Visible Lodge Evaluate: Awasi Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama
There’s an environment contained in the partitions of Awasi Atacama that’s onerous to explain.
A sort of calm that means that you can breathe deeper and refresh.
A heat that makes you’re feeling at dwelling amongst rigorously curated décor, delicacies and design.
Then there’s the gorgeous stability of immersive journey, artwork and leisure.
It’s the kind of place you’ll endlessly be grateful you stayed, someplace so not like wherever else. For me, it was an inventive escape, an opportunity to discover the wildlife and pure wonders of the desert and Andean Altiplano, whereas specializing in my inventive 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 possibilities you’ll get at nice situations, and nicely, the extra sunsets the higher…proper?
After a bit of 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 by way of the expansive scene however had puzzled if I’d nonetheless be wowed the second time, in fact, I needn’t have frightened.
Whereas photographing the pastel tones showing throughout the sky and patterns throughout the rocky panorama beneath, I turned to see Cecilia establishing essentially the most lovely unfold of cheese, wine, and snacks full with a non-public desk and chairs.
Normally, once I’m out photographing landscapes, I’m a muesli bar on-the-go type of gal, however this, was particular, it felt opulent even, however in essentially the most relaxed method, creating a super setting to look at 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 subsequent 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 throughout 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 fantastic thing about the desert, the driest, non-polar desert on the earth, 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 pink rock and salt flats, with the mighty Licancabur Volcano standing sentinel on the horizon.
Awasi is completely positioned for these trying 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 personal suites, Awasi Atacama feels extra like a fantastically 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 sit down down and write a guide, the perfect library chair!
Each suite comes with a spacious toilet, 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 outside bathe and sprinkle within the sunshine after a swim earlier than having fun with the comfy personal 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 easy but refined, bringing the outside in with massive home windows and gentle, 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 attractive watercolour work and design points that popped up all through my keep had been so inspiring! I’ve stored every bit of paper and map as all of them felt like artistic endeavors, 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 stream of surprises, element, and surprise.
There’s such a excessive stage of care and a focus taken in service throughout all fields, your entire keep felt utterly carefree from a visitor perspective, like we had been in the perfect 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 a bit of 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 perspective that it by no means feels such as you’re a trouble, their beautiful perspective and pleasant nature made your entire keep really feel so particular.
THE FOOD
Now, I’ve mentioned it earlier than, however I’ll observe it once more, I’m not a foodie and battle to prepare dinner a lot past toast or the occasional stir-fry. Nonetheless, I’ve been fortunate to eat at numerous superb eating places around the globe, and couldn’t publish this evaluation 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 staff 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 offered with a personalised menu at first of your keep, and may add every night’s menu pages to it, creating your individual booklet of inspiring dishes to strive making at dwelling!
THE ADVENTURES
The hallmark of Awasi Atacama is its one-on-one method to visitor experiences. Every room is assigned a non-public information and a 4WD automobile, accessible to whisk you away to wherever you want throughout the space, making certain tailored adventures primarily based on private preferences and pursuits. Upon arrival, the staff will focus on journey choices in your keep, with an enormous map to share the place and what’s doable. You may observe their lead, or should you’ve acquired particular spots you wish to see, they’ll do their greatest to weave an itinerary that’ll wow you.
Having visited the area earlier than, I had an concept of the place I needed to go, and was so excited when Cecilia was eager to make it occur. Whereas I needed to revisit the nearer places 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 completely satisfied 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 a bit of increased the next day, then increased once more should you’re feeling high-quality. Altitude illness can hit anybody no matter age, health stage and so on, remember to take it straightforward and schedule sufficient days to get pleasure from adventures at a decrease altitude, then additionally these a bit of increased should you can.
Let’s take a peek at a few of the images places 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 probably the most photogenic areas on earth. Its mix of personalised service, consideration to element, and the sheer fantastic thing about the desert make it a standout vacation spot for these in search of greater than only a lodge keep—a real escape into the guts 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, should you’re planning on travelling to Patagonia too, you’ll be able to mix places with one among their packages to additionally embrace Awasi Patagonia in Torres del Paine Nationwide Park.
E book a keep + be taught extra right here.
Take a peek at some imagery from my keep beneath…
Hi there! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as an expert journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this web site is from my private expertise on the street. I hope it’s helpful in your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences around the globe.