERTH INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL.
From February 9th to March 3rd, Perth International Arts Festival brings some of the world’s most prestigious international – as well as local – artists to our doorstep. Among the many highlights you can take in with your paramour of the evening are Akram Khan’s stunning reimagining of Jungle Book and choreographer David Dawson’s latest masterpiece Metamorphosis featuring at Ballet at the Quarry. Spend a night under the stars together at Lotterywest Films. Or if musical performance is your jam, the festival’s program includes a diversity of acts from R&B superstar Sampha to classical maestro Ludovico Einaudi.
AN AFTERNOON IN WINE COUNTRY.
Just over thirty minutes out of Perth is Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region and home to over 40 wineries. One(and their lovely plus one!) could easily spend a day traversing the Fine Wine Trail from cellar door to cellar door tasting some of WA’s world class wines. Even better would be a long lazy lunch at any of the acclaimed winery restaurants. Sip on the sparkling Sitella is renowned for while enjoying their celestial surrounds and seductive fare. Enjoy breathtaking views with award winning wines and hospitality at Riverbank Estate or Lamont Winery. Not only does Sandalford provide modern Australian with a European touch, but conveniently does away with transport hassles by providing river cruises directly to their doorstep and back to the city. Mandoon Estate boasts not only casual dining with Homestead Brewery, but exquisite, acclaimed cuisine at Wild Swan restaurant plus an art gallery and outdoor cinema. Don’t drive home after sharing a bottle of their award winning Mourvedre Rosé – instead book a suite at their stunning on site hotel for a scenic staycation.
SCARBOROUGH SUNSET MARKETS.
Perhaps you’re in the mood for a laidback beach date. Scarborough Sunset Markets is back until April 25th. Spend an evening meandering through stalls offering a variety mouthwatering food and local handmade goods while getting a dose of invigorating sea air. As well as DJ dance parties, this year’s program also includes free wellness and fitness events including yoga, pilates and saunas that you can both enjoy together. Because life’s about balance!
AUSTRALIAN GEOGRAPHIC: OUR COUNTRY.
Australian Geographic: Our Country is an immersive journey through Australia’s stunning natural landscapes…ideal to embark on with an equally stunning companion! This one of a kind experience captures the diversity of our land, in all her beauty and her terror – from her sacred places, to her unique flora and fauna, to her natural wonders – as you’ve never seen her before. Taking place at the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre, you can easily stroll over to Elizabeth Quay afterwards for cocktails and canapés on the river at Songbird Bar or Hearth Lounge.
FRINGE WORLD.
Raucous, raunchy and radical: Fringe World will be taking over Perth from January 19th to February 18th, bringing the city alive with over 500 shows from international and local performers to delight, tantalise, and amuse. Whether it’s bawdy burlesque, physics-defying circus, stand up comedy or award winning theatre, all tastes are catered to, guaranteeing a vibrant summer night spectacle for you and your chosen friend.
YOUR VERY OWN PRIVATE BOAT CRUISE.
Would you and a regular playmate like some time alone together on the water away from the madding crowd? After all, few can deny the romance of a private boat journey, But engine noise, or getting calluses from oars can sometimes take away the allure. Luckily Nauti boats offer electric driven vessels for hire with no boat license needed. Even better is that they come fully equipped with all the necessary picnic accoutrements, so all you need to bring is a bottle of locally produced wine and some snacks. Watch the setting sun turn the Swan River into liquid gold as your troubles melt away in the tranquility of the dusk.
STATE BUILDINGS STAYCATION.
I know – technically this isn’t a purely social date…but it always pays to be versatile! The historic State Buildings are a hotspot of hospitality, retail and culture, making them the perfect urban escape for you and your partner in crime. Book an elegant room at COMO the Treasury and indulge in a couples spa experience at Shambhala or take in one of the art exhibitions at Kamille gallery. Delight in a delectable high tea surrounded by local art in the Cape Arid rooms. Experience an exquisite native inspired tasting menu at Wildflower…and of course, breakfast the morning after at Post Osteria.
