Phoenix rising
Luxury apartments are being promoted as a novel alternative to five-star hotels, for visitors seeking designer comfort with additional privacy in the heart of London. The latest is Phoenix House, which has just opened off Sloane Street. Designed by Fox Linton Associates, who was responsible for One Aldwych, it has 33 apartments with contemporary interiors, modern communication systems and luxury fittings.
Suite rental costs from £900 a week for a studio to £1,850 for a two-bedroom apartment. Details: 020-7259 8222, chevalgroup.com.
Spa springs
Terme di Saturnia, a four-star resort in southern Tuscany, has opened a new health and fitness spa, which features treatments based on the sulphurous waters from the region's underground springs. More than 100 wellbeing programmes are offered.
Seven nights full-board at Terme di Saturnia, with a fitness programme and use of the thermal pools, costs from €1,055 (£743) up to August 2, a saving of €455 (£320). Details from Small Luxury Hotels of the World (00800 525 48000, slh.com).
Opening up Sudan
A rare chance to visit northern Sudan, whose borders have recently reopened, comes in a Nile Trans Expedition featured in the new Encounter brochure. The trip from Dover, via Cairo, follows the Nile on its route to Nairobi and continues via Livingstone to Cape Town.
The nine-week section to Nairobi costs from £1,100; the 24-week full itinerary costs £2,690 plus a kitty of £986 with Encounter (01728 862222, encounter.co.uk). The first departure is on November 13.
