Visible Lodge Assessment: Awasi Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama
There’s an environment contained in the partitions of Awasi Atacama that’s laborious to explain.
A kind of calm that permits you to breathe deeper and refresh.
A heat that makes you are feeling at residence amongst fastidiously curated décor, delicacies and design.
Then there’s the gorgeous steadiness of immersive journey, artwork and leisure.
It’s the kind of place you’ll perpetually be grateful you stayed, someplace so not like anyplace else. For me, it was a creative escape, an opportunity to discover the wildlife and pure wonders of the desert and Andean Altiplano, whereas specializing in my artistic course of, slowing issues down and actually taking the time to let all of it soak in. Locations like this are few and much between, and the Atacama Desert has continued to be someplace that fuels my creativity, a keep at Awasi took that one step additional.
Take a peek at my expertise beneath…
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Let’s skip to the primary night, for which we’d organized with our information and personal driver, Cecilia, to spend overlooking Lincancabur Volcano and the Mars Valley, simply outdoors San Pedro de Atacama.
Photographing sundown is one thing I at all times try to do on the primary evening of a visit, since you by no means know what number of probabilities you’ll get at nice situations, and properly, the extra sunsets the higher…proper?
After somewhat off roading, we arrived to the escarpment, with intensive views into the valley and towards the volcano. Having beforehand visited the Atacama Desert earlier than, I knew what to anticipate when it comes to the expansive scene however had puzzled if I’d nonetheless be wowed the second time, after all, I needn’t have anxious.
Whereas photographing the pastel tones showing throughout the sky and patterns inside the rocky panorama beneath, I turned to see Cecilia organising probably the most stunning unfold of cheese, wine, and snacks full with a personal desk and chairs.
Often, once I’m out photographing landscapes, I’m a muesli bar on-the-go sort of gal, however this, was particular, it felt opulent even, however in probably the most relaxed manner, creating a super setting to observe the solar set and {photograph} till darkness took over.
This being our first day, meant we had been in for a mighty deal with over the following six days exploring the Atacama Desert and Altiplano.
THE LOCATION
Awasi Atacama is positioned in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, within the coronary heart of the Atacama Desert. The closest airport is Calama, and it’s right here you’ll be collected from after arriving, with transfers on to the gates of Awasi. The journey takes simply over an hour and also you’ll have your eyes glued to the surroundings outdoors, it’s like touchdown on one other planet…one which will get higher the nearer you arrive to your vacation spot!
The property is an intimate retreat inside the township of San Pedro de Atacama, and when you step contained in the gates, you’re welcomed into an opulent desert oasis the place birdsong blends with the soothing sounds of water.
Nestled amidst the uncooked great thing about the desert, the driest, non-polar desert on this planet, Awasi Atacama instantly immerses you within the essence of the Atacama Desert’s distinctive geography. The drive from Calama Airport takes you thru stretches of purple rock and salt flats, with the mighty Licancabur Volcano standing sentinel on the horizon.
Awasi is completely positioned for these seeking to discover close by websites just like the Valle de la Luna, Salar de Atacama, and El Tatio Geysers. But, its secluded location additionally ensures a peaceable escape after a day of journey.
THE DESIGN
With solely ten non-public suites, Awasi Atacama feels extra like a superbly particular desert hideaway than a standard lodge. The round rooms are designed with rustic magnificence, that includes native wooden, stone, and woven textiles that mirror the area’s tradition.
The furnishings and bedding are each bit as snug as they’re opulent. My favorite piece within the room was a beautiful armchair, with plush cushions and picket detailing, it was perched and ready for somebody to take a seat down and write a e-book, the best library chair!
Each suite comes with a spacious rest room, walk-up bathtub tub, plus an indoor and an open-air bathe, excellent for stargazing whereas washing off the desert mud. I opted for an out of doors bathe and sprinkle within the sunshine after a swim earlier than having fun with the comfortable non-public courtyard, full with deck chairs and umbrellas, ie. very afternoon nap worthy.
The communal areas are equally inviting, with the primary lodge providing an ethereal, open-plan eating space and lounge that overlooks the pool. The design ethos right here is straightforward but refined, bringing the outside in with massive home windows and delicate, earthy tones.
Additionally, I would like to notice the inventive parts weaved all through the reservation course of, the arrival paperwork, maps, wildlife guides and web site. The beautiful watercolour work and design features that popped up all through my keep had been so inspiring! I’ve stored each piece of paper and map as all of them felt like artworks, aligning with the ethos and environmental focus of Awasi.
THE LITTLE LUXURIES
When staying at a five-star lodge or resort, a stage of luxurious and nice service is to be anticipated, however at Awasi Atacama, the factor that surpassed all of my expectations was the seemingly pure and endless circulate of surprises, element, and marvel.
There’s such a excessive stage of care and a spotlight taken in service throughout all fields, the whole keep felt utterly carefree from a visitor perspective, like we had been in the most effective of arms it doesn’t matter what the exercise or expertise. From the freshly baked gluten free rolls and breads every morning (that I by no means wanted to request after noting my allergy previous to arriving), to the small handmade dolls positioned at every desk setting, the picnic lunches, the night tales on the pillow, the present field with somewhat shock every day, and the faultless cleansing and room refreshing.
Each single element within the room, meal on the restaurant, drink from the bar, or expertise outside was impeccable, with the workers going about their duties and day with such a relaxed angle that it by no means feels such as you’re a trouble, their pretty angle and pleasant nature made the whole keep really feel so particular.
THE FOOD
Now, I’ve mentioned it earlier than, however I’ll be aware it once more, I’m not a foodie and battle to cook dinner a lot past toast or the occasional stir-fry. Nonetheless, I’ve been fortunate to eat at plenty of superb eating places world wide, and couldn’t publish this evaluate with out discussing the meals at Awasi, my goodness, it was beautiful. The eating expertise at Awasi Atacama is as distinctive as its excursions. With a menu that modifications each day, impressed by native substances and conventional flavours, meals listed here are a journey by way of the tastes of northern Chile and past. The group crafts every dish with a contemporary twist, from quinoa-based starters to octopus and succulent slow-cooked meats.
Awasi’s dedication to sustainability shines by way of its deal with regionally sourced produce, a lot of which is grown in their very own natural backyard.
One other little deal with, you’re introduced with a personalised menu firstly of your keep, and may add every night’s menu pages to it, creating your individual booklet of inspiring dishes to strive making at residence!
THE ADVENTURES
The hallmark of Awasi Atacama is its one-on-one method to visitor experiences. Every room is assigned a personal information and a 4WD automobile, obtainable to whisk you away to wherever you want inside the space, guaranteeing tailored adventures primarily based on private preferences and pursuits. Upon arrival, the group will focus on journey choices in your keep, with an enormous map to share the place and what’s attainable. You’ll be able to comply with their lead, or when you’ve acquired particular spots you wish to see, they’ll do their finest to weave an itinerary that’ll wow you.
Having visited the area earlier than, I had an concept of the place I wished to go, and was so excited when Cecilia was eager to make it occur. Whereas I wished to revisit the nearer areas like Valle de la Luna and Laguna Chaxa, I had been scouring Google Maps to hunt out each vibrant and minimal landscapes.
My wishlist? Piedras Rojas and Monjes de La Pacana, each excessive on the Altiplano the place there’s loads of minimal landscapes to {photograph} and wildlife!
With 48hrs to play with on the decrease altitudes, Cecilia beneficial we additionally go to Valle de Arcoiris (Rainbow Valley), and I’m so blissful she did as a result of the photographs I captured there have been amongst my favorite of the journey.
*Because of the altitude, it’s beneficial to base your self round San Pedro de Atacama for the primary 24-48hrs, earlier than venturing somewhat greater the next day, then greater once more when you’re feeling superb. Altitude illness can hit anybody no matter age, health stage and so on, remember to take it simple and schedule sufficient days to get pleasure from adventures at a decrease altitude, then additionally these somewhat greater when you can.
Let’s take a peek at a few of the images areas I visited over 5 days.
Valle de la Luna
Mars Valley
Valle de Arcoiris
Piedras Rojas
Laguna Chaxa
Monjes de La Pacana
Andean Altiplano Landscapes (taken at roadside stops)
Awasi Atacama gives a uncommon mixture of luxurious lodging and bespoke journey in one of the photogenic areas on earth. Its mix of personalised service, consideration to element, and the sheer great thing about the desert make it a standout vacation spot for these searching for greater than only a lodge keep—a real escape into the center of Atacama.
Whether or not you’re planning to immerse your self in out of doors adventures, {photograph} each dawn and sundown, or unwind within the tranquil setting, Awasi Atacama will go away you with unforgettable recollections of Chile’s desert wonderland. Oh, and to say, when you’re planning on travelling to Patagonia too, you possibly can mix areas with one among their packages to additionally embody Awasi Patagonia in Torres del Paine Nationwide Park.
Guide a keep + study extra right here.
Take a peek at some imagery from my keep beneath…
Good day! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as knowledgeable journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this web site is from my private expertise on the highway. I hope it’s helpful in your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences world wide.
