Romance, like travel, is all about the details. It's not enough to reserve a table; it's about the lighting, the music, the service, and that feeling that time stands still when you're with the right person in the right place. Medellín, with its eternal spring, offers the ideal backdrop for these stories.
El Poblado, in particular, has the most sophisticated infrastructure for romance in the city. But among so many noisy and touristy options, finding those intimate and special corners can be a challenge. Where can you talk without shouting? Which place has the best view but also the best cocktails?
We've designed this “Date Night” guide with different types of couples in mind: from foodies seeking culinary excellence to adventurers who want to create memories by doing something new together.
1. Dinner: The classic reinvented
Dinner is still the centerpiece of a date, but in El Poblado, the experience is elevated to a whole new level. Here, you don't just go to eat, you go on a journey through the senses.
For lovers of intimacy: Tal Cual (Barrio Manila)
If you're looking for a place where the noise of the street disappears and you feel like you're in your own living room (but with an incredible chef), Tal Cual is the choice. Located in the heart of Manila, this restaurant-gallery combines art and gastronomy.
The atmosphere: Dim lighting, artwork on the walls, and soft music. It's cozy and personal.
The dish: Their risotto
The dish: Their mushroom risotto or slow-cooked meats are perfect for sharing. The wine list is affordable and well-selected for pairing.
To impress: El Cielo (Zona Rosa)
If the occasion is a marriage proposal or a major anniversary, Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos' El Cielo is the statement.
The experience: It's molecular and sensory cuisine. There are moments where they wash your hands with chocolate or you try edible “clouds.” It's a show lasting several hours that guarantees you'll have something to talk about all night. Reservations are required well in advance.
For a cosmopolitan vibe: Oci.Mde (Provenza)
For modern couples who prefer a more trendy and vibrant, yet elegant atmosphere.
The concept: Dishes to share in the center of the table. This makes dinner more interactive and less formal. “Try this,” “let me give you a bite of that.”
The atmosphere: Modern architecture, high ceilings, use of wood and metal. It's sophisticated and sexy.
2. Pre or Post Drinks: Views to fall in love with
No date is complete without a toast, and in Medellín, the toast tastes better with a view. The rooftops of El Poblado offer that atmosphere of exclusivity and disconnection.
Envy Rooftop (Parque Lleras/Provenza)
Located on the top floor of The Charlee Hotel, it offers a direct view of the city and the aquarium-style pool.
The plan: Arrive just at sunset (6:00 p.m.) to watch the sky change colors. Their signature cocktails are fresh and fruity. It's a place to see and be seen, ideal for couples who enjoy social energy.
Mosquito (The Click Clack Hotel)
With a 360-degree view, this rooftop has a more relaxed and “cool” vibe.
The plan: Perfect for after dinner. The music is usually excellent (live DJs but with moderate volume at the beginning of the night) and they have bonfires or heaters for cool nights, which invites you to snuggle up.
3. Active Experiences: Break the Routine
Sometimes, the most romantic thing is to learn something new together. Stepping outside the “dinner and a movie” script creates strong neural and emotional connections.
Private Salsa Class
Medellín breathes rhythm. Although Cali is famous for salsa, Medellín is also a great place to dance. Several academies in El Poblado offer private classes for couples.
Why it works: Dancing requires physical contact, coordination, and trust in each other. It's a fun activity where you can laugh at your mistakes and celebrate your successes. An hour-long class to learn the basic steps before heading out to a real salsa bar is an excellent icebreaker.
Chocolate and Coffee Tasting
At places like Pergamino or specialty shops in Manila, you can book a sensory experience.
The detail: Discovering flavor notes together, smelling the beans, and tasting different percentages of cocoa is a sensual and sophisticated activity. Plus, chocolate is a well-known natural aphrodisiac.
Couples Massage
Several high-end spas on the Golden Mile offer “Spa Day” packages for two.
Relaxation: Private Jacuzzi, deep tissue massages, and aromatherapy. It's the best way to disconnect from work stress and reconnect with your partner in a state of total relaxation.
4. Evening stroll: Walking hand in hand
Before ending the night, walking is essential. But you have to know where to go. Walking through Lleras Park can be too chaotic for a romantic date.
We recommend walking along the pedestrianized Provenza (Carrera 35) under the hanging lights, or better yet, through the quiet streets of the Manila neighborhood.
The atmosphere in Manila is quiet, safe, and warmly lit by street lamps and restaurants. Walking from the restaurant to the hotel along these tree-lined streets allows for that final intimate conversation, that summary of the evening without interruptions.
5. The Grand Finale: Hotel Sloh
Date night doesn't end when you pay the restaurant bill; it ends (or begins again) when you arrive at your accommodation. This is where many fail by choosing impersonal or noisy hotels.
At Hotel Sloh, we have designed the experience with privacy and sensory comfort in mind, which are vital for romance.
Smart Rooms: Imagine arriving at your room and, with a voice command or a touch on the panel, adjusting the lights to a warm, dim tone (“Mood Lighting”), closing the curtains, and playing your favorite romantic playlist on the integrated high-quality sound system. Technology is at the service of the atmosphere.
Room Service and Details: Would you like a bottle of wine in your room? A late breakfast in bed the next day? Our service is discreet and efficient, focused on ensuring you don't have to worry about anything other than each other.
Location in Manila: Being in Manila, you are far from the noise of the nightclubs, but close to everything. It is the perfect refuge to “hide” from the world.
Ideas for Special Occasions at Sloh
If you let us know in advance that you're coming to celebrate a special occasion, our team of Sloh Hosts can help you set the stage:
Subtle decoration with local flowers.
A personalized welcome note.
Priority reservations at partner restaurants in the neighborhood.
Romance in Medellín is easy if you know where to look. Leave generic plans behind and dare to experience a night designed for the two of you.