Celebrating a Year of Travel with Luxury

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When Tierra Atacama offered to host me for a few days I knew it would be the perfect day to end a year of traveling and celebrate the upcoming one.

To say this is the nicest place I’ve stayed in the last year is a massive understatement and I was surprised to see so much luxury in the heart of the desert.

You see many hotels and resorts try to tell you that you have all the comforts from home.

 

Here? That’s a lie.

 

 

The bathroom features an indoor shower AND outdoor shower that is completely enclosed but no roof.
As soon as I arrived I used the outside shower, jumped into a comfy robe and took a very serious photo.

This is better than home. This is why you leave home. This is the kind of decadence you want on vacation.

The bed is twice as big. The backyard is beautiful. The food is amazing.

The level of service is incredible. I went to dinner as I left I was thinking, wow I drank a lot of red wine but drank all the water in my room, that could be a problem in a few hours when I’m thirsty.

 

No it won’t.

 

As I was at dinner the staff came in, emptied all my waste bins, brought more water, left me a chocolate and cute little fable about the fox and the condor.

No one leaves me chocolate and an awesome bedtime story at home.

 

Yes this is better than home.

 

Tierra Atacama


And while Tierra Atacama doesn’t try to promote itself as an eco-hotel. They do a lot of things without ever promoting it:

– To show respect for the people and their ancestors the resort itself was built on a platform so that it doesn’t disturb the archeological ground underneath.

– The resort was built with materials as close to San Pedro as possible and almost all the plants are native species.

– They source their own water from a well. The used water from pools and other facilities are then used to water the plants, trees and alfalfa fields.

– As it’s a small town, what they can’t grow has to be shipped in from Santiago. When they ship the bins back they send empty water bottles in them so they can be recycled (no facilities here).

Which brings me to the only thing that struck me as odd – plastic water bottles everywhere.

As a five star hotel, a lot of guests want bottled water. Chris, the manager of the hotel, explained that they are concerned about the excess plastic. They are looking for ways, such as offering complimentary flasks, to encourage guests to use filtered water instead.

What struck me most was his sincerity and genuine enthusiasm to be more conscious of waste. We had a long conversation of all the things they are pursuing and the challenges they face being in an isolated area.

It wasn’t a bunch of marketing jargon or a memorized speech, it was a conversation and I realized this “corporation” was a group of people trying to do the right thing. It’s not just the little family hostels that care about their environmental footprint but larger ones too.

 

Full disclosure: I was a guest of Tierra Atacama and did not pay for the stay. However, the opinions are my own. They did not ask me to write about anything or provide a favourable review. But this place and its people are amazing and it is easy to write such a glowing recount.

Join the Conversation

  1. Dang that is a SWEET setup. Beautiful, airy – and I love the robe 🙂

  2. Nomadic Chick says:

    That place does not look real! You captured some amazing shots = travel porn.

    I’m drooling too!

  3. Dave Williams says:

    Stunning house and breathtaking scenery. You’re making me very jealous while I’m here sitting at my office desk 🙁

    I hope you enjoy yourself, I can’t see how you wouldn’t. Fantastic photos, thanks for sharing.

  4. Looks completely amazing. I am so glad you had a great time. I want to go there! Discount codes in your honor?

  5. Katherina says:

    *envy* That looks like a stylish little hideaway! Congrats (almost) to your 1 year of travel… and to many many more!

  6. Wow, it looks absolutely stunning! The views of the scenery around you are beautiful! 🙂

  7. Lorna - the roamantics says:

    that place looks like pampering central! and i definitely appreciate the eco info and the concerns they have to keep getting better. good for you for getting such great treatment!

  8. Gorgeous hotel! And happy traveling anniversary – you’re a trooper!! 🙂

  9. Ooo, I’m jealous! My favorite line in the post was “No one leaves me chocolate and an awesome bedtime story at home.” So true! But I don’t think I could ever leave home if they did, haha.

  10. Ooo, I’m jealous! My favorite line in the post was: “No one leaves me chocolate and an awesome bedtime story at home.” So true! But if they did, I don’t think I could ever leave.

  11. Wow…that place looks AMAZING! Definitely way better than any home I’ve ever had 😀 But sadly I suspect it’s out of my price range for my upcoming South American jaunt…sighhhh!

    Such a good idea to treat yourself for your anniversary – whether it was FOC or not 🙂

  12. Christine says:

    I’m going to echo what everyone else has already said. Gorgeous, stunning, beautiful! 🙂 Hope you enjoyed your R&R 🙂

  13. *wolf-whistles at your swanky hotel*

    Very nice indeed, enjoy your one year anniversary!

  14. Jilianne @ Cotswolds Cottages says:

    That’s a spectacular hotel! The concept, the design and the pool is very inviting plus the sun. I can stay there forever 🙂

  15. Hi Ayngelina,

    Congrats on (almost) one year of travel, that’s a beautiful and brave milestone you’ll have reached.

    The hotel looks wonderful, boutique-ish, I’m jealous 🙂

    Cheers to your next year of adventures!

    – Lily

  16. Matt | ExpertVagabond says:

    What an awesome view! Do you have a view from the outdoor shower too?

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Unfortunately no, it would mean people would see into the shower as well 🙂

  17. I’ve only ever heard good things but never seen photos – WOW! It looks amazing. Now I have to start saving my pesos so that hopefully someday I can visit.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      It’s the only place I have ever stayed that on the first day I was already thinking about coming back.

  18. Wow. Love the design! It’d be hard not to relax in luxury like that 🙂

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      The design is really fresh and beautiful, not too stuffy at all.

  19. I had also heard about it by name though had never seen any photos. I love that part of Chile, so different from everywhere else.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      The desert is definitely a highlight for me, so different from Canada.

  20. I love how you say at the top “if I make it” about your 1 year anniversary. I always say the same damn thing…lol!!!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Thanks Jaime, it’s really nice to end the year at such a great place.

  21. Loving the look of this place! Wouldn’t mind spending a day or two there.

    Even though you said not to congratulate you, yet… congrats on your (almost) year of travel!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Oh yes it will be a wonderful last few days, and thanks for the almost congratulations!

  22. Drool! You can do cartwheels on that bed =)

  23. Wow, that is the lap of luxury…. such a calming vibe from the pictures…a little bit of heaven right in the middle of desert!

  24. This looks amaaaaaazing! I love the decor!

  25. Andi of My Beautiful Adventures says:

    DON’T LEAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that is an Andi place. 😉

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      I thought of you when I arrived. This is definitely an Andi place. If you haven’t picked some fabulous honeymoon destination you should really consider this place.

  26. Ow wow – LUXE! That’s one gorgeous hotel. I know what you mean about being surprised by luxurious spots in places like the desert. Chile seems to be good at this – in Torres del Paine we stayed at Eco Camp for a few nights and it was not only sustainable but also quite fancy for a camp-type spot in the middle of the national park. The food was amazing! Looking forward to your other two celebration posts =)

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      I’m really impressed by tourism in Chile all together, they are really polished here.

  27. Wow, what a beautiful place – and your photos are GORGEOUS. You are really a great photographer!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Thanks Jan, it’s easy to take great photos of such a beautiful place.

  28. jamie - cloud people adventures says:

    jealous. we stayed in a pretty ordinary place there. enjoy san pedro!

  29. That place looks absolutely amazing! What a great way to celebrate your one year anniversary!

  30. Wow, now THAT looks luxurious! Congratulations! I’ll definitely have to consider the place for my next trip to Chile. The last one was 11 years ago and took from Santiago to Puerto Montt.

    But then again there’s still so maaany great places I’m willing to go to…

  31. joshywashington says:

    hat’s what I am talking about! You deserve to be pampered girl!!

    damn, working on a year huh? That is a milestone, I think I shall help you celebrate with an early afternoon glass of Malbec…don’t mind if I do.

    Perhaps I should change into my wife’s bathrobe ( I don’t have one ) and take a picture of myself, but that would probably come off as creepy…

  32. Erin in Costa Rica says:

    Nothing like being pampered in an eco-friendly hotel. Especially after traveling and roughing it!

  33. Margaret VanBlarcom says:

    What an amazing spot! I loved the pool area–very calm and relaxing spot. Glad to see you enjoyed every minute. Congrats on your milestone!

  34. You know when you’re staying in decent digs when that’s your main security concern; that someone might sneak into your bedroom and leave you some chocolate…

  35. From couch surfing to this, you really are experiencing all of S. America. A bed time story? What a lovely unexpected touch, I’ve never heard of that before, not even at Disney World.

  36. Ummm….yes. That’s all. : )

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      You said it all 🙂

  37. soooo did you shower inside or out??

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Who would even consider showering inside when they could do it outside?

  38. Cathy Sweeney says:

    Tierra Atacama looks fantastic. What a luxurious way to celebrate one year. Good for you!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Thanks Cathy, I cannot think of a better way to end the year.

  39. Christy @ Technosyncratic says:

    This looks like a beautiful place… definitely better than my “home”! 😛 And it’s always nice to see hotels and resorts that are eco-conscious.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Most resorts will tell you a bunch of eco-junk to make you feel better but when they told me everything was built on a platform so they didn’t disturb the land – meaning the ancestors – I had so much more respect for the place.

  40. Um… Yes please!
    Looks like a well deserved pampering session… beauty!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Oh you just wait, more beauty shots coming, including one where I look like Hannibal Lector

  41. It’s unreal! Your photos are beyond inspired. Congrats on your year blogversary!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Charu, completely unreal.

      What I didn’t mention is that Tierra Atacama has an all inclusive option. As North Americans we have crappy all inclusives with terrible food in the Caribbean but here the food is amazing. so amazing I wrote a post coming up just about the food!

  42. The Dropout says:

    Happy anniversary! Here’s for many more. But you have to tell us — what were you thinking when you took that pic in the mirror?

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      okay completely and honestly? I had to take 20 photos! it’s hard to take a mirror photo!

  43. Now that is a hotel room! Marvelous, simply marvelous. I love the concept of the outdoor shower indoors.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      I didn’t take a single shower indoors, how could you go back when you had the options.

  44. Omigosh. I want your life. Like right NOW already.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      You must come to South America. I have promises of hot guys, hotter desserts and you haven’t seen what I’ve eaten here yet!

  45. Good girl. So proud of you on so many levels: for branching out, for your constant yearning for improvement, for sticking it out this long, for your blog’s speedy rise to the top, blah blah. Go get ’em.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Love your blah blahs Abby, thank you 🙂

  46. Holy Moly! The place looks amazing! Good for you!!! That is awesome 🙂

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      It pains me to comment on this post and not be there, the memories are that good.

  47. INCREDIBLE! I’ve always wanted to visit Tierra Atacama, I’ve never heard anyone say a bad thing about it.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      I read a couple of mediocre reviews on TripAdvisor but I’m convinced they somehow had the wrong place, no one would say this place is only ‘okay’

  48. Is that a ladder in the bathroom? Uh, wait, it’s a towel rack. Maybe a magazine rack? I dunno. Anyhow — this place looks awesome! Great pix!

  49. Your photos are completely stunning. If I got to stay at places like that often, I would travel for a living. 🙂 I really do appreciate a resort/hotel that will go the extra bit to really stand out. The interior design is lovely.

    Cheers,
    Tia

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      It is such a lovely place, isn’t it.

  50. Corinne @ Gourmantic says:

    Wow… I like the look of that bed! And lounging by the pool… that’s my kind of place!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      It was really tempting to just stay in bed all day but I did manage to drag myself out to the pool.

  51. Looks beautiful

  52. This place looks amazing! How cool that they offered to host you!

  53. Mad jealous 😉 Looks AWESOME!

  54. Lindsay aka @_thetraveller_ says:

    Sweet ass! I heart swanky hotels.

  55. WOW. That is a gorgeous place and looks like a perfect romantic retreat. Too bad I will only see it vicariously through you.

  56. Michael Figueiredo says:

    That place looks gorgeous! The perfect place to relax after “roughing it” for almost a year 😉

  57. Gorgeous ! i wanna go! and oh.. love the serious photo! LOL

  58. For 91 Days Travel Blog says:

    Canceling all plans! 91 Days in this hotel booked! Looks so awesome!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      You guys would love this place.

  59. What an amazingly beautiful place

  60. that place looks GORGEOUS!!!!

  61. Congrats on the trip. Those are some seriously sweet digs.

  62. Wow, what an amazing place! I would definitely want to stay there just to try that outdoor shower! Genius!

  63. Looks like an amazing place to stay! Happy 1 year travel anniversary!

  64. Not too shabby! Nice way to celebrate your 1 year 🙂

  65. Wow, that place looks gorgeous. I did immediately click on the website to look up more information, if I’m honest. It looked like real luxury.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      It was heavenly.And you know a lot of North Americans go to the Caribbean for all inclusives but if you look here it’s a much better deal and the land is beautiful.

  66. Justin Hamlin says:

    that hotel looks amazing…. definitely need a better picture though… no more serious-face.

  67. Whoa girl, that’s so beautiful I want to take vacation over there already. Look at those huge bed and cute pool. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      I wish I were taller so I could take up more room on the bed. It was actually kind of hard to go outside, I just wanted to lounge all day.

  68. Wow – looked like a awesome stay AB! Beautiful.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Thought of you while I was here, you would love it.

  69. Stunning! Glad you got to enjoy!

  70. Looks like a great place to stay. Hope it was relaxing.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Relaxing to the point I really didn’t want to leave.

  71. Jack - eyeflare travel says:

    Looks like an absolutely ridiculously nice hotel/resort. Gorgeous as well and I can see why you’re loving it.

    Very jealous sitting here in a dreary London.

  72. Ryan @ Butiq Escapes says:

    Well I’m going to have to add Tierra Atacama to the bucket list, what a gorgeous spot. Chile has been on my radar more than any other place and I love the outdoor setting there, looked like a great spot to relax.

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