“Upon arrival, a personal guide greets you with a welcome drink and a map to plot out your stay.”

The Azure Road Take

Awasi Atacama, a Relais & Chateaux property, weaves luxurious touches into this San Pedro de Atacama outpost where privacy and personalization take center stage. The property’s unique setting in the Atacama Desert offers guests an immersive experience in a landscape that evokes Mars. With a focus on private excursions, thoughtful design with local materials, and a culinary program that taps into the flavors and ingredients of the remote Chilean north, Awasi provides a level of service that’s local, intimate, and yet world-class. For travelers looking to disconnect in style while engaging with one of the world’s most unique ecosystems, Awasi ticks all the boxes.

Who’s it for?

Discerning travelers with a generous budget who value privacy, bespoke experiences, and immersion in nature. Awasi suits couples seeking a quiet romantic escape, and adventure enthusiasts and photographers drawn to the Atacama’s dramatic landscapes.

Sustainability Chops

As a member of Relais & Chateaux, Awasi aligns with a set of sustainable pillars outlined by the luxury hospitality group. Those pillars include environmental conservation, sustainable cuisine, and social support. Further, given its location in one of the driest deserts in the world, the hotel focuses heavily on water conservation efforts, energy-efficient practices, and responsible sourcing of materials including the use of local textiles and artisans for decor as well as materials for the buildings and round suites which replicate traditional structures. Awasi has pursued carbon neutrality by protecting 840 acres of native woodland in Iguazú and Patagonia. Read the sustainability report.

Location

Awasi Atacama’s location on the edge of San Pedro de Atacama, allows guests to immerse themselves in the quietude of the desert while maintaining proximity to the village’s shops, bars, and restaurants. The Atacama Desert, often described as the driest place on earth, offers a dramatic backdrop for activities like hiking, stargazing, and exploring geysers or salt flats. The region’s ancient history, from pre-Columbian archaeological sites to centuries-old indigenous traditions, is woven into the guest experience largely through the excellent guides who bear deep knowledge of the region. To get here, travelers typically fly to Santiago, Chile, catch a flight to San Pedro de Atacama, then arrange vehicular transfer through the resort for pick-up and departure. The hotel packs a generous breakfast or lunch on the day of departure. Travel to the airport runs around an hour or longer on busier days when trucks pack the highway. At least it’s a scenic ride.

Rooms

Awasi Atacama has a high value, low volume tourism model with only 12 rooms. Ten rooms are round suites and 2 are smaller round rooms. For those who can spring for a suite, do so. You’ll appreciate the additional patio, outdoor shower, sitting area, and generous bathroom and soaking tub. Rooms and common areas reflect the traditional adobe architecture of the Atacama, blending seamlessly into the red and ochre-hued desert landscape. Understated furnishings reflect the warm colors of the landscape through local textiles and handcrafted furniture. Large windows frame carefully xeriscaped courtyards filled with native flowers, plants, and cacti. Thoughtful touches like handcrafted soaps made with local botanicals and high-end linens, help travelers refresh and relax after a long day exploring the desert attractions. Rates are inclusive of meals and drinks, a private dedicated guide, bespoke itinerary creation, and airport transfers.

Food and Drink

As a Relais & Chateaux property, Awasi places a strong emphasis on culinary excellence. The on-site restaurant focuses on Andean-inspired cuisine with touches of global influence, while using locally sourced ingredients from the region’s high-altitude farms. Dishes are simple yet flavorful, showcasing the best of Chilean produce with creative twists. Guests can expect a rotating menu featuring local quinoa, native potatoes, and fresh seafood sourced from the Chilean coast like mussels and salmon, as well as creative desserts. Meals can be enjoyed in the main dining room, by the pool at lunchtime, or as a private dining experience in the villa, with options to dine al fresco under the desert’s famously clear night skies. Expect nightly wine pairings of Chilean wines with pre- and post-dinner drinks under the stars by the firepit. Don’t miss the occasional group wine tasting, led by the beverage director, and a pisco sour with rica rica, an aromatic herb of the altiplano with a mint-like taste.

Swim and Experiences

While most travelers hit the Atacama ground running – there’s a lot to see in a few days – don’t overlook a leisurely afternoon at Awasi’s pool. A few cocktails, lunch, and a siesta in your round suite might be the decompression one needs after all the flights to get there. However, most visitors take a “I’ll rest when I’m dead” attitude given the Atacama is all about jaw-dropping scenery and singular otherworldly experiences.

Each room comes with a private guide and a dedicated 4×4 for the duration of your visit. These guides are incredibly knowledgeable as well as sensitive to Indigenous and ecological concerns. (Ask them about fast fashion waste and lithium mining and you’ll get an intro course on the region’s challenges that extend well beyond tourism pressure.)

Upon arrival, your personal guide will appear with a welcome drink and a map to plot out your stay. If you’re keen for nature or wildlife photography, volcano hikes that require altitude prepping, or a sunset picnic, they’ll know the best spots.

Other Atacama activities include sandboarding on the dunes, floating in the salt flats, or relaxing in natural hot springs. The desert’s geological wonders including the El Tatio geysers, the Atacama salt flats, and the stunning Valle de la Luna, are all within reach of Awasi, and all excursions are customized to your preferences. Additionally, Awasi offers a rare opportunity for stargazing, with the Atacama Desert being home to some of the clearest night skies in the world. For those interested in local culture, visits to indigenous villages or pre-Columbian archaeological sites offer a window into the region’s history.

Accessibility

The lodge, common areas, and rooms are all on the ground floor and are generally accessible to those with mobility issues. Given the resort’s deeply personalized service, contact the property directly to make specific accommodation requests for disabled guests. They’ll likely tailor experiences or make adjustments based on individual needs, as they create your bespoke itinerary.