Eco-Chic Places: Tiamo Resort, Bahamas

I am at the end of my special postings of eco-chic hotels and I’ve saved my favorite one for last. My favorite because it is a gem of a find and one of the best kept secrets in the Bahamas. Today, I’m introducing an intimate and new (it recently re-opened in December after an extensive renovation) property on South Andros Island in the Bahamas that will undoubtably go on many of your wish lists – Tiamo Resort.

This is the type of place you go when you want to escape from it all (there are no TVs, no telephones…get the picture?) with your significant other but do not want to travel far to do so. South Andros Island, arguably one of the most beautiful (and development-free) islands in the Bahamas, is only a 15-minute flight away from Nassau. It also happens to be one of THE top spots to go bone fishing, blue water fishing and fly fishing in the world.

The resort is home to ten luxurious, solar-powered cottages with wrap-around verandahs located directly on a white-powdered beach. Even with so few rooms, you have all the amenities and features you might desire in a larger 5-star resort: a new spa, gym, library, Great Room (with wi-fi for those of you who must connect to the “real world” once in a while) and beach deck to relax or take your meals al fresco.  If you have been fishing for the day, the resident Michelin-rated chef will be happy to cook your catch for dinner.

Tiamo is the type of place you can do everything or nothing. If you like to snorkel, you are in luck as South Andros has one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. If you like nature walks, you are even luckier as the island is home to varied wildlife – iguanas, sea cucumbers and star fish can easily be found and over 330 different species of birds reside on the island. Or, if you just want to chill, you can hang out at the  infinity pool, on the beach or get a private launch to a secluded cove.

Tiamo has often been referred to as one of the most earth-kind resorts. USA Today even called it one of the “10 great places to tread lightly on earth”  (and this was before its complete renovation).  Designed, constructed and operated to minimize the impact of its beautiful surroundings, Tiamo is one of the first Caribbean resorts to rely on most of its energy via solar panels. Consider some other eco-achievements:

• All ten cottages are built from sustainable pine and raised on stilts to maximize natural ventilation and cooling. Bathrooms are designed with stone and reclaimed glass.
• Almost all the energy used at Tiamo is generated on site by solar panels (more than 130,000 watts) and a combination of reclaimed glass and driftwood are used  throughout the resort. Guests have the choice in the rooms or using energy produced by solar or normal electricity.
• The resort’s plentiful hot water is heated by direct sunlight.
• The organic kitchen produces fresh fruit, vegetables and salad for the resort.

Rates for cottages at Tiamo range from $900 for the Island Cottage to $1200 for the Pool Honeymoon Cottage. Prices include all meals and activities (other than fishing).