Breathe Magazine

The weather is cold, cold, cold and that leaves some of us dreaming of a tropical eco-getaway. If you’re craving some vitamin D as much as I am why not consider planning a quick winter escape? And you don’t have to be a millionaire either. In fact, globetrotting to an eco-paradise may be just what the doctor ordered. Not sure where to go? No worries, I’ve pulled together a list of great eco-resorts ranging in cost. Many eco-lodges are simplistic and minimal, and as a result, reasonably priced with no shortage of jaw dropping views. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Maho Bay Camps, St. John

Maho Bay Camps resort, located on St. John, is a minimal tent camp with the most exquisite of views. Maho Bay Camps feature simple canvas platform tents situated in the midst of a nature preserve. And rooms are only $80 per night. The tent-cottages, as they are called, have their own balconies and walkways. The open air design takes full advantage of the cool island breezes. Each has a separate sleeping area with comfortable twin beds and an extra mattress. Go hiking, bird watching, grab a bite at the outdoor restaurant, or hit the beach.

2. The Black Sheep Inn, Ecuador

The Black Sheep Inn in Ecuador proves that you don’t have to spend tons of cash to stay at an exotic eco-lodge. The Black Sheep Inn is located in the middle of the Ecuadorian highlands. The lodge serves up organic vegetarian cuisine picked straight from the garden and breakfast is made even more delicious with breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains in the background. Go hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, or visit one of the indigenous markets. The lodge is a true eco-paradise that produces less than one ounce of non-recyclable trash daily per person. It recycles wine and liquor bottles by building bottle walls. The sauna, bunkhouse shower, and showers in the private bathrooms all use the bottled wall architecture. Rooms start at $32.50 per night for shared facilities and go up to $100 for private rooms with bathrooms.

3. Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Costa Rica

Lapa Rios Ecolodge has a special place in my heart because it’s where I spent my honeymoon. The resort is situated on the highly isolated Osa Peninsula. Each suite has it’s own huge balcony with a view of the ocean. The rooms are beautiful with sheer curtains and canopy beds. And environmental responsibility is incredibly important to the owners of the lodge. The cottages don’t have air conditioning but their design allows for ample breezes and the rainforest climate stays rather cool. The hotel uses large reusable pump bottles for shampoo, conditioner, and soap, and you can offset your flight emissions right on their website. The resort boasts tons of nature walks led by local naturalists throughout the day. Go bird watching, surfing, take a canopy tour, or just relax by the pool. Room starts at around $300 per night but include three gourmet meals per day, transportation from the airport, all non-alcoholic beverages, and two guided tours.

4. Blue Horizon Resort, Turk and Caicos 

Blue Horizon Resort is located on Middle Caicos, the most isolated of all the islands of Turks and Caicos. In fact, the resort itself is located on 50 acres of land which overlooks a protected cove. There are fewer than 300 residents on the entire island. Some of the villas are equipped with air conditioning, but the island breezes cool down the villas most efficiently. Explore the island and look for the flocks of flamingos wading on secluded beaches. Go snorkeling, whale watching, or just relax on the beach. Much of the island is a protected reserve so you don’t have to worry about over development. It’s a taste of the way the Caribbean used to be, a minimal resort made stunning with the backdrop of crystal blue waters, white sand beaches, underwater caves, and endangered birds like the rare West Indian Whistling Duck. The cottages are built 2,000 feet off the beach in order to protect the dunes. The resort is kept as small and minimal as possible in order to preserve the surrounding natural beauty. Cottages start at $200 per night.