Awasi Atacama, Atacama Desert

A luxury lodge in the Atacama Desert. Awasi is one of the most luxurious lodges in the area and the only one that offers private excursions. The lodge is all inclusive including all food, drink, activities, and one laundry load. Spa treatments are extra. 

We were collected from the airport by one of the Awasi guides for a smooth transfer to the property, it's about an hour's drive. When we arrived at the hotel we were greeted with a home made lemonade made using local herbs and then taken straight to our room where there was a quick informal check in. 

The property is split across a road. On one side is the reception and a few rooms on the other is the majority of the rooms, the restaurant and pool. There are ten rooms in total. 

We had a superior round room which I believe is their best category. There are also rectangular rooms which I think are slightly bigger and better for families. 

The whole property is supposted to resemble an authentic village with the rooms being adobe huts. 

Our rooms had its own outdoor area - other rooms have to share this area between two. 

The room itself is spacious and I appreciated the authentic design detail. There's a free mini bar and special tea to help with altitude sickness. We really appreciated the cute little gifts they gave us in the evening. 

The stone bathroom is lovely, my only complaint was that the didn't replenish the amentities enough. 

There was also a generously sized back area with outdoor shower. 

Service is where this hotel really excels. There's no cocktail list as they'll make anything for you. The staff and warm but not over bearing. Big props go to the the restuarant manager and sommelier. Whenever you head for you meal the table is already set up for you and the sommelier comes along quickly with a recommendation. 

Above all members of staff I must praise Claudio, our private guide. You meet with your guide when you arrive to discuss you needs and what excursions you like so your whole itinerary is bespoke to you. We really enjoyed our excursions and Claudio was incredibly genial and knowledgable. 

There is a small restaurant of about ten tables and it is for guests only. Though you can eat outside the hotel and there are few local restaurants I think most people would choose as we did to eat at the hotel. Partly owing to the all inclusive basis and partly owing to the excellent quality. It's a Relais and Chateaux so food quality is paramount. 

There's a set menu for lunch and the evening menu changes every night with three choices for starter, main course and dessert. The food is excellent with ingredients of the highest quality. The ambience is also lovely. On the last night they set up a separate table by the fire and served us a five course tasting menu. 

Breakfast is a small but perfectly formed fresh buffet as well as other dishes made to order. 

Location is an interesting one. We were glad for the short drive of only an hour from the airport as Awasi Patagonia is an eye watering five hour drive...

However some people may be disappointed by the fact the hotel is right in the centre of San Pedro. 

It's still very private and behind a locked wall. Personally I found pros and cons to this. I believe they're trying to make the hotel feel like an authentic slice of village life but some people may not find it private enough. Competitors Tierra and Explora have a more remote location. 

There is also no view from the hotel whereas Tierra looks to have a spectacular view. 

What truly sets Awasi apart from its competitors is the bespoke experience and private tours. My husband and I do like meeting people but when it comes to tours and activities were prefer not to have to wait for other people who are late or be told off if wer'e five minutes late ourselves. Both of which have happened to us. 

For this reason the hotel was the perfect choice for us. The location didn't bother me but I would have liked a view but I already knew there wasn't one so my expectation was managed. 

There's a lovely small pool in the hotel, this suited our needs but those with families may want bigger. Hotels like Alto Atacama have six pools I believe. 

We absolutely loved the outdoor living area with the open fire. It rarely rains in the Atcama desert so this totally makes sense. 

Activities were excellent. You can choose full day or half day and explore by foot, car or horseack. They will totally tailor everything to you and the landscape is beautiful!

There is no spa though they can do in room treatments. Those looking for more facilities may want to consider the other luxury properties in the area - Alto, Tierra and Explora. Again this was no problem for us.