Journalist Melinda Sheckells published a piece about her stay at Awasi Atacama, Chile, in the prestigious magazine, Business Traveler USA.

The angle of her article was “The Sound of Silence” and she writes about how quiet places are “not only rare” but they “also offer extreme health benefits.” 

“The absence of noise pollution”, writes Sheckells “is a treasure so valuable you don’t understand its worth until you’ve truly experienced it.”

Awasi Atacama, our Relais & Chateaux lodge in Northern Chile, has just 12 round suites. Guests are given a private guide and 4×4 vehicle for their excursions during their stay.

One of the reasons we only operate private excursions is that we believe that experiencing the places of natural beauty where our lodges are located – Atacama, Patagonia and Iguazu – in a small group, usually your partner, a close friend, or loved ones – is completely different to group tours.

Sheckells writes that on a hike through the Moon Valley, she had a moment of revelation.

“I found something I didn’t even know I needed: silence.”

Backed by scientific research, the topic of humankind’s need for silence is something we have seen discussed across the media, including in Conde Nast Traveler. 

“Hike one of the four trails at Moon Valley” urges Sheckells, “reach a salt peak and surrender to true silence. From the salt flats, gaze out on the pink hue of the Andes and the unforgettable sight of the setting sun.”

Eat stay at Awasi is unique. On arrival, guests sit down with their private guide and arrange activities for the coming days that best suit their interests and fitness levels.