Chile: Atacama Desert: Awasi

Combine explorations of the wild and wonderful Atacama desert with a pampered stay at this tiny, exclusive boutique hotel conceived and built in harmony with the natural environment. It's one of those places (there are surely but few) where romantic couples seeking peace and quiet can stay side by side with families, such is the feeling of space and privacy within the property, and the imaginative range of family-orientated excursions and activities.

The Atacama desert, at first sight harsh and inhospitable, was in fact home to a thriving pre-Columbian culture, of which many vestiges remain to this day. It stretches down the western flank of the Andes from Peru to northern Chile and has the reputation of being the driest in the world.

The gorgeous little boutique hotel in the small town of San Pedro takes its inspiration from the vestiges of their homes and lifestyle. There are just 8 round, thatched cottages built from local stone, wood and adobe, softened by cosy furnishings  and fabrics in a harmonious mélange of both earthy and bright, warm colours.

The idea is to provide a very private and intimate experience for guests – you’ll enjoy  a genuine feel of space and luxury. The large rooms all have private patio, sofa for lounging about and reading, and both indoor and outdoor shower.

The relaxation area around the small heated pool is especially attractive, it might be hard to drag yourself away to take advantage of the many excursions on offer, from visits by car to geysers,  hot springs and shimmering salt flats to guided hikes, bike rides and horse-riding. Younger family members will probably be off exploring leaving adults with moments to unwind. Programmes designed for children include cookery and craft classes, sand-boarding on the dunes and visits to cactus forests and lagoons to learn about the desert environment and spot llamas and flamingoes.