Driven market
Chauffeur-driven private tours are helping stimulate a boom in holidays to Brazil, which is now Cox & Kings' fastest-growing destination in South America. Couples have their own driver and are met by local guides and escorts at the destinations they visit.
A typical 11-day private tour with two nights at the Iguacu falls, three nights in Rio and three nights at the beach resort of Buzios costs £1,295-£1,445pp with Cox & Kings (020-7873 5000, coxandkings.co.uk).
Etruscan retreat
Villa Cicolina, once the country retreat of a noble family in nearby Montepulciano, has been transformed into a small hotel with just 12 rooms and suites. There are wine tastings in the vaulted cellar, which is believed to date from Etruscan times.
Three nights' B&B at Villa Cicolina starts at £460pp, including flights and car hire, with Simpson Travel (020-8392 5854, simpson-travel.com).
Icelandic cool
The pace in Iceland this summer is being set by 101 Hotel Reykjavik, a chic new hotel in the heart of the city, beside the Icelandic Opera House. A member of the Design Hotels consortium, it has an elegant cafe, bar, gym and spa.
Three nights' B&B at 101 Hotel Reykjavik costs from £635pp, including flights and transfers, with Arctic Experience (01737 214214,arctic-experience.co.uk).
