Starting 2025 in the Region of Eternal Spring

At 4 a.m. on January 1st, 2025, I wasn’t out partying. Instead, I was on my way to the airport, catching a flight to Medellín. My family hadn’t traveled during the holidays in decades, but this year, we had a special reason to celebrate—my brother’s wedding in the neighboring town of Rionegro.

This joyous occasion brought my entire family together, and to make it even more special, my boyfriend joined me on the trip. It was an unforgettable way to begin the New Year, surrounded by love and glee.

This year’s start felt different. I wasn’t setting goals or reflecting on wishes made while eating grapes at midnight. For once, I didn’t even write down my resolutions amid the buzz of the season. Instead, I was truly present, living moments I had once wished for—a refreshing way to step into 2025.

Our trip was family-oriented, and since we traveled in a large group, we focused on casual, comfortable settings ideal for everyone. Weddings and Medellín are becoming increasingly popular, so if you’re considering visiting this magical region, here’s some inspiration for your journey!

RIONEGRO

Upon landing in Rionegro, I was struck by its natural beauty. The rolling mountains, lush greenery, colorful houses, and blooming flowers perfectly embody Medellín’s nickname: the “City of Eternal Spring.”

We stayed at Hotel Lagoon Llanogrande, a calming retreat with tasteful décor, kind staff, a delicious breakfast buffet, and a serene outdoor space featuring a pool and a hummingbird garden. The hotel felt like a peaceful haven where we created cherished memories.

On our first day, while we waited for the rest of the party and solved a few last minute errands, we spent some time at Jardines Llanogrande, a cozy mall that merged with the area's vegetation and had a restaurant called Candilejas, where we had what tasted like a feast: coffee, milo caliente (our chocolate milk) and empanadas. It was my first memory of 2025 and I treasure it dearly.

For lunch, we visited Marmoleo, a traditional Colombian restaurant with an inviting outdoor area. We sipped on refreshing cocktails (mango mojito and tamarind margarita) and shared a picada montañera—an assortment of Colombian treats like patacones, morcilla, and arepas.

During our stay, we explored more restaurants with similar cozy vibes that catered to large groups. Here are some highlights:

• La Herencia Casa Club: Located in a spacious area with a stable-turned-main-restaurant, this spot also offers kiosks for drinks, a petting zoo, and even tejo (a traditional Colombian bar game). Standout dishes included the gnocchi de plátano and the truffle arepa. Don’t miss the coffee and obleas kiosk—it’s a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

  
  

• La Finca de Rigo: Owned by Colombian cyclist Rigoberto Urán, this bustling venue offers a comprehensive menu. The deditos de queso were the best I’ve ever had (and I’ve tried many!), but other highlights included the burrata de plátano, empanadas, watermelon lemonade, and café de la tía.

  
  

For activities, horseback riding (cabalgatas) is a must. We chose Fonda Caballo Loco, and while the experience started with some comedic attempts at controlling our horses, it turned into a scenic and memorable way to explore the area. Some groups even dressed in traditional attire or enjoyed drinks along the way—it’s a customizable adventure guaranteed to spark laughter.

Finally, my brother’s wedding at the charming Our Lady of Chiquinquirá Church was a highlight of the trip, and it’s worth visiting if you’re in Rionegro.

MEDELLIN:

We only had three hours to explore Medellín, so we chose to visit the Botanical Garden and enjoy an exceptional meal.

The Botanical Garden, with its Orquideario, is a serene escape showcasing stunning orchids in a grand structure. Afterward, we strolled along Provenza, Medellín’s iconic street known for its lively party scene.

For lunch, we dined at Alambique, a hidden gem in El Poblado. The bohemian setting, complete with indoor trees, old books, and eclectic art, set the tone for an incredible dining experience. Their Colombian-inspired sharing plates are generous and packed with flavor. My favorite dish was the erizos de posta cartagenera, but the aguacates perfectos, brisket, ceviche de chicharrón, and meatballs were equally divine.

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Medellín and its surrounding areas are brimming with beauty and charm. Whether you’re visiting for a special occasion or just exploring, this magical region has something for everyone.

Let me know your favorite spots in Medellín—I’d love to hear your recommendations.

XO, Daniela