Today’s entrepreneurs, coaches, and digital nomads often seek their work-life balance in unexpected destinations. Medellín, Colombia, has become the destination of choice for many entrepreneurs, coaches and digital nomads who want to experience life in a city that was once marred by its violent past but is now thriving in the future. With a spring-like climate, fast internet, warm people, and a vibrant creative pulse, Medellín has become one of the most attractive destinations for remote work and intentional living. It’s quickly establishing itself as the wellness capital of not just Colombia, but all of Latin America—drawing remote workers, digital nomads, wellness leaders, and creative entrepreneurs from around the globe.
Two properties are leading this revolution: Kiin Living and Versus Hotel, both managed by Medellín-based innovators, Stay Group. We spoke with Maria Alejandra Piedrahita and Alejandra Echavarria, two of the visionaries of the Stay Group and Canadian entrepreneur Derek Skol of SKOL Media Group, who has lived and worked at both Kiin Living and Versus Hotel. We found more than just boutique hospitality—it was a blueprint for a new kind of lifestyle.
We spoke with Maria Alejandra Piedrahita and Alejandra Echavarria, two of the visionaries of the Stay Group and Canadian entrepreneur Derek Skol of SKOL Media Group, who has lived and worked at both Kiin Living and Versus Hotel. We found more than just boutique hospitality—it was a blueprint for a new kind of lifestyle.
Photo: Interior design and city views from Versus Hotel — courtesy of Versus Hotel
Kiin Living: A Space for Intentional Living and Deep Work
This space is built for wellness and productivity and is not just another co-living space, it is a well-designed ecosystem that helps people bring their best self to the table.
“We created this space so our guests only have to worry about their work and well-being,” says Echavarria. “Everything else is taken care of.”
24/7 rooftop gym and sauna, wellness classes, a coworking space and a tech-enabled concierge system, Kiin Living supports both structure and spontaneity. There’s also Moira, an on-site café and restaurant that doubles as a gathering space and wellness haven. Moira’s kitchen follows Stay Group’s nutritional philosophy which means that only locally sourced ingredients are used and no seed oils, only free-range proteins, and natural sweeteners such as honey and stevia are allowed.
A typical day at Kiin Living starts with a rooftop swim, then a yoga class followed by a relaxing sauna and a high-protein breakfast at Moira and then a full day of focused work. Muay Thai or sound healing might be on the agenda for the afternoon and then it’s time to connect whether it’s through meals or events curated by the community.
“This is the rhythm of intentional living,” says Maria. “Our guests come here to focus, grow, and connect—with themselves and others.”
Kiin has an application process. Guests are selected not just based on their profession but on their mindset. “We are looking for people who are into growth, whether it is personal, spiritual, or professional growth,” says Alejandra.
Derek Skol, a digital nomad who spends half his year in Canada and half in Latin America agrees. “Kiin isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to evolve. The energy invites you to slow down and get clear on your next move.”
And while Kiin is adults-only, pets are more than welcome. In fact, Kiin has its own adopted cat, named Kiin, who is part of the family.
Photo: Kiin Living and Medellín skyline from El Tesoro Mall, facing the Andes — by Derek Skol
Versus Hotel: A Space Where Culture and Community Meet
Just a short drive from Kiin is Versus Hotel, which is also a luxurious property with a bold mission: to break the mold of traditional hospitality.
“Versus is designed to be the anti-hotel,” says Skol. “It’s where travelers and locals naturally cross paths. You might join a book club one night and a sound bath the next—all set in the heart of El Poblado, close to local culture but tucked just far enough from the tourist noise to feel like you’ve arrived somewhere more grounded.”
Cultural immersion is what Versus thrives on. Unlike Kiin’s residential-style approach, Versus invites the city in—hosting events that bring guests and locals together. Creative workshops, community yoga, wellness panels, and live music are just a few of the things that keep the hotel buzzing with connection.
The on-site Versus Café plays a key role in this energy. It’s more than a coffee bar—it’s a cultural landmark, a place where guests can sip Colombian coffee, chat with locals, and relax between work sessions or events. Like Moira, the café prioritizes health-forward options and supports Medellín’s local food ecosystem. The goal of our design was to establish an atmosphere that appears to be breathing, according to Maria. The space extends beyond tourism since it immerses visitors into becoming part of the local community.
The wellness floor’s Roman-style bathhouse and infrared sauna stand out as unique attractions that provide travelers with an opportunity to find relaxation while they reset their minds. Visitors at Versus depart after their stay more centered than when their journey began through activities including meditation in the outdoor spaces or cold baths.
Photo: Versus Café at night, Medellín — by Derek Skol
Why Medellín, Why Now?
According to Maria Alejandra, Medellín has undergone a complete transformation. Visitors discover both safety and natural beauty alongside vast untapped possibilities in this place.
The city’s comeback story is remarkable. Before its renaissance, Medellín bore the negative reputation of its past history before emerging as a city known for its forward-thinking and sustainable development alongside inclusive urban planning. The city continues to draw in more entrepreneurs, expats, and innovative businesses because of its solid digital infrastructure and two international airports, together with an efficient public transportation network and an increasing number of creative professionals.
According to Skol, the city offers a peaceful rhythm, which feels wonderful. People smile. They look you in the eye. The weather is perfect. It’s easy to focus, to create, to feel inspired.”
The atmosphere in Medellín is difficult to explain yet it generates a powerful energy that visitors can easily sense. According to Maria, the location offers a unique experience that promotes personal transformation. The establishment of supportive areas for this purpose is what we have designed.
Photo: Medellín city and Andes mountain view from Kiin Living event patio — by Derek Skol
Stay Group’s Bigger Vision
The opening success of Kiin and Versus Hotel marks the beginning of Stay Group’s expanding presence in the market. Stay Group is developing a new wellness-focused hotel called Wake Biohotel, which will open its doors to guests in the upcoming year. The facility at Wake features biohacking elements alongside longevity and regenerative health options that include hyperbaric chambers, cold therapy, and innovative spa treatments. They already have the luxurious Wake, which is also redefining luxury living in Medellín through thoughtfully designed spaces that blend wellness, comfort, and community.
The company has established venues that assist people to enhance their lifespan while improving their quality of life, according to Alejandra. The company offers services that influence how customers sleep, eat, work, and make connections with others.
Stay Group aims to become Medellín’s biggest hospitality operator while maintaining its goal of providing intimate local services that serve a purpose.
Photo: Rooftop seating area at Kiin Living with El Tesoro Mall in background — by Derek Skol
Planning Your Stay
Digital professionals worldwide now choose Medellín as one of their top inspirational destinations when planning stays ranging from 10-day work sprints to month-long winter escapes and complete lifestyle transformations.
The two establishments, Kiin Living and Versus Hotel, provide different living spaces that support meaningful lifestyle experiences for those seeking supportive environments while maintaining their unique lifestyle approaches.
Skol describes the experience by stating that visitors initially arrive because of weather conditions, affordable living expenses, and curiosity but stay because of the welcoming residents who provide the perfect sense of belonging.
If you enjoyed this article and feel inspired to learn more, visit their websites or follow them on Instagram to stay connected.
Find them at: @Kiin.Living | @VersusHotels | @VersusCafe_ | @moira.mde
