Hugging the sugar-white sands of Andros Island in the Bahamas, Tiamo can only be reached by boat. Once ashore, you'll realize this 11-bunglaow retreat could teach a course on sustainable travel. The resort provides work for 30 locals, making it one of the largest employers on the island. It has also helped five local fishermen to buy boats and start their own business as bonefishing guides. Tiamo's rooms, lodge, business office, and restaurant are all run by solar energy, including the hot

Hugging the sugar-white sands of Andros Island in the Bahamas, Tiamo can only be reached by boat. Once ashore, you'll realize this 11-bunglaow retreat could teach a course on sustainable travel. The resort provides work for 30 locals, making it one of the largest employers on the island. It has also helped five local fishermen to buy boats and start their own business as bonefishing guides. Tiamo's rooms, lodge, business office, and restaurant are all run by solar energy, including the hot water in the shower.

The 11 wood-frame bungalows are nestled along a beach shaded by sea grape and towering gumbo-limbo trees. Each cottage is equipped with a large bed and a screened-in wraparound porch to savor the setting. The wicker chairs and wood carvings on the walls are also created by the local population. There's no air-conditioning, and none is necessary with those Bahamian tradewinds blowing at night. Also missing are televisions and telephones to distract you.

Your days are spent on the beach, in the ocean, or exploring an inland waterway ("bight") that leads to mangroves. The resort's concierge is a naturalist who leads guests on kayaking trips down the bight to view ibises, herons, kingfishers, sea turtles, and angelfish in the wetlands. Snorkel in the "blue holes" (cracks in the limestone) or dive the Andros Barrier Reef, less than a mile offshore. Anglers will want to try their luck catching the elusive bonefish, while walkers can see orchids, iguanas, and colorful birds on a hike. Or if you're feeling lazy, take a nap in one of the hammocks.

Unlike many eco-resorts that rely on indigenous fare to feed their guests, the owners of Tiamo will not buy local grouper, conch, or lobster, since they have been seriously overfished. Instead, expect mahi mahi topped with mango, sesame-seared tuna, jerk rack of lamb, mac and cheese with a crab mousse stuffing, and a yummy coconut French toast for breakfast.