Despite being a city full of early risers, green smoothies and perpetually sunny skies, wellness takes many shapes and forms for Perth locals. And it’s not always aspirational, or particularly aesthetic. Sometimes it’s social, sometimes it’s solo, sometimes it’s just getting through the week unscathed. 

It might be the salty sting of an early-morning Indian Ocean dip, or found in the thrum of live music. Maybe it’s hot yoga followed by a bowl of hot chips, knowing they can co-exist in healthy balance. Or taking a nap because you’ve been overwhelmed, instead of forcing your way through the decision paralysis. It’s about knowing when to do things on your own, and when to be around other people.

Because in a city like Perth, feeling well doesn’t come down to step count – it’s built from the small, everyday rituals that help you feel your very best. And you need health insurance that supports the kind of wellness you need. ahm understands that wellness is simply whatever makes you feel good: whether that’s through fitness, mindfulness, creativity or connection.

We’ve scoured the city to find the places and spaces where Perth locals go to move, create, connect and recharge, each offering their own take on wellbeing. 

Fitness, movement and recovery

Pilates for pleasure is the MO at Heartbeat High. Across four locations, both mat and reformer classes draw a rapidly growing community. Inside, rooms are washed in a punchy palette of peach, red and blue hues; classes are kept intentionally small to allow for individual attention; and well-versed instructors are on nickname basis with their regulars.

For the wind-down, Ember Bath House offers an elemental reset that’s both invigorating and meditative. The converted warehouse sanctuary is deliberately removed from the outside world, with low lighting, tactile textures and curated aromas to help calm the senses, in conjunction with mineral pools, steam rooms and targeted massages. If it’s a seaside reset you’re chasing, Alchemy Saunas’ pop-up, Finnish-style saunas are dotted along the coast, inviting you to alternate between the crisp Indian Ocean and the intense heat of woodfired, timber-clad sauna. 

Creative pursuits

A few strokes of the pencil and a sip of something smooth (or strong) may help your inner artist stir at Drink & Draw WA. The low-pressure life-drawing sessions are accompanied by BYO beverages to help amateur artists loosen up, play with ideas and rediscover the joy of doodling. Blonde’s jewellery workshops take concentration, creativity and craftsmanship a step further. Explore silversmithing tools and techniques, and leave with bespoke rings to wear and flaunt – wonky edges and all. 

If wellness looks like being seen, heard and celebrated, there’s Once Upon a Time in Fremantle. The intimate monthly night of poetry and spoken-word gently coaxes locals to take a deep breath and step up to the mic. It’s a safe, supportive space to share stories, secrets and creative writing with strangers, and witness others do the same. 

Neighbourhood hangouts

For some, staying well is as simple as a good drink in the right environment. Hidden down a Leederville laneway, Powells Fromagerie & Wine Bar welcomes every guest like family. A mother-and-daughter duo curates an artisan cheese menu alongside an ever-changing wine list. Pull up at a marble table under twinkling disco balls, join the Powells book club or perch at the bar to chat wine – or life – with the team.

Over in Northbridge, PICA Bar’s sprawling beer garden in the heart of Perth Cultural Centre makes it easy to strike up spontaneous conversation with strangers and staff alike, while Perth’s vinyl-only listening bar Astral Weeks is a more intimate space primed for both solo and social sips.

Community activities

Mojo’s in North Fremantle has long been a cornerstone of the city’s music scene. Now under the care of three longtime locals, the venue has been subtly refreshed to continue showcasing emerging and established acts – but still carries the grit, charm and rowdy energy that have kept punters returning since the ’70s. Across the river, The Duke of George pairs approachable, seasonal fare with live blues, jazz and soul in an intimate setting; the result is a raw sonic experience that can be as healing as a spa session. 

Then there’s Rodney’s Bait’n’Tackle, where things skew a little looser. Walls are draped in fishing nets, plastic seagulls hang from the ceiling, and numbered handlines are passed out with food orders. The bar? A converted full-size wooden boat pouring tap beers, whiskies and house cocktails. It might sound kitsch, but this local hangout is more tongue-in-cheek than tacky, especially when the live music kicks in. 

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with ahm. ahm supports your version of wellness, whatever that might be. ahm – people things.