Luxury dog-friendly hotels in Medellín, Colombia

Nestled in the heart of the Aburrá Valley, Medellín has well and truly kicked its former insalubrious reputation to the curb; reinventing itself as Colombia’s cultural hub. Wander through its gridded streets, draped in vibrant flowers, past El Poblado’s locally-owned cafés scented with the rich roasted coffee beans that grow in the surrounding mountains, and ride up to the street-art haven of Comuna 13, one of Medellín’s strongest success stories courtesy of 1,259ft outdoor escalators linking the once dangerous neighbourhood to the city centre. Parque de Las Luces and Plaza Botero are also designed to make you look, filled with distinct Colombian-made sculptures. Fully reformed and raring to go, with its friendly paisas, thrilling nightlife and coruscating colour throughout its barrios, Medellín might be Colombia's second city, but it's coming out on top.