Sleeping Arrangements: Back to Nature, In Style
Hix Island House: Vieques, Puerto Rico Crowning a hilltop, these indoor/outdoor concrete lofts open to the elements. Strict ecological principles (rainwater collection, solar panels, an ionized pool) don't get in the way of indulgence: luxury Frette linens, cool minimalist architecture, and outdoor showers (from $185). www.hixislandhouse.com
Centro Ecológico Sian Ka'an: Tulúm, Mexico Safari-style tents with hammock terraces catch the breeze atop dunes separating lagoon from Caribbean waves at this wind- and sun-powered nonprofit. Superb beachcombing, unexcavated Maya ruins, and heaps of guacamole in restaurant (from $65). www.cesiak.org
Cotton Tree Lodge: Punta Gorda, Belize Boardwalk connects stilted cabanas along Moho River (kayaking and swimming). Howler monkeys provide nightly entertainment. Daytime pursuits: horseback riding, spelunking, volunteering in Maya communities. Lodge owner—the Willy Wonka of Belize—organizes chocolate-making workshops using organically grown cacao (from $109). www.cottontreelodge.com
La Cusinga Eco-Lodge: Uvita, Costa Rica In rainforest bordering a primeval beach, this solar- and hydro-powered resort provides a gold standard of eco-activities—yoga, ziplining, surfing—but it's the prolific wildlife that astonishes: toucans, monkeys, sea turtles, humpback whales, iridescent butterflies (from $149). www.lacusingalodge.com
Jungle Bay Resort & Spa: Dominica The 35 cottages are stilted above undisturbed greenery, withstream-fed outdoor showers. Lots of hiking opportunities (including just getting to some of the cottages.) Excellent community relations, too: locals built it, staff it, supply it (from $179). www.junglebaydominica.com
Eco Camp Patagonia: Torres del Paine, Chile Individual geodesic domes with fleece sheets, low-emission wood stoves, and skylight windows (watch for condors) face a trekking paradise of spired granite mountains, calving glaciers, azure lakes. With 17 hours of daylight (it's summer here), there's no excuse not to do it all (from $990 per person for three-day all-inclusive tour). www.ecocamp.travel
