Tiamo is One of the Most Earth-Kind Resorts in the World

“In a country that often equates tourism with cruise ships and sprawling golf resorts, this was a chance to demonstrate a path less trampled.”

— National Geographic

Tiamo repeatedly has been called one of the best eco-resorts in the country, and one of the best resorts of the Caribbean. Those designations didn’t happen accidentally. They came after years of deliberate planning and creative thinking. The result is a six-year-old resort that’s both environmentally friendly and economically feasible to operate. This tiny resort provides luxurious comforts in a wilderness setting.

The bungalows
The 11 bungalows are made of nontoxic treated pine harvested from sustainable forests. Buildings are elevated, which minimized site impact and helps with cooling. Other cool designs include wraparound porches to shield direct sunlight, white reflective roofs, high-pitched ceilings and open designs to maximize air movement.

Each beach bungalow is surrounded by preexisting indigenous trees and vegetation for both an optimum view of the water and privacy.
 

Alternative energy sources
With a daily electricity generating capacity of more than 130,000 watts and a battery storage facility totaling 4,075 amp hours, Tiamo is the first full-service resort with the entire operation utilizing 100 percent alternative energy for its electrical needs.

Tiamo has the largest solar electricity generating system owned and operated by a private, tourism facility in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Through thermal hot water heaters, all water is heated only through the sun’s rays. And it can get hot. In fact, tempering valves must be used to mix cold water with the boiling hot water.

Typical guest souvenir: a bundle of plastic jugs
Guests usually leave with a bundle of cleaned plastics and are asked to recycle them at home. That’s because there’s no recycling facilities in the Bahamas, and Tiamo much prefers its guest to recycle, so plastic doesn’t have to go to the community landfill.

Other Tiamo conservation and recycling programs 

• When possible, the fruits and vegetables Tiamo doesn’t grow are purchased from local growers. 
• Food waste is composted and then used to fertilize the gardens. 
• Glass is crushed and used in place of gravel to make cement. 
• Four-stroke boat engines use less fuel. 
• Air drying towels and clothes alleviates the need for dryers. 
• Tiamo uses chemical-free cleaners, such as baking soda and soap.

Environmental and sustainability awards 

• “The Best Little Eco-Lodge in the Caribbean” by Islands Magazine 
• Outside magazine named Tiamo one of the best Caribbean resorts 
• International Hotel Restaurant Association Environmental Award (2nd place), 2004 
• Islands Magazine/ Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Annual Sustainable Tourism Award, 2004. 
• National Geographic Traveler and Conservational International World Legacy Awards Honorable Mention, 2002 
• British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Highly Commended Winner, 2002 

media contacts

Mike Hartman
Owner
Tiamo: 242.369.2330
US Cell: 954.258.6642