Environmentalism, multiculturalism, fitness, yoga — perhaps not the first things to come to mind when planning a vacation in a tropical paradise. However, if these things are up your alley, Jamaica 's Swept Away ( www.sweptaway.com ) may be for you. And you may find yourself among a collection of faithful who regard the unusual resort as an annual vacation spot.

Jamaica boasts a dizzying array of all-inclusive get-aways that run the gamut from hedonistic drunkenness to swank luxury (for a sampling, see www.jamaicatravel.com). For my taste, Swept Away in laid-back Negril (www.negril.com) combines the best of many worlds in its opportunities for beauty, adventure, and athleticism and ecology, with a bit more emphasis on the latter two.

Located on seven miles of pristine beach on Jamaica 's sunset side, the resort's rooms can resemble nothing so much as private treehouses. But location does matter: Lodgings on the beach have less privacy, and those near the road, dubbed “Garden Suites,” are noisier. I prefer the centrally located (“Atrium”) rooms, charming cabins of no more than eight units (stick to the second floor, if you have a choice). With their slatted walls that can be opened for a refreshing sight of palm-fronded greenery or closed for seclusion and air conditioning, each room has a covered balcony with hammock, providing the perfect space for dreaming.

While the lodgings are pleasant, they are not the thing that makes the resort distinctive. Just above the airy lobby that greets the newly arrived guest is a gallery of good works bound to win over travelers who like to combine some level of social consciousness with pleasure travel. Not only are the resort's community efforts documented — Swept Away donates fitness equipment to a local school and gives gifts to area children at Christmastime — but the resort also aims to be the “greenest” (read, most ecology-minded) in the Caribbean. Goals are set in all departments, from housekeeping to sales, whether it be simply turning off lights and computers, or donating partially used amenities to a local hospital. It was a feel-good beginning to a healthy vacation.

As with many inclusives, activities abound, but even here you sense a difference. A respect for local culture winds its way through the offerings. Along with windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, water skiing, etc., you can trace the history of Jamaican music, learn how to make Jamaican bamboo hats and baskets, and be introduced to Jamaican cooking. I spent a delightful hour learning to “Talk Jamaican,” tracing the local patois of polyglot slaves resisting their owners, and entering a world where “im” means both “him” and ‘her,” and “I” am “mi.” The subtle message: This is a culture as well as a place to enjoy sun and sea.

This attitude is carried over into the diving, which, delightfully, is included with other water sports. You simply sign up the day before, then show up at the dock (but be sure not to be late, or you will receive a scolding!). The 30 dive sites include canyons, some healthy coral and an array of colorful, if generally small, fish (in addition to providing tourist attractions, marine life is collected for local kitchens). On my August 2004 visit, I observed an interest in ecology — signs warned against touching the coral, and boats were moored instead of dropping anchor. One hopes in the future a preserve can be established where fish can mature unharmed.

Another aspect that makes Swept Away unique in area resorts is its dual emphasis on fitness and wellness. Reached by crossing a busy street (crossing guards will stop the traffic for you), the sports and fitness center is in many ways an enthusiast's dream, with a well-appointed gym, aerobics room, squash, racquetball and tennis courts, and a lap-swimming pool. All surround a juice bar where healthful (and not-so-healthful!) drinks can be purchased. Resting there with new friends after an enjoyable workout or tennis game has the ambiance of an upscale country club. My only suggestion — gym and aerobics facilities would be even more enjoyable if air-conditioned.

But on top of the exercise come exotic spas, massages and a self-indulgent salon. Yoga provides an alternative to step aerobics and “Reggae Abs”; a couples massage class teaches the basics, so guests can continue this luxurious treat in the more mundane home setting. Visitors are encouraged to pamper as well as challenge themselves.

One caveat — Swept Away, as its marketing line of “Couples Resorts” suggests, is best enjoyed in a twosome (for other Couples resorts, see www.couples.com). Ninety-five percent of visitors are couples, according to Food and Beverage Manager Stephen Lawrence. And they keep coming — part of the exhibit over the lobby is a haphazard chronicle of return visitors, 44 photos of happy, tanned duos with records ranging from five, to 10, to 14 to 17 visits. F&B manager Lawrence, who started two years ago, recalled being welcomed by the guests, instead of the other way around.

And speaking of the food, while the buffet-style meals are familiar inclusive fare, the quality is a notch up from some other area resorts, in presentation, variety and preparation,. And true to its mission, offerings include unusual local dishes such as ackee and salt fish, fried breadfruit, mango mousse. And the staff is heartwarmingly sincere — as Mr.Lawrence said, he chooses his employees for their personality; the rest he can train.

Happy Traveling!

Photos: Swept Away features local entertainment nightly; the beautiful beach features a variety of water sports; a crossing guard stops traffic so visitors can reach the health and fitness complex; the food features a nightly panorama of desserts; a group of novices take a scuba lesson in the swimming pool.