FYI Travel: Radisson invites all divers to scuba in Aruba

By Tom Roebuck

The Radisson Aruba Resort and Casino is catering to divers with its Scuba in Aruba packages. The Learn to Dive Program lasts seven nights and includes accommodations, diving and instruction, tanks, weight belts and a welcome martini at the open-air Mira Solo, starting at $2,899. The Unlimited Diving package also starts at $2,889 and includes accommodations for seven nights, unlimited dives and a welcome cocktail at the resort's popular martini bar. Both packages are based on double occupancy, and shorter packages of three and five nights are available.

In Dominica, another Caribbean island coveted by divers, the Castle Comfort Lodge offers the Seven Night Dive Adventure Package, with seven nights' accommodations, seven breakfasts, welcome drink, round-trip airport transfers, five days of two-tank morning boat dives, unlimited shore diving, use of sea kayaks, whale-watching trip, land adventure trip, taxes andservice charges.

FYI: For more information on the Radisson Aruba, call 800-333-3333 or visit www.radisson.com/aruba. Guests booking these packages should call Unique Sports prior to arrival to schedule dives at 011-297-586-6555, ext. 6597, or e-mail unique@radissonaruba.com.

Castle Comfort's seven-night package is available Nov. 1-April 1 and starts as low as $1,150 per person, double occupancy. Call 767-448-2188 or visit www.castlecomfortdivelodge.com.

TRAVEL LIKE A BARON ON A BUTLER'S BUDGET

For those who watch their budget as carefully as they mind their luggage, there are many ways to indulge in luxury travel without draining your bank account. Traveling with a small group and splitting the expenses can make a five-star vacation within your reach.

While a luxury villa or private hotel may seem prohibitively expensive, it can actually be a surprisingly affordable alternative to top-end hotels when shared by family and friends. Consider VillaHotel Joya, a private hotel in Miami, from Villazzo. With three bedrooms and 6,500 square feet to go around, the classic, Andalucian-style VillaHotel offers more than enough room for three couples, as well as a tiled pool, Jacuzzi and terraces ideal for tanning; a full staff including housekeeping, butlers, bartenders and nannies; and an exclusive address in the heart of Coconut Grove. A week's stay at Joya? Just $12,600, or $600 per couple per day.