The Resort:  Courchevel 1850 (France).  Their own small, challenging airport has 6,000 private aeroplane movements each ski season which says it all.  These guests come for the cluster of very individual, small 5* hotels and the new breed of mega-chalets, gourmet restaurants galore, night clubs and boutiques selling the world’s most desirable, as well as the most exclusive jewellers such as Moussaieff.  However, there is another side of the resort where guests are not so challenged in price terms whilst they can enjoy the best facilities with endless skiing opportunities on a family skiing

Some of the best family holidays are taken either on a sailing yacht or on a skiing holiday.  All family members can take part at varying levels of interest and commitment, they are brilliant for children for both the enjoyment and the education, i.e. they come across situations where they have to make decisions.  In skiing, a slope might appear very challenging at first sight so a decision has to be made; gaining a great life skill will stand them in good stead in later life.

For many people, the thought of travelling to Australia for an extended holiday conjures images of Sydney Harbour and Opera House; the cultural hub that is Melbourne, a city that consistently ranks top in surveys of the world’s best quality of life; the vast barren wilderness of the outback, and the Great Barrier Reef coastline.

Lake Garda is the most prestigious of the Italian lakes where discerning Italians holiday or own holiday homes. Wealthy Italians pick their holiday destination with great care and Lake Garda is the most renowned for good reason. It is home to some of the most beautiful historic houses in Italy, many overlooking the lake. Indeed there is one stunning Palazzo, still entirely family owned, on a little island in the middle, on the southern side of the lake which really is a must see.

International eXcellence Magazine interviewed Sam Matson, an Artemis Offshore Academy Alumni, who is making waves in the sailing community with his talent.
Age: 24
Hometown: Ottery St Mary, Exmouth
Boat name: Chatham
Title sponsor: Chatham
Number of Solitaire du Figaros: 2
(15th overall, 2nd Rookie 2014/13th overall 2015)
How did you first get into sailing and where?

IX Magazine interviewed the impressive Rob Bunce, a 2015 Artemis Offshore Academy Rookie, after sailing with him for the day in The Solitaire Du Figaro.
Age: 21
Hometown: Warminster, Wiltshire
Boat name: Artemis 37
Title sponsor: Artemis Offshore Academy
Number of Solitaire du Figaros: 1
(35th overall, 10th Rookie, 2015)
How did you first get into sailing and where?

Following a £20m complete top to toe refurbishment, The Bellhouse Hotel in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire has opened her doors as the Crown Plaza Gerrards Cross Hotel, with a lavish launch party.
The newly designed event space was put to good use, with guests enjoying some incredible canapés, non stop champagne, a cocktail bar, mini spa tasters, some great games and surprises, while dancing the night away to the wonderful live band. In short the party was a great showcase of all the hotel has to offer.

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.

In the Indian Ocean to the north of Male, is the Lhaviyani Atoll, and there you will find Kuredu, one of the larger islands in the Maldives. Kuredu has something for everyone: diving, water sports, a golf course, a football pitch, gym, beautifully fresh and delicious food, great bars and a wonderful spa.

I watched quietly as the crane lowered the latest 300 BHP Luxury Sea-Doo from the truck to the trailer which then slid this amazing watercraft into the Cumberland River which runs through Nashville Tennessee.