Disclosure
Jade Peak writes about places, experiences, and the people behind them, so hotels, operators, and companies come up often. We have no financial relationship with any entity named in this article. If that ever changes, we'll say so plainly, right here at the top.
One of Jade Peak's co-founders is from Madrid, so we're going to continue this series looking at the things happening in the city that genuinely interest us. New wellness concepts, interesting communities, recovery spaces, food projects and adventure stuff…
Our beloved capital was built on late dinners, packed terraces and long nights. We’ve all ended up in La Latina or Malasaña on a late night. Let’s not pretend otherwise. If you're from Madrid, you'll understand exactly what we mean. If you're not, let us explain.
For many of us, wellness never looked like a protocol. It looked like a three-hour lunch with family. A walk through Retiro on a Sunday morning. A weekend in the mountains, the sierra of Madrid . Sitting on a terrace talking nonsense with friends until it somehow became midnight.
That was our version of recovery. And to be honest, it still is.
What is interesting is that if you live in Madrid today, or you're thinking about moving here, you've probably noticed something changing.The city is evolving and finally getting some of the recognition it deserves:
Olimpia TWC and the rise of recovery-first fitness
One of the clearest examples is Olimpia in Hortaleza or Orense, which I visited myself shortly after it opened.
What makes it interesting is not the reformer Pilates and mat pilates, infrared sauna or recovery treatments including massages. What stood out to me was the atmosphere. It feels welcoming to everyone. Locals, expats, people visiting Madrid for a few days.
It's also one of those places where you want to stay longer than planned.
The attention to detail is what really surprised me. Small things, thoughtful touches like an incredible section of perfume and a feeling that people genuinely care about the experience.
Oysho Community and the new social infrastructure
One of the most interesting developments in Madrid and Barcelona is Oysho Community, which organises running clubs, yoga sessions, hiking events and fitness experiences.If you're wondering how to sign up, you'll need their app.
Oysho is one of the most recognisable sportswear brands in Spain. If you spend enough time here, you'll see it everywhere. One of Jade Peak's co-founders still owns plenty of their clothing herself.
What we find interesting is not necessarily the brand, but the community they have managed to build. The running boom happening across Europe is very visible in Madrid. Weekly runs that would have attracted a handful of people a few years ago now fill entire plazas.
Beyond the brand itself, we like the direction they’ve taken. It feels like a strong step into something more community driven.
Rootina and the evolution of healthy eating
A place that caught our attention because it understands something a lot of wellness brands seem to forget. Our food.
Most people are not looking for the healthiest meal of their lives. They are looking for somewhere they genuinely want to return to next Tuesday. Rootina is built around that idea. Even the name gives it away. Routine.
The food is Mediterranean, generous and approachable. You can feel that the objective is not to impress you with how healthy the menu is. And honestly, we appreciate that. Many wellness-focused restaurants end up catering to a very specific type of customer. The kind of place where someone enthusiastically explains that your healthy pad thai is gluten-free, seed-oil-free, dairy-free… You know the type.
The food is much closer to what many of us grew up eating in European households when people simply wanted to eat well. Good ingredients. Vegetables. Quality proteins. Proper portions. Meals that leave you satisfied. It feels less like wellness marketing and more like real life.
Originally published at jadepeak.com.
