While the Maldives is known for offering a laidback coastal setting in which to get some serious rest and relaxation, it also offers plenty of opportunities to take part in recreational activities. Sports in Maldives include such activities as beach volleyball, badminton, tennis and the ever popular football (soccer). No mention of Maldivian recreational activities is complete without mentioning the range of water sports on offer such as snorkelling, water skiing, diving, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, scuba diving and jet skiing. Those on holiday looking for Maldives island resorts that offer luxurious accommodation along with outdoor recreational activities can stay at Naladhu Maldives. This Maldives hotel and resort also has its own spa and dining options to make for a truly memorable holiday.

Offering countless hours of family fun and exploration, Yas Island is one of the premier tourist destinations in Abu Dhabi. This ecologically diverse island is home to a thriving ecosystem and plays host to a wide range of marine and bird life. Apart from natural attractions, it is also where one will find such places of interest as the Yas Links Golf Course.

Located on Yas Island and only around 15 minutes from the Abu Dhabi city centre, this picturesque course is an ideal treat for those planning to indulge in some golf while on holiday. Situated within easy reach of the Yas Marina Circuit, it is the Middle East region’s first links golf course and is equally well known for its stunning natural landscapes and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.

Apart from the 18-hole course, it also boasts floodlit practice facilities, a golf academy and a modern clubhouse. This awe-inspiring course was designed by world famous links golf course architect, Kyle Phillips who has expertly incorporated the island’s coastal setting into the design. Kyle Phillips is in fact also credited with the design of such courses as Verdura Golf & Spa Resort in Sicily, Kingsbarns Golf Links in St. Andrews, the Dundonald – Loch Lomond Golf Club in Troon and the PGA Sweden National, Bara.

The 18 hole course offers plenty of challenges that will test even the best of golfers, while beginners and amateurs can also relish the prospect of testing their skills. Among the challenges one will come across while playing here include the classic “Cape” style 9th hole (par 4), the 6th hole (par 4) with its bunkers and the 18th hole (par 5) that offers both risks and rewards for those willing to take a chance than play it safe!

The Yas Links Golf Academy which one will also find here is a well equipped facility that offers golfers a chance to brush up on their game and learn new techniques that can help them in their overall game. It features a 9 hole (par 3) academy course, indoor swing studios, a practice putting green and a professional shop.

Travellers heading to the region and looking for luxurious Abu Dhabi hotels that offer a central base from which to explore the city can stay at Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi. Ideally situated only minutes away from the famous Corniche, this Abu Dhabi city hotel is well suited for business and leisure travellers alike.

One of the world’s premier rugby tournaments, the Six Nations Championship offers exciting rugby union action that pits six European countries against each other. Featuring teams from Scotland, France, England, Wales, Ireland and Italy, this international tournament was the first of its kind to be held in the Northern Hemisphere and the winner of this prestigious event is crowned the ‘European Champions’.

The tournament which takes place between February and March was formerly known as the Five Nations Championship before the inclusion of Italy in 2000. The Six Nations Championship takes place annually and the format of the competition is such that each country must play each other once. During these games, the home field advantage alternates from year to year. For every game won, a team earns two points and one point for a draw. At the completion of all the games, the team with the highest points is crowned champions.

On five occasions, a team has managed to win all their respective games, known as a ‘Grand Slam’, on two consecutive years; England has achieved this three times, France twice and Whales once. The most number of Grand Slams by a single team is 12, an honour held by England. The ‘Triple Crown’ is the term given to when Scotland, Wales, England or Ireland, win all their matches against the others.

Matches in the tournament take place at stadiums in all six respective countries. These are Twickenham in England, Millennium Stadium in Wales, Murrayfield in Scotland, Stade de France, Aviva Stadium in Ireland and Stadio Olimpico in Italy. It is also of interest that the Women’s Six Nations Championship takes place during the same period of the men’s tournament.

During the Six Nations Championship there are also several individual competitions and famous rivalries that take place that add more drama and excitement to the tournament. The Calcutta Cup is the name given to the game featuring England and Scotland and is one that dates back to 1879. Inaugurated in 1988, the Millennium Trophy features England and Ireland, while the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy is handed to the victor of the encounter between Italy and France.

Those planning to take in games of the Six Nations Championship when in England can choose from a range of UK hotels such as those offered by Millennium & Copthorne Hotels UK. A renowned name in the hospitality industry, it also has centrally located London hotels that provide ideal bases for business and leisure travellers alike.