San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
explora Atacama
Desert Star
What it is
A sleek and stylish retreat on 42 acres with its own high-tech observatory, star chef Virgilio Martínez designing the menus, a blissful spa, and its own hot springs.
What it isn't
Out of service. The property is fully remote, yet has topnotch cell phone reception.
What we think
Fans of design and fans of exquisite natural experiences alike flock to Explora Atacama, which presides over a stunning landscape of pampas grass-strewn desert where mountains jut from the earth in the distance. But if you wanted to simply hole up in your room, we wouldn’t blame you: each one is modern yet nods to the region’s architectural and design vernacular, with stone walls, blonde wood ceilings, and colorful woolen blankets, plus wide windows that overlook the desertscape. The starting room category, Tulur Rooms, are 355 square feet; for even more room to roam, consider booking the Suite Catur, which is a whopping 538 square feet with private balconies, a deep jetted soaking tub and de facto living room tucked beneath a wall of branches.
You're here because
You will travel for food, and the chef, Virgilio Martínez, sources the most delectable ingredients in the region—delicacies you’ve never before tasted and won’t soon forget.
The Moment
You thought hiking the Andes Mountains would be the highlight of your trip, but no…it came after nightfall in the observatory, when you stand gobsmacked beneath one of the clearest starry skies on the planet as guides narrate the heavens. Heaven, indeed.
Restaurants & Bars
ecplora Atacama Restaurant - Continental fair served in the resort's dining room
Location
A sprawling estate near the ancient streets of the village of San Pedro de Atacama, ten blocks from the award-winning Museo del Meteorito, where you can ogle meteorites that have fallen from the sky here.