Garance Doré’s desert escape
Chile’s otherworldly Atacama Desert is the ultimate destination to reconnect with your mind, body and soul, says French photographer, illustrator and author GARANCE DORÉ
“The Atacama Desert is a place like no other. When you’re there, you feel like you’re suspended between the earth and the skies, as if you’re not on this planet anymore. Despite the desert conditions, some of the regions have been populated for millennia and are the site of the most advanced pre-Columbian societies found in Chile. It’s the perfect apex of nature and civilization; a place of beauty, magic, sustainability, inspiration and adventure. There is nowhere better to feel motivated and energized.”
For an inspiring stay…
“The Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa is a luxe, eco-friendly hotel that’s designed to be physically and spiritually integrated with the terrain, embracing the natural elements and local way of life. More than half of its staff is indigenous and there’s an emphasis on their stories and culture, imbuing the hotel with a sense of history and purpose. For guests looking to unplug, The Art of Self Discovery retreat features talks and workshops led by master meditators and astrologers, as well as daily yoga classes and group storytelling. I have been through a year of incredible change where I got to know myself in depth, which is, I realize, kind of a superpower. I wanted to find a space that supports that journey and I felt that the Atacama Desert was absolutely perfect for this.”
For once-in-a-lifetime views…
“The best place to watch the sun set and rise is the Valley of the Moon, so-called because the mottled rock formations look like the lunar surface – NASA even used it as a testing ground for its Mars Rover exploration vehicle. As the sun dips over the valley, it casts a pool of pink light on the ground and turns the mountains a burnt orange. It is truly breathtaking. The region’s only open-air observatory is based near the hotel, and the views of the cloudless night sky are like no other. A trip to the salt flats to watch the flamingos paddle in the glowing Chaxa lagoon is also a must.”
For time to decompress…
“The Atacama Desert is so vast and isolated that it forces you to reflect in a way that is impossible when you’re surrounded by people in a city, or in a lush environment. The Self Discovery retreat is structured to give guests, regardless of where they are on their own journey of self-discovery, the tools to easily integrate small learnings into their daily lives post-retreat. It could be as simple as journaling every morning, or being introduced to a new meditation practice – it’s all very personal and flexible.”
How I unwind…
“I love to do yoga in the Catarpe Valley – there is an area called Cordillera de la Sal, which is a natural amphitheater made of prehistoric rock. It’s an incredible way to reconnect with nature and marvel at the history of the landscape. I would also recommend a trip to Termas Banos de Puritama to bathe in the salty, warm-water pools. For centuries, the local Atacameños have traveled there for the pools’ healing and medicinal qualities. They are said to help ease the symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism and stress.”
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