Explora Atacama

Taking inspiration from indigenous desert homes, the hotel has rugged adobe walls, punctuated by huge windows to enjoy the view of soaring mountain peaks and the Andean high plains. The interiors are fresh and cosy with light wood, comfy sofas and low-slung, plaited chairs. Breakfast is a spread of pastries, fruit and eggs to order, while haute-Chilean-cuisine is served at lunch and dinner, accompanied by a glass of red or white (Chilean, of course). The Explorer's Bar is a convivial spot to chat and await the briefing for the following day's adventures.

With their sandy tones, whitewashed brickwork and wooden decor, the rooms feel homely and authentic. Each enjoys views of the gardens and desert through wide windows (the panes are painted a bright, cheerful blue too), and a King-sized bed, ceiling fan and en-suite bathroom with bespoke toiletries, a shower and whirlpool tub. There are four suites, which have larger hot tubs and their own balcony to enjoy a full sense of the privacy and space. Explora is a hotel to reconnect with nature, so there is no TV or WiFi in the rooms.

The Atacama Desert is a smorgasbord of altitude zones and environments and with Explora's help, you'll be able to explore its salt flats, mountain ranges and valleys on foot, bicycle or horseback. A couple of highlights include the steaming Tatio Geysers - look out for vicunas, flamingos and foxes, Toco Mountain (which peers into Bolivia and Argentina), volcanoes reaching over 5,000 metres above sea level, the ancient petroglyphs of Kezala floating in a saline lake, and Rainbow Valley, where mineral deposits have created the brilliant shades.