At La Makha, the dining experience transcends the palate to become a full sensory journey. The restaurant is not just a place where exceptional food is served; it is an architectural sanctuary where design, light, and materials converge to create an atmosphere that immediately transports diners to the elegant calm of the Mediterranean—without losing sight of its Colombian essence. Here, every detail—from the orientation of the building to the texture of the table linens—is meticulously curated to evoke serenity, beauty, and a deep connection with the surroundings.
1. Design Philosophy: Where the Mediterranean Meets the Tropics
La Makha was born from a bold idea: blending the relaxed, sophisticated aesthetic of Mediterranean villas with the vibrancy and color of the Colombian landscape. The project’s lead architect drew inspiration from bioclimatic design concepts and traditional architecture from regions like Andalusia, Greece, and Southern Italy, intelligently adapting them to the local climate and culture.
Integration with the landscape: The restaurant seems to gently emerge from the terrain. Efforts were made to avoid altering the natural topography, and native vegetation was incorporated as an essential part of the design. Palm trees, olive trees, and bougainvillea intertwine with stone and wood structures, creating a constant dialogue between the built and the natural.
Fluid spaces and blurred boundaries: The distinction between indoors and outdoors is intentionally subtle. Large sliding wooden doors allow the façades to fully open, transforming the main hall into a covered terrace that embraces the region’s fresh breezes. This design not only optimizes natural ventilation but also immerses diners in the garden as they enjoy their meal.
2. Bioclimatic Architecture: Sustainability and Comfort
La Makha’s design is a masterful example of how architecture can be both sustainable and luxurious. Passive strategies were employed to reduce energy consumption while maximizing thermal comfort.
Natural stone walls: Beyond their aesthetic value, these walls act as thermal mass, absorbing heat during the day and gradually releasing it at night to maintain a stable, pleasant indoor temperature.
High ceilings with exposed wooden beams: This solution provides grandeur and visual warmth while allowing hot air to accumulate above, improving cool air circulation at ground level. Latticework in the eaves shields from harsh sun while allowing filtered light to pass through.
Interior courtyards and water features: Inspired by Andalusian patios, these spaces incorporate greenery and flowing water, naturally cooling and humidifying the environment. The soothing sound of water also creates an acoustic layer that muffles noise, enhancing conversational intimacy.
3. Noble Materials: The Texture of Authenticity
Material selection was crucial to conveying the essence of the concept. Natural, local, and artisanal elements were prioritized—materials that age gracefully and tell a story.
Coralline stone: Quarried regionally, this porous, warm-toned stone covers floors and walls, evoking Mediterranean coastal constructions.
Guadua and mahogany wood: Fast-growing, resilient Colombian woods were used for ceilings, furniture, and decorative elements. Their unique grain and deep tones add warmth and organic charm.
Handcrafted ceramics: Exclusive pieces were commissioned from artisans in Ráquira and Carmen de Viboral, with geometric patterns reminiscent of Portuguese and Spanish tiles, reinterpreted with pre-Columbian motifs.
Linen and cotton textiles: Tablecloths, curtains, and cushions are made from open-weave natural fabrics, allowing airflow while providing freshness and lightness.
4. The Magic of Light: Natural and Artificial Scenography
Lighting is one of the most carefully considered elements at La Makha. The goal was to recreate the golden Mediterranean sunset light—famous for its warmth and ability to create intimate settings.
Dynamic natural light: The building’s orientation was designed to follow the sun’s path. In the morning, soft lateral light enters without glare. At sunset, low rays create dramatic and welcoming shadow play.
Artificial lighting strategies:
Layers of light: Four layers of lighting were combined:
General lighting: Recessed ceiling lights with dimmable settings.
Accent lighting: Spotlights highlighting artistic or architectural elements.
Task lighting: Low-hanging pendant lamps above each table, with exposed filament bulbs emitting a warm amber glow that flatters both food and faces.
Ambient lighting: Beeswax candles on every table and in strategic niches, their flickering flame adding warmth and movement.
Color temperature: Lights with a warm amber range of 2200K–2700K were chosen for all areas, completely avoiding cold or bluish tones that feel artificial and unappealing.
5. Sound and Scent Ambience: The Invisible Music
The sensory experience at La Makha is completed with layers of auditory and olfactory stimuli designed to relax and transport guests.
Carefully curated soundtrack: Music plays a subtle yet essential role. A high-fidelity sound system delivers playlists blending:
Acoustic jazz and bossa nova in the afternoons.
Organic electronic music (artists like Bonobo, Tycho) in the evenings, with soft beats that don’t interfere with conversation.
Nature sounds: Ambient recordings of waves, forests, and light rain, played at very low volume in bathrooms and hallways, fostering a sense of connection with the environment.
Scents that tell a story: Smell is perhaps the most evocative sense. La Makha uses subtle environmental aromatherapy:
In the entrance hall, diffusers release a blend of lemon, basil, and fresh rosemary.
In the dining areas, the aroma comes from table candles with notes of sandalwood and bergamot.
The most important scent, of course, emanates from the kitchen: woodsmoke, fresh herbs, and citrus carried directly to the table.
6. The Guest Experience: A Journey Through Space
Exploring La Makha is an experience in itself. The spatial flow guides diners through distinct environments, each with its own personality.
The arrival: Guests enter through an herb garden softly lit by lanterns. The sound of a fountain and the aroma of wet earth and mint mark the transition from the outside world.
The main hall: A spacious yet intimate room, where background noise is kept low thanks to sound-absorbing materials (jute rugs, linen curtains) and the high ceiling. Tables are arranged to ensure privacy, separated by tall planters filled with vegetation.
The terrace: The most coveted spot. Rattan furniture with cushions in neutral and cobalt blue tones, canvas umbrellas, and discreet heaters for cooler evenings. From here, the sunset view is spectacular.
The bar: A social focal point, clad in travertine marble and illuminated with embedded spotlights that make the bottles glow. The perfect place to enjoy a botanical cocktail before dinner.
Design as an Extension of Culinary Philosophy
La Makha’s design is not mere decoration; it is the materialization of the same philosophy that drives its cuisine: authenticity, respect for origins, and the pursuit of beauty in the natural. Every design decision—from raw stone to candlelight—serves to create a coherent, memorable emotional experience. It is a place where time seems to slow down, where the senses awaken, and where elegance is defined by simplicity and a deep connection to the essential.
Ready to Immerse Yourself in This Unique Atmosphere?
The complete La Makha experience—gastronomy, pairing, design, and ambience—awaits to transport you to a Mediterranean retreat in the heart of Colombia.
Reserve your table at La Makha and enjoy a night where every detail tells a story.
