NOI Casa Atacama

Built around a central courtyard, the buildings are decorated with authentic textiles and artwork depicting local scenes. Served at banquettes dotted with plump, colourful cushions, meals are a variety of Chilean and international cuisine, gleaning most of their ingredients from a nearby farm. The pool and adjacent Jacuzzi has a bevy of sun loungers and shaded day beds to recline on, and the bar is just next door. The El Chañar Spa is an adobe sanctuary with a heavenly menu of traditional altiplanico therapies.

The range of rooms and suites are all simple and understated, with white-washed wooden beds topped by 400 thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, goose down pillows and earthy throws - and blackout curtains when you want to sleep in. Each features a balcony or terrace and some enjoy a private, interior courtyard with a marble-clad bathroom that opens onto it. The largest suite also has an outdoor shower, and other NOI suites have a spacious living area with a fireplace for chillier days. All rooms come with heating.

The Atacama Desert is a playground for all ages, and it can be explored via hiking and cycling trails, or on scenic drives. You'll have the chance to gaze at surreal landscapes, including the fascinating salt flats, Tatio Geysers (leave at dawn and enjoy breakfast in one of the highest geothermal fields in the world), and the famous Moon or Rainbow Valley. You could also take a dip in the Puritama Hot Springs (replenished by water from the Sairecabur Volcano) and admire the rosy flocks of Chilean flamingos at Chaxa Lagoon.