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Large Groups or Small, Luxury Lodgings Accommodate All

July 16, 2004 -- While we pride ourselves on our abilities to ferret out bargain basement prices that fit the budget of even the stingiest travelers, it's still worth a look over the hedgerow to see the possibilities for higher-end stays at places as varying as an Italian villa, a Ritz Carlton or a South Pacific diving resort. Surprisingly, there are some offers that don't have to break the bank. Read on for a look at self-indulgent retreats here and abroad.

Top-Price Tuscany

The Casa delle Rose, just 12 miles from Florence and less than 20 miles from Siena, sleeps ten and is located in a rural complex whose origins date to the early 13th century. The villa has five double bedrooms, four full baths, a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine and dryer, satellite TV and a computer with Internet access. A cook is available for optional nightly dinners or even cooking classes. In summer, this complex costs $5,718 for a week (about $572 per person, $82 per night, based on ten occupants), in late fall or early spring the price is $4,008 (about $401 per person, $57 per night). There are about 2,000 more country manors, castles, villas, farmhouses and apartments like this available at www.countrymanors.com, or you can phone the company, Cuendet, at 212/678-7758.

Solo San Francisco

At the other end of the price scale is the Hotel Triton in San Francisco, which has designed some of its new rooms as Zen Dens, said to appeal to the five senses in a way calculated to uplift and inspire. (Those are sight, smell, taste, sound and touch, according to the hotel.) Each room will have a copy of the Book of Buddha, yoga mats, blocks, instructional pamphlets and an in-room yoga channel. They are single occupancy rooms, perfect for those seeking solitude and serenity. An in-room massage is extra. Prices start at $129 per night for single occupancy only. Contact them at www.hoteltriton.com or phone 800/433-6611 and ask for the Zen Den.

Indulgent Berlin

Are we headed to decadence in Berlin the likes of which were last seen during the Weimar Republic? Sounds good to us, particularly at the city's new Ritz-Carlton, where you can enjoy the services of a bath butler, who scatters rose blossoms in your just-so water filling your marble tub and serves chilled champagne by candlelight if you wish. The Ritz has a special rate of €195 ($243) for a single nights' stay in either a single or double room through August 31. More information can be found at www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/berlin/packages/room/strwberry_champaign.html.

Another water-related amenity in Berlin involves transforming your Grand Hyatt room into a private spa where you can relax with an in-room massage, aromatherapy baths in overflow tubs, and more. The Hyatt has a special coinciding with the New York MoMA exhibit in Berlin through September 19, that is priced from €225 ($280) for a single or €295 ($367) for a double. The package includes a Grand King room, breakfast buffet, use of Club Olympus Spa & Fitness facilities, one VIP ticket and a catalogue for the exhibition. Go to http://berlin.grand.hyatt.com/bergh/offers_04.html for more details and online booking.

Dive in to the South Pacific

If you want something more active, and a good deal more exotic, visit Palau in Micronesia, where the Palau Pacific Resort has a dive package from as little as $784 single or $999 double. The offer involves a three-night stay, with two days of two-tank (one morning and one afternoon) dives with Splash, a PADI 5-star dive center. A five-night package runs $1,367 single or $1,784 double, with four days of dives; a seven-night program costs $1,858 single or $2,390 double, with five days of diving. All packages include lodging in a garden view room and the diving (with lunch, drinks, tanks, weights and weight belts included). Airfare is not included. Contact them at www.panpacific.com or by phoning 800/327-8585.


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