Envy Rooftop Bar at the Charlee Hotel

Towering over Parque Lleras, the Charlee Hotel is impossible to miss. Take the elevator 18 floors up, past the penthouse, and you’ll reach the Envy rooftop bar.

On August 23, Envy was the scene of a launch party for the hotel’s Ultra Wellness Center, which claims to be Medellin’s largest gym.

If true, that’s impressive, as I’ve been to several Bodytech gyms, and they are all immense in size, and packed with modern equipment.

While I was having some friends over to my Medellin apartment for drinks, partygoers were sipping on free wine and watching a fitness exhibition in the gym.

After we finished at my place, we headed over to Envy. The event was invitation only, but luckily, we had Yamile (a Medellin Living reader) with us.

She had an invite, which allowed our whole group, including Mr. Ryan Goes Abroad, to enter.

I’d been curious about Envy since The Charlee Hotel opened for business.

When you walk into Envy, there’s a long bar to the left.

Looking to the right, you’re almost eye level with the pool and surrounding terrace. I thought it’d be cool to have a few sharks in the water, but I don’t think that’d go over well with the guests.

I was happy to see some of my favorite liquors on display, including Bombay Sapphire and Grey Goose.

That night, I decided to stick with beer. A Club Colombia runs 8,000 pesos ($4.40), which is not the highest I’ve paid for a beer in the city.

We walked around the pool, and met up with my friend Jasmine, and other members of the new Medellin Entrepreneur’s Society (more on that in a future post).

I felt a tad underdressed, as I looked around the bar, and noticed men in button down shirts and jackets, versus the typical t-shirt and jeans I was use to seeing in other bars and discotecas.

Turns out, Envy is one of the few Medellin nightspots with a dress code.

As I was leaving later, I’d learn there were a few telenovela actresses at the party, which goes to show the kind of clientele Envy attracts.

Above the pool terrace is a second level with more tables and couches, and another bar.

The views at night were not that great, as you can’t see much.

Judging from the video above, and photos on Envy’s Facebook page, the views of Poblado during the day are much better.

Envy throws regular pool parties and fashion events, which are a great excuse for the Colombian girls to don bathing suits in the city.

And speaking of girls, Envy attracts its share of beautiful paisas.

Just be sure to dress for the occasion!