One of the Worlds Ten Best Hotels Robin Esrock, Word Travels

PRESS KIT 2011

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Story Ideas Authentic Experiences & Excursions Sustainability Stargazing: Observatory Platform The PuriSpa: A Haven of Relaxation Wining & Dining at the Alto Atacama

Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa | Press Kit 2011

STARGAZING: THE CLEAREST SKIES IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE Chile's Atacama Desert is home to the most powerful observatories in the world. This is a region where rainfall is measured in millimeters, not centimeters, and this aridity, an altitude of 7,900 to 14,000 feet, and an absence of environmental pollution combine to create a rarefied atmosphere and an unparalleled stargazing Mecca. The European Southern Observatory (ESO), along with international partners such as Bill Gates, is currently building the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) telescope near San Pedro de Atacama, which will be the most powerful telescope in the world. As well, the Atacama Desert so resembles the surface of Mars that plans are afoot to build a Moon-Mars research center near the future ALMA telescope to simulate a space colony. To allow our guests to really enjoy the blanket of stars and the otherworldly sensation of being in the Atacama, Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa has recently installed an observatory platform and Meade Lightbridge 16" telescope, located at a viewing area atop a small

hill next to the hotel for an outstanding vantage point. The Alto Atacama's location outside of San Pedro, too, means less light pollution from the village and an open window to the glittering galaxy above. The experience is less scientific and more a sensorial experience that creates an emotional link with the cosmos. As there is so much to see with the naked eye, one can simply sit back on one of our lounge chairs, sip a pre-dinner drink, and absorb the majesty of the night sky. WOMEN UP HIGH -- GIRLFRIEND GETAWAYS Women traveling with friends on a "Girlfriend Getaway" or on a solo journey find a welcoming home at Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa. The Alto Atacama's "Women Up High" program gives both inexperienced and intrepid travelers the chance to participate in adventurous excursions to bike, hike, or climb, and meet local women and observe how they live their lives. At the lodge, women can pamper themselves and soak in the peaceful calm from their outdoor terrace, read a book by the pool, and enjoy a relaxing spa treatment or soak in a Jacuzzi. Delicious gourmet cuisine and fine

wines round out the experience. A MYSTICAL AND HARMONIOUS HONEYMOON DESTINATION Honeymooners create lasting memories at Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa, sharing in journeys to exotic destinations where nature and love meld together for an unforgettable experience. Couples may also mix up their experience with simply doing nothing at all but revel in the beauty and quiet of the desert from their private patio terrace or poolside. As a unique honeymoon destination, Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa offers couples a special honeymoon package that includes cocktail hours enjoying the sunset, couples' massage, private tours that can include a local photographer to capture the moment, romantic candlelit meals, and more. The Honeymoon Package is for 4 nights, 5 days, and includes lodging, meals, beverages and excursions, for easy tripplanning. THE ALTO ATACAMA: AN ECOLOGICALLY HARMONIOUS LODGE Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa is the only lodge in the San Pedro region that is totally enveloped by natural surroundings. Located in the

lush Catarpe Valley of the Salt Mountain Range, just over a mile from the plaza of San Pedro, the Alto Atacama's design was influenced by local village architecture and conceived to blend seamlessly into its environment and appear as a part of the terracotta-colored ridge that rises behind it. The setting, the sweeping views, the tranquility and silence, and the hotel's wonderful outdoor lounge spaces make the Alto Atacama a destination unto itself, and unlike any other hotel property in the region. Environmental sustainability and a strong connection with the local culture have put the Alto Atacama in a category of its own, as has its "Andescape" concept of decorative flora and stable of friendly llamas and alpacas, local cuisine and Leave No Traceschooled guides. Veronica Poblete, creator of Andescape, is a Paris-trained landscape designer and botanist, and exHarvard lecturer who has developed this new concept using local flora and ancient agricultural techniques.

STORY IDEAS

Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa | Press Kit 2011

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES & EXCURSIONS

Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa seeks to open a traveler's eyes, to explore, to feel, to connect, and to return revitalized and changed by a truly authentic experience one will never forget. Rather than simply taking photos as a passive traveler, Alto Atacama encourages guests to get off the beaten track, interact with the local indigenous culture and explore the desert's varied and eerily beautiful landscapes by foot or bike. More than half of Alto Atacama's staff is indigenous, and their personal stories and histories enrich a guests' understanding of the region. Geysers, hot springs, volcano climbs, mountain biking through desert canyons, horseback riding on a sand dune, and exploring ancient Incan ruins and petroglyphs are just a few of the 30 adventurous excursions offered, always led by highly trained local guides.

Among the more than 30 excursions include visits to the Tatio Geysers, the highest in the world; swimming in the aquamarine salt waters of Laguna Cejar; photo safaris to high Andean terrain, including jewel-toned lakes and colorful swamps full of flamingos, alpacas and llamas; watching the sun set from the Valley of the Moon; and viewing petroglyphs etched on rocks in the Rainbow Valley. The Atacama Desert is an adventure traveler's dream, with trekking through lunar-like landscapes; mountain biking through the salt-encrusted ridges of Death Valley or across sand dunes; and, for those with the physical strength and ability, climbs up one of four volcanoes. The region is also a living archeological museum, with Inca and atacameo ruins that date back thousands of years, remnants of ancient trade routes, and the village's Padre le Paige Museum that features perfectly preserved artifacts such as tools, clothing, and instruments used in religious ceremonies. The Atacama Desert is the closest a traveler can get to the moon while still on earth. It is the driest desert in the world, a region where rainfall is measured in millimeters, not centimeters. The aridity of the Atacama, an altitude of 7,900 to 14,000 feet, and a lack of environmental pollution combine to create a rarefied atmosphere and an unparalleled stargazing Mecca (the ESO and Bill Gates-funded ALMA telescope, the most powerful in the world, opens here in 2014). Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa boasts an observatory platform and telescope, enough distance from San Pedro to not be affected by light pollution, and is one of the few places in the desert where the average visitor is treated to an open window to the glittering galaxy above.

Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa | Press Kit 2011

ECO-FRIENDLY ARCHITECTURE Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa is a stunning example of ecological architecture designed to seamlessly blend into the natural surroundings of the Catarpe Valley, where the lodge is located, using clay walls that blend into the terracotta peaks of the Salt Mountains that rise behind the property. The lodge is long and low-slung, and almost imperceptible from a distance. An oval shape gives the lodge the appearance of embracing its surroundings rather than competing against nature. Even at night, low-lit walkways with LED lights provide just enough illumination for guests' comfort without polluting the Atacama night sky. The lodges on-site landscape artist is a botanist who has devised "Andescape" using ancient irrigation techniques and local flora. The natural areas of the lodge's property measure 20,000 sq. meters, including an orchard, a llama and alpaca corral, an open-air mineral display and Atacama-style terraces frequently seen in local agriculture. The building

materials of the landscaped area are 90% local and were all purchased from the local atacameo and aymara communities, using local labor and building techniques.

SUSTAINABILITY

EMISSIONS MONITORING Since mid 2009 and throughout 2010, Alto Atacama staff has periodically monitored levels of consumption of gas, water and electricity in order to calculate our 2010 Carbon Footprint, and MINIMUM ENVIRONMENTAL begin, in 2011, diverse and IMPACT integral measures to lower our Alto Atacama is one of the few CO2 contamination, and evaluate hotels in San Pedro that has a renewable energy alternatives. water treatment plant that works efficiently, returning water to the LOCAL ECONOMY environment completely clean. Alto Atacama prioritizes the use The lodge pumps its own water of fresh, local ingredients to offer from underground aquifers; this cuisine that is a fusion of water has a high saline content Mediterranean, Chilean and and therefore is not used by Atacamea, making a special locals for drinking or irrigation. effort to purchase a high The lodge then treats the water percentage of its food products with a reverse osmosis plant to come from local sources in the II make it pure. Used water is then Region of Antofagasta. Alto recycled for irrigation of the Atacama gives priority to hiring hotel's plants and trees. Alto from the local population. For Atacama uses only Ecolab those who are not local, the hotel biodegradable cleaning products rents 4 houses from the local that come concentrated in small community rather than having plastic bags that are diluted with built a lodging unit specifically for water in re-usable dispensers, hotel employees. and the lodge encourages guests to reuse towels/linens. The lodge offers 2 internship opportunities each year for Alto Atacama also generates its students in high school or own electricity and keeps rooms university, as well as the cool naturally during the summer Strategic Alliance School with dark adobe walls and Program" for students studying windows that let in a fresh tourism and administration in the breeze, rather than depending on Likan Antai high school, and the air conditioning. partial payment for the salary for an English-language teacher at the high school Eco-Legio Sairecabur. Throughout the year and especially during the holidays, the Alto Atacama donates funds to the San Pedro Municipality.

LEAVE NO TRACE EXCURSIONS Deserts are static, and marks to the land made during excursions remain for long periods of time, the reason why the Alto Atacama's guides are trained in Leave No Trace principles. Whether hiking, biking, or traveling by van, traveling is undertaken using marked trails only. Our Lodge's guides and drivers are principally local atacameos who encourage guests to experience and enjoy the local culture respectfully, interacting as much as possible in order to learn about cultural traditions and not treat locals as just subjects to be photographed. WASTE DISPOSAL A recycling plant has yet to be established in San Pedro de Atacama or anywhere in the north of Chile, so the lodge separates all waste into groups and sends all of the recycling items back to Santiago, including used oils and batteries, and gives used glass to the Coaniquem Foundation. The lodge currently works on two waste management projects. One project works with the San Pedro community to promote efficient recycling, and the second is to implement the lodge's own composting system for organic waste.

Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa | Press Kit 2011

Chiles desert is blessed with the clearest skies in the southern hemisphere and Alto Atacamas unique location away from the bright lights of the village of San Pedro means there is zero light pollution, providing the most dramatic setting for an evening of stargazing. The viewing area is atop a small hill, right next to the hotel, thus providing an even better vantage point. The hotels professional telescope is unique. Unlike most other astronomical experiences in the area, where coordinates are punched into a computer to focus on one particular point, Alto Atacamas is 100% manual thus allowing guests to explore the skies as they wish, all under the expert supervision of our guides, trained by one of the countrys most prominent astronomers. This experience, however, is not designed to be a scientific one, rather a sensorial one, an emotional link with the cosmos. As there is so much to

see with the naked eye, one can simply sit back on one of our specially designed lounge chairs, sipping a pre-dinner drink, and absorb the majesty of the night sky. To maximize the intimate nature of the hotels stargazing experience, groups are limited to six guests. THE EXCURSION The observation deck has six lounge chairs and the telescope. Once the group has assembled on the deck, a guide gives a 15-minute introductory briefing, before indicating planets, galaxies and the major stars and constellations of the southern sky, with the aid of a professional laser pointer. Guests are free to explore the galaxy as they wish, which is the advantage of a manually-operated telescope.

THE TELESCOPE Model: Meade Lightbridge 16 Truss Tube Dobsonian Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector Clear Aperture: 406.4mm (16) Focal Length, Focal Ratio: 1,829mm f/4.5 (16) Max. Practical Visual Power: 700X WHAT YOU WILL SEE Travelers with a grasp of astronomy might find the southern skies disorienting: Orion appears on his head or side, Polaris can't be seen, and the sun can seem lost on its course through the northern sky. Astronomical highlights are the Southern Cross, the Clouds of Magellan, and two irregular satellite galaxies of the Milky Way that are visible to the naked eye. OBSERVATIONS The tour does not operate on the three days prior to and after a full moon.

STARGAZING

Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa | Press Kit 2011

FOR A HEALTHY BALANCE OF BODY AND MIND Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa's deluxe PuriSpa provides an experience that pampers, reduces tension and heals. Located near our six wonderful oasis-like swimming pools, the PuriSpa is a haven of relaxation,

featuring an indoor Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, as well as massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, and even gong therapy. Alto Atacama's day excursions nourish the body and soul, and the PuriSpa leaves guests relaxed and revitalized for the next day's adventure. The PuriSpa is unique from other San Pedro spas because it offers personalized treatments, working to soothe individual issues such as muscular pains, stress, headaches, or any other specific problem, adapting treatments to suit each guest. The PuriSpa also offers body treatments that incorporate natural and local products and which have been inspired by ancient philosophies and traditions.

Our NEW, sybaritic treatment in 2011 is our evening massages, provided either indoors surrounded by candlelight and fragrant aromas, or outdoors as a Moonlight Massage. The PuriSpa also offers a spacious indoor salon especially suited for couples to enjoy a romantic candlelit massage. The PuriSpa's signature treatment is the Sabay Massage, which signifies "life and longevity." More guests have raved about this massage than any other, with its feels-so-good sensation and its revitalizing effect on the body. Like a stone massage, the Sabay treatment incorporates the use of "pindas," or warm cotton bags filled with herbs, essential oils, and the local

chaar nut, which aids in circulation and relieving stress, insomnia, inflammations, and other ailments. Other treatments special to the PuriSpa are: ALTIPLANIC MUD WRAP This treatment uses locally sourced clay and honey, and is applied to the entire body to eliminate dead skin cells and to soften the skin. The clay mix, once washed off, is followed by a hydration massage. QUINOA FACIAL The Altiplanico's prize grain, quinoa, is used in this facial, along with honey and yoghurt. The facial is exfoliating and leaves the skin fresh and bright.

PURI SPA: RELAXATION & WELLNESS

Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa | Press Kit 2011

WINING & DINING

GOURMET CUISINE AND FINE CHILEAN WINES Alto Atacama serves delicious, healthy cuisine that is a blend of Mediterranean, Chilean, and Atacaman dishes - many of which include elements unique to the Atacama region - always using fresh, locally produced ingredients. These include organic produce grown locally, which in turn gives back to local growers, and prime meat and seafood from local suppliers. Breakfast begins the day with an ample buffet offering fresh fruit and fruit juices, quinoa cereals, yoghurts, cheese and charcuterie, freshly baked bread, and eggs made to order. At lunch and dinner, the lodge serves a set menu that includes one fish and one meat dish, and is comprised of an appetizer or salad, main course, and dessert. The kitchen staff also provides special meals for vegetarians and other guests with dietary restrictions.

Our restaurant incorporates many local ingredients in its cuisine, some of which include: Socaire potatoes, a purple or two-toned pink potato from the nearby village Socaire; quinoa, a highly nutritional grain from the Andes; the tasty herb ricarica, used in teas and in desserts; and chaar, a locally grown berry used in sweets. Visiting "foodies" delight in the creative and delicious pairings by our chef Rodrigo Villarroel -- you may wish to ask him about local products and have him show you a few while staying at the Lodge. The signature drink at our bar is the Rica-Rica Pisco Sour, a variation on the classic Chilean aperitif made with pisco brandy that has been steeped in rica-rica herbs for weeks, giving the pisco sour a delicious and herbal tinge. Meals at the lodge are served alongside premium wines from top vineyards from Chile's Central Valley. Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa prides itself on warm and personalized service that anticipates guests' needs rather than just a response to a request. As part of the hotel's premium packages, wine, soft drinks, and the guestroom minibars are free of charge so that guests need only worry about relaxing and enjoying themselves.

Alto Atacama desert lodge & spa | Press Kit 2011