Like many resorts at all price levels, Omega is obviously suffering a bit from the economic slowdown. That's the likely explanation for the announcement made today that the Rhinebeck, New York resort is waiving all standard R&R charges (as much as $38 a day) for persons who check in throughout the month of May for a simple vacation (without seminars) consisting of swimming, boating, classes in yoga and tai chi, classes in movement, and classes in mindfulness-based stress reduction.

What this means is that you will simply pay for your room and board. Occupying one of the dorm accommodations, and taking all three vegetarian meals (with beverage) a day (unusually tasty and filling, I can attest to that), you'll pay only:

$616 per person for a seven-day stay
$440 per person for a five-day stay
$228 for a two-day stay

That's as little as $85 a day for a superb, all-inclusive vacation among gracious, supportive people, one of the best vacations I know. But the price is limited, of course, to the month of May.

You can book either at the Omega website (www.eomega.org) or by phoning an Omega reservationist at tel. 800/944-1001.