Awasi Atacama

One of the driest places on earth, the high-altitude Atacama Desert, in northeastern Chile, will appeal to hardy adventurers in search of extraordinary (and extreme) Mars-like scenery. Days under the blazing sun take guests, led by their own private guides, to red rock canyons, sand dunes and geysers, spotting Andean flamingos, vicuñas and gray foxes along the way. The region’s sheer vastness—and the stark contrast between the ochre ground and the cloudless blue sky above—will make any visitor feel small. Which is why Awasi Atacama, hidden behind high stucco walls in the town of San Pedro de Atacama amid a plateau oasis, is such a treat to return to. The intimate hotel imbues instant comfort. Built in the local pre-Incan style using native stones, adobe and wood, the pueblo-like complex is a study in soothing earth tones. Outdoor sitting areas—with multiple fireplaces for extra warmth on cold desert nights—surround the tree-shaded pool deck. For extra privacy, each of the 12 circular suites has its own internal courtyard for solitary reflection.

The Standout: The five huge new suites, with private reading lounges, solariums and glorious outdoor showers Don’t Miss: Bathing in a hot spring-fed stream running through a desert canyon

• The specialized guides who tailor activities to guests’ interests
• The high staff-to-guest ratio means you are pampered, on- and off-property
• The open-air restaurant, serving regional cuisine with native desert ingredients

While other Atacama properties have anywhere from 30 to 50 rooms, the 12-room Awasi feels more like a private home then a hotel and is perfect for sophisticated travelers looking for a luxurious getaway and a tailored, private experience. The Relais & Chateaux property sits on a quiet, residential street on the edge of the small town of San Pedro de Atacama.

The hustle and bustle of town melts away as guests enter a lovely sitting area with a fire pit, and the property was designed to reflect a traditional pueblo town with adobe walls and winding pathways. The hotel is divided into two sides: one houses three large, rectangular rooms and the main reception desk, while the other encompasses five circular rooms, a pool, a dining area and common sitting spaces.

Sophisticated families with older children and couples looking for a luxurious getaway who want a tailored, private experience in the Atacama Desert