Going Green in Belize and Beyond

Turtle Inn & Blancaneaux, Belize
La Lancha, Guatemala
This trio of lodges represents Francis Ford Coppola's vision of rustic luxury in an overgrown environment that harks to the Southeast Asia he became so identified with in making Apocalypse Now. The director's personal influence resounds throughout the three lodges, which are combinations of villas and cabanas. Turtle Inn is a Balinese-inspired seaside compound in Placencia, with a dive shop and spa. Set on a river in a forest reserve, Blancaneaux is an inland jungle camp. The lakeside La Lancha offers fishing, bird-watching and tours of Tikal. 800-746-3743; www.turtleinn.com

The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize
Having opened in 1981, this place was "eco" before there was such a thing. The lodge is a compound of thatched-roof cottages with tile floors and mahogany beds, set on a riverside in the foothills of the Maya Mountains in western Belize. The Camp at Chaa Creek, located in a nearby nature reserve, presents a far more rustic (and cheaper) alternative, with basic accommodations in screened-in platforms. Activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and canoeing; there is also a spa. 011-501-824-2037; www.chaacreek.com

Hamanasi Dive and Adventure Resort, Belize
The coastal location and on-site dive and snorkel center imply a certain focus on the famous barrier reef, but the resort also looks inland for adventure, with hiking, canoeing, caving and Maya history tours. It's also convenient to the Garifuna fishing village of Hopkins. There are 12 beachfront rooms and suites, as well as four jungle treehouse cabanas. 877-552-3483; www.hamanasi.com

The Lodge at Pico Bonito, Honduras
With a riverside location in a rain forest at the foot of a mountain, adjacent to a national park and near the Bay Islands, this 22-cabin luxury lodge inhabits a variety of Meso-American habitats and presents a correspondingly diverse selection of activities: bird-watching, hiking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, kayaking, snorkeling, diving and touring the Mayan ruins of Copan. They've even got a butterfly farm. 888-428-0221; www.picobonito.com

Las Cascadas Lodge, Honduras
This brand-new lodge near Pico Bonito National Park is opening with three suites this month and adding only three more by the end of the year. Surrounded by waterfalls and laced with trails that lead to natural plunge pools, Las Cascadas promises an intimate and private encounter in the rain forest and way beyond — there's a mounted telescope for star-gazing guests. 011-504-964-9688; www.lascascadaslodge.com

Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge, Panama
Staying this close to the sea usually requires a yacht: The six cabins and restaurant are on stilts over the water, Tahiti-style. Fishing, diving, swimming, snorkeling and exploring the nearby Bocas del Toro archipelago are the main activities, and dolphins abound. 011-507-612-1088; www.puntacaracol.com.pa

Al Natural Resort, Panama
The rustic, Lonely Planet alternative to Punta Caracol, Al Natural provides easy access to the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park. Nine bungalows made of local materials are furnished with queen-size beds and have terraces and sea views. 011-507-757-9004; www.bocas.com/alnatura.htm

Petit Byahaut, St. Vincent
Set on 56 acres of lush hillside on a bay on the southwest coast of St. Vincent, Petit Byahaut is more camp than lodge — one of the five secluded rooms is a safari-style tent, the others little more than screened decks. There are no roads, phones or TVs; hiking and water sports are encouraged. Nice bath amenities, serious cooking and enlightened hosting invest the low-impact facilities with an air of tropical chic. 011-784-457-7008; www.petitbyahaut.com (Calls and inquiries might take a few days before being answered.)

Tiamo Resort, South Andros Island, Bahamas
A stack of ecotourism awards corroborates Tiamo's claims of environmental purism, and so does its pristine, remote location at the end of a three-mile boat ride across a crystal-blue channel. The 11 beachfront bungalows, set among palms and sea grapes and outfitted in traditional Caribbean style, make no sacrifice of simple comfort for correctness. These world-famous bonefishing waters are also ideal for snorkeling, diving, sailing and kayaking. 800-504-1794; www.tiamoresorts.com

Ecolodge Rendez-Vous Saba, N.A.
Set along the fringes of Saba's park system, Rendez-Vous is composed of 11 solar-driven cottages built from eco-friendly materials. Hammocks strung from private balconies offer sea or garden views. Weekly slide shows of local flora and fauna enhance hiking and bird-watching, and underwater adventure abounds at the 27 dive sites that surround the island. Organic fruit, vegetable and herb plantings stock the kitchen of the lodge's Rainforest Café. 011-599-416-3348; www.ecolodge-saba.com