Desert Rose Eco Lodge, Egypt
What: This eco lodge, in a desert near Pyramid Mountain, has Roman hot springs with therapeutic qualities just yards away. The 11 rooms are built with local materials like natural clay. There is no air-conditioning, but the nights are cool. By day, the thick clay walls absorb heat, and the high ceilings and ventilation windows create a natural flow of air. The lodge serves Middle Eastern cuisine using organic fruit and vegetables grown in its gardens.
Where: Elbawity, Bahariya Oasis, Egypt, less than 200 miles southwest of Cairo.
When: The Bahariya Oasis is known for its sunny, dry weather through winter and summer.
Price: From €23 per person per night, with breakfast. All rooms can sleep up to three guests.
More Info: +20/2-3984-0861; www.desertrose-ecolodge.com
Matava Resort, Fiji
What: Matava Resort has room for up to 22 guests in traditional thatched Fijian bures. The property, which uses solar power and organic farming, also supports local schools.
Where: Accessible by ferry, the remote island of Kadavu is 55 miles from the main island of Viti Levu and on the fringe of the Great Astrolabe Reef.
When: Throughout the year
Price: From F$2099, or a little over $1,000 per person. The "Fiji Adventure" package includes airport and boat transfers, seven nights in an ocean-view bure, all meals and snacks, one day of tag-and-release game fishing, one day of sea kayaking, and a two-tank dive or Intro to Diving lesson. Airfare isn't included.
Cao Son Ecolodge, Vietnam
What: Located in a pine forest surrounded by rice fields, Cao Son Ecolodge overlooks a mountain range and valley near Chay river. The lodge relies on alternative energy sources, including solar panels for hot water and electricity. It also actively conserves water, recycles wherever possible, uses reclaimed building materials, and sources food locally.
Where: Muong Khuong district in Lao Cai province. There is a direct train from Hanoi to Lao Cai; the nearest airport is Noi Bai.
When: Throughout the year
Price: From $30 per room per night with breakfast
More Info: tel. +84/439-262-028; www.caoson-eco-lodge.com
Port O'Call Eco Lodge, Australia
What: Port O'Call Eco Lodge generates 100 percent of its hot-water needs from the sun and uses wind energy for public and outdoor lighting. The 28-room lodge also runs free shuttles to and from Cairns Airport.
Where: Port Douglas in Queensland is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and two UNESCO World Heritage areas.
When: Throughout the year, but best in September and October.
Price: Summer rates start at $AUD69 per double room (about $63) or $AUD27 per person (about $25) in a quad share room. Deluxe rooms start at $AUD99 (about $91).
More Info: tel. +61/7-4099-5422; www.portocall.com.au
Ecolodge Rendez-Vous, Saba
What: Located in a mosquito-free rain forest, the 12-cottage Ecolodge Rendez-Vous uses solar-powered lighting and has -- gasp! -- no phones or TV. Don't worry, management can charge your cell phone and camera batteries. The cottages were each made with recycled materials, and the organic gardens grow more than 70 percent of the fruit, herbs, and vegetables used at the restaurant.
Where: The Caribbean island of Saba, a two-hour ferry ride from St. Maarten (www.sabactransport.com).
When: Throughout the year. Low season is April 16-December 15; high season is December 16-April 15.
Price: Lodging starts at $75 per night for two people. Add $10 per additional guest in the low (summer) season and add $20 in high season. Most cottages sleep up to four people and have a private hot tub on the deck. The ferry from St. Maarten is $90 round-trip.
More Info: tel. +599/416-3348; www.ecolodge-saba.com
