Location

Atacama Awasi is located in the small desert town of San Pedro de Atacama, which is really like a hippy backpacker outpost for adventure trips to the desert. �You must fly from Santiago to the Calama Airport, which is the primary mining center for Chile's copper industry. �From the airport it is a 1 to 1.5 hour drive through the desert to San Pedro. �You are met at the airport by your guide holding an Awasi sign. �Transport is provided in extended cab 4 x 4 pick-up style trucks that have a roomy back seat. �Luggage is stowed in the open-air section of the pick-up bed - yes it does get dusty. �The vehicles are practical for the desert location and dirt roads, although not particularly luxurious. �Air conditioning works well which is critical given the heat. �Sorry I neglected to take a picture of the truck.

Check In

We were greeted at the car upon arrival by the guest services manager who gave us a tour of the property and then checked us in at our room. �We booked as a virtuoso reservation though DavidO's agency and were upgraded to�Superior Round Suite #1. �We were traveling with another couple and they were also upgraded. �At the time we booked they did not have two superior suites available so we were happily surprised to get the upgrade.

Room

The rooms are also encircled by adobe walls, with rattan doors that open to your private outdoor area. �In room #1, this front patio area was very large with a covered seating area containing a couch and two chairs. �We never actually used this space, but it was nice to have it. �The rooms are also round in shape with highly pitched thatched roofs. �Our room had a large four-poster bed with canopy and curtains, a writing desk, day bed and bureau. �There was a small walk-in closet. �Nespresso coffee machine was available in the room and every night we received a small turn down gift, which was left in a little wooden box.

The room had a large ceiling fan, which was helpful to keep the air circulating. �Our room had a strange air conditioning system that I had never seen before. �It was integrated into the canopy of the bed - thus the need for the bed curtains. �It operated by remote control and was a bit difficult to understand. �It made the air inside the bed very cold - which I liked - but hubby said way too cold so after night one we used just the fan which was fine. �Our friend's room had a regular in wall air conditioner. �I think our room is the only one that had this system, which they had gotten from Africa and was being tested.

The very large bathroom was attached in a separate round room. �It had a double vanity, large soaking tub, armchair and shower stall and toilet room. �This was also where you gained access to the back private patio. �This patio was surrounded by walls on all sides, was quite large & sunny. �The outdoor shower was located here along with two loungers for taking sun.

Overall we found the room to very comfortable, quiet and relaxing.

Dining

All meals were taken at the resort and the food overall was of very high quality. �Service was very warm and friendly, but sometimes a little bit slow. �It seemed that they were perhaps a bit understaffed during our stay and overall it is just a very relaxed vibe. �Our group of 4 had the same table everyday, as did the other guests during our stay.

Breakfast is a buffet style spread of fruits, smoothies, juices, baked goods & breads, meats & cheeses and cereals and yogurts. �Omelets, eggs, eggs benedict, bacon etc... all made upon request. �Great filling breakfast an way to start the morning before heading off to hike.

Lunch has a set menu of 5 choices with a daily special. �For me this was the weakest link in their dining offerings. �I prefer to eat a much lighter lunch, rather than having a large meal in the middle of the day. �The offerings included pasta, fish, beef, chicken and the special. �I really just wanted salad and soup or a sandwich. �The food was good, but just too much for me.

Dinner is a more elaborate affair with very well prepared food and three-course offering. �One night for our Virtuoso amenity we had a tasting menu of 6 courses prepared for our table. �

One other observation, we were asked in advance for our dietary preferences but it does not seem that these were communicated to the kitchen. �We had vegetarian in our group and some other had specific food aversions all identified up front. �Unfortunately we ended up having to have a conversation about this at each meal to arrange for substitutions. �Everything was handled very professionally and politely, but I would expect them to get this right from the beginning and not have to have us keep asking for modifications. �This feedback was provided to the guest manager.

Really cute place settings for each meal featured local hand made dolls available for sale in the gift shop.

Service

Great and friendly service overall at this resort. �All of the employees really conveyed a warmth and enjoyment of their work. �The property managers (guest relations and guide manager) were very present and checked-in regularly to see how things were going. �I also received a follow up from the guest relation�s manager upon returning home asking for any feedback and opportunities for improvement.

Pool

The pool was a bit on the small side but very pretty and clean. �I dipped my foot in and it felt quite cold, which I imagine could be pretty refreshing in the desert. �We did not see anyone use it during our stay.

Overall

This was my favorite property in Chile by a long stretch. �It was the only place that I felt really compared with the level of luxury of other properties around the world. �Couple that with the amazing destination of the Atacama Desert and it is a winner. �My only regret is that we only stayed for 3 nights as I think that is much too short.