In his story on warm-weather escapes in this month's issue of Traveler, writer Charles Kulander identified six great affordable hotels that let you commune with nature, including our cover subject, the Cotton Tree Lodge in Punta Gorda, Belize. Here's his list; check out the full story online.

Hix Island House: Vieques, Puerto Rico Crowning a hilltop, these indoor/outdoor concrete lofts open to the elements. Strict ecological principles (rainwater collection, solar panels, an ionized pool) don't get in the way of indulgence: luxury Frette linens, cool minimalist architecture, and outdoor showers (from $185). www.hixislandhouse.com

Centro Ecologico Sian Ka'an: Tulum, Mexico Safari-style tents with hammock terraces catch the breeze atop dunes separating lagoon from Caribbean waves at this wind- and sun-powered nonprofit. Superb beachcombing, unexcavated Maya ruins, and heaps of guacamole in restaurant (from $65). www.cesiak.org

Cotton Tree Lodge: Punta Gorda, Belize Boardwalk connects stilted cabanas along Moho River (kayaking and swimming). Howler monkeys provide nightly entertainment. Daytime pursuits: horseback riding, spelunking, volunteering in Maya communities. Lodge owner--the Willy Wonka of Belize--organizes chocolate-making workshops using organically grown cacao (from $109). www.cottontreelodge.com

La Cusinga Eco-Lodge: Uvita, Costa Rica In rainforest bordering a primeval beach, this solar- and hydro-powered resort provides a gold standard of eco-activities--yoga, ziplining, surfing--but it's the prolific wildlife that astonishes: toucans, monkeys, sea turtles, humpback whales, iridescent butterflies (from $149). www.lacusingalodge.com

Jungle Bay Resort & Spa: Dominica The 35 cottages are stilted above undisturbed greenery, withstream-fed outdoor showers. Lots of hiking opportunities (including just getting to some of the cottages.) Excellent community relations, too: locals built it, staff it, supply it (from $179). www.junglebaydominica.com

Eco Camp Patagonia: Torres del Paine, Chile Individual geodesic domes with fleece sheets, low-emission wood stoves, and skylight windows (watch for condors) face a trekking paradise of spired granite mountains, calving glaciers, azure lakes. With 17 hours of daylight (it's summer here), there's no excuse not to do it all (from $990 per person for three-day all-inclusive tour). www.ecocamp.travel