Few places have transformed their reputation as dramatically as Medellín. Once synonymous with cartel violence, the City of Eternal Spring has bloomed into one of South America’s most compelling urban destinations. It’s now a youthful, creative metropolis, where brick buildings dripping with foliage house hip coffee shops, expertly curated boutiques and award-winning restaurants. After just a few hours here, it was easy to see why Medellín has become a hot spot for American retirees and digital nomads, enticed by the high quality of life and low cost of living.

We had great fun (and felt perfectly safe) riding the ingenious cable car metro to spot rare orchids in Parque Arví, walking among the bulbous bronze statues in Plaza Botero, dining on creative Colombian cuisine and experiencing the city’s famous nightlife. We found ourselves, as we often do while traveling, perusing the listings posted on the windows of a real estate office. Although we left Medellín without purchasing a vacation home, at least we have a new recommended hotel to return to.

Elcielo Hotel

After a five-hour nonstop flight from the United States, we headed straight for Elcielo, Medellín’s most luxurious address. Home to one of the most celebrated dining venues in town, the 28-suite hotel revolves around the culinary empire of Medellín-born chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, whose eateries in Miami and Washington, D.C., have earned Michelin stars. In some ways, in fact, the property feels more like a restaurant with rooms attached rather than a hotel.