Awasi is an exclusive resort in the charming town of San Pedro de Atacama — surrounded by Chile’s vast Atacama Desert.

It is a Relais & Chateaux property, boasting all of the careful detailing that comes with such a prestigious ownership.

The decor is that of traditional stone, adobe and wood, carefully combined to celebrate the natural resources the region has to offer. It’s close proximity to the main village — just a few short minutes on foot — combined with pampering services that promote total relaxation, makes it an ideal oasis for comfort and convenience.

Awasi Relais & Chateaux in San Pedro de Atacama

The Awasi hotel is ideal for discerning travelers who love to be pampered in a private setting. Additionally, the rustic furnishings, romantic lighting and “cozy” touches compliment the environment and further enhance your experience.

The resort divides into two main areas. On one side, you’ll find the public pool area with comfy lounge chairs, plush sofas, an “open-air” dining space and a selection of rooms.

Hotel pool and restaurant by night

On the other is the reception area and remaining rooms — 8 in total. Actually, “rooms” would be an understatement. In reality, they are spacious cottages featuring luxurious amenities. Some even include a private patio and for the ultimate indulgence: an outdoor shower!

Dining at Awasi

The restaurant at Awasi seems to be the heart and soul of the hotel; you’re tempted to eat all the time. Chef Juan Pablo Mardones lovingly prepares a varied selection of traditional Chilean dishes — using fresh local ingredients and boasting an aesthetically-pleasing presentation.

During our stay, the food and service was impeccable. The professional staff  was so unobtrusively attentive that we felt spoiled from the moment we arrived.

Awasi’s patio and fireplace with restaurant in the background

Excursions by Awasi

Personalized services — from simple to creative– are the key focus at Awasi. Guests are assigned a private guide and a modern 4WD “doble cabina” utility vehicle to help you discover the remote but stunning landscape. Our guide, Jorge, grew up in the San Pedro de Atacama vicinity and delights in showing tourists places that they have never seen.

Awasi guide Jorge and travelmemo’s Walter near a salt mine

The Atacama desert offers unforgettable experiences; everything from vibrant volcanoes, Moon Valley hiking to flamingo watching at the Salar de Atacama are available. Other options include visiting the Geysers at El Tatio and mountain biking tours.

We opted for the Moon Valley, with its crystalline salt formations, and the Chilean “Death Valley” (Valle della muerte). Fortunately, Jorge knew the area inside out.

That  evening, we joined Jorge for a “stargazing night“. What an overwhelming experience!

Not only was the viewing of billions of  stars spectacular, but also our guide’s wealth of  knowledge  on the subject was impressive! It certainly enhanced our perception and understanding of the subject.

Stargazing at Southern Cross in Atacama desert

The following day, we leisurely “floated” at the tranquil local lagoon, (Laguna Cejar). Even here, Awasi made sure we were well taken care of. Jorge brought along towels, bathrobes and even a fresh water pump for showering following our dip in the very salty water. All was truly appreciated!

Salty Salar de Atacama

Pricing at Awasi

A stay at Awasi sets you back a cool 1500 USD per night, all inclusive.

A bit steep for some, but when you consider all of the VIP amenities including personal guide, transfers, tailor made excursions, gourmet meals and privacy — suddenly it all becomes quite reasonable.

Check out current prices and availabilities or try the calendar below.

 

Many thanks to Sabine Biedermann and Susanne Schmitt of Primus Communications, Núria Galia of Relais & Châteaux and Milagros Scavarda and Elaine Román of Awasi for making our stay possible!

Y un million de gracias to our guide Jorge and chef Juan Pablo.

And last but not least, thanks to the attentive service of Eduardo and his team! You guys certainly know how to spoil your guests!

Here are some more impressions from our “stellar” stay at Awasi:

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Walter’s extensive background in the travel industry, passionate enthusiasm for photography and a firm belief that luxury destinations can also be affordable; were some of the main factors that motivated him to create the travel blog travelmemo.com. In his day job Walter is an online marketing manager based out of Zurich, Switzerland.

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