The Luxury: High-end lodging in Argentina’s Mendoza wine region doesn’t get better than Cavas Wine Lodge, a superb Relais & Châteaux property nestled in a private 35-acre vineyard at the foot of the Andes. The lodge is outfitted with just 14 decadent and spacious rooms — each with a private pool, terrace, and outdoor shower — and a sumptuous on-site restaurant and spa. The Value: Book the 2-night Special Programme in harvest season (March to April) to get airport transfers, chauffeur-driven winery visits and tastings, all meals at area restaurants, outdoor activities in the Andes, a 60-minute massage per person, and a luxury room for two at $1,595. Yes, it's pricey, but it's also smart: You won’t need to spend another cent during your visit, and vineyard visits are all prearranged.

The Catch: A hefty 21 percent tax will be added to the bill.

The Details: For more information, call 011-54-261-410-6927 or visit www.cavaswinelodge.com.

From the February/March 2009 issue of Sherman's Travel magazine.