Travel

The Maldives has always enjoyed the reputation of being home to the most beautiful dream islands in the world and one of the top diving destinations for any underwater enthusiast. IX Magazine decided to fly out with Etihad Airways to Male, and the local seaplane company Trans Maldivian Airways to Kuredu and spend a couple of weeks exploring this hypnagogic destination.

If there was a league table for European (and well beyond) yacht shows covering the ultimate in yachts it would, without doubt, be championed by the Monaco Yacht Show. It is an extraordinary display of wealth and well-being; it would appear that money is no constraint on indulgence and private enjoyment. The profile of the real spenders manifests itself at Nice airport where there is a constant churn of private jets throughout the show; you can count on there being at least fifty parked at any one time.

Sitting on a small but perfectly positioned balcony at the Regina Palace Hotel, one of the best appointed residences in the small but not insignificant Italian town of Stresa, and you could be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped back in time a good half century or so. Which is by no means a criticism.

It’s one of the world’s most discerning motorsport races, attracting the rich and famous for far more reasons than the cars alone. Which is unsurprising, considering where the event takes place.

One of the more curious repercussions of the world becoming so much smaller thanks to better international transport connections, is that you almost forget what’s right here on your own doorstep. Far flung destinations, with their white sandy beaches and impossibly blue skies, so often manage to shout louder than good old Blighty. Sometimes, though, it’s important to remember that to overlook your homeland might be short sighted.

The East Hamburg Hotel is without doubt the most achingly trendy modern hotel in Hamburg, which has no shortage of trend spots. The whole hotel is so hip and boutique it practically defines these generic terms.
The hotel knows its audience well and caters directly to them. It is the perfect hotel to stay in if you are going out in Hamburg for a good time, see the clubs or like to have fun whilst doing business.

Exploring Antarctica’s White Desert
In 2005, record breaking polar explorer, Patrick Woodhead, was stuck in a tent, waiting out a storm. He and three teammates were in the midst of a 1,850km traverse of Antarctica and none of them had left the tent for four whole days. They were getting low on supplies and, even worse, starting to tell the same stories.

Picture the scene. You arrive at an airport (specifics on location and size are irrelevant). After spending an hour or so queuing in security, 30-minutes 'indulging' yourself with a poorly-made drink in some godawful departure lounge cafe, and then an undisclosed amount of time travelling to your final destination, you walk out of arrivals to your transfer, and arrive at your accommodation for the week- which comes in the form of a five-star luxury hotel in some ultra-desirable locale.
Only that's not necessarily the case.

They say Greece represents many countries rolled into one. From the serenity and tranquility of the mainland’s remote rural regions, to the islands with their picturesque bays and bustling towns, there’s plenty to choose from when trying to decide where to visit. Especially if you have the great fortune to pick Crete.

Whilst in many ways a holiday in Morocco is very much about leaving the refinements of Europe behind to explore a country full of adventure, there’s no reason you can’t opt for some real luxury when staying in this fascinating country. We’ve rounded up the best villas on offer to visitors, so take a look and get some inspiration.
Villa Damali, Marrakech
From £14,244 per week
Sleeps 12