In the vibrant heart of Madrid — where the city’s rhythm rarely slows — JW Marriott Hotel Madrid has emerged as an unexpected sanctuary of calm, balance, and sensory renewal. Under the guidance of General Manager Andrés Evia, the hotel has crafted a wellness philosophy that goes far beyond traditional hospitality, offering guests a mindful escape rooted in heritage and holistic wellbeing. From Sound Meditation sessions that use ancient instruments to quiet the mind, to Breathwork inspired by Wim Hof that deepens self-awareness and supports emotional clarity, to the deeply restorative state of Yoga Nidra, the hotel invites visitors into practices that recalibrate the body and spirit.

Set inside the historic Álvarez Gómez perfumery building — itself a symbol of sensory craft — JW Marriott Hotel Madrid blends modern serenity with timeless tradition. In this exclusive interview, Andrés Evia shares how the property is reshaping luxury through mindfulness, elevating gastronomy into a wellness ritual, and redefining what it means to truly feel present in one of Europe’s most energetic capitals.

JW Marriott Hotel Madrid has quickly become a landmark of luxury and mindfulness in the city. How would you describe the essence of the JW Marriott experience here — what makes it different from other five-star hotels in Madrid?

The JW Marriott Hotel Madrid embodies a distinctive blend of heritage, serenity and redefined luxury that sets it apart from other five-star hotels in the city. JW Marriott’s essence lies in its mindful approach to hospitality, a philosophy that prioritizes well-being, sensory balance and meaningful connection.

In essence, JW Marriott Hotel Madrid, is not just a place to stay; it is a state of being, an invitation to slow down, savor, and reconnect mind, body and spirit.

The hotel is housed in the historic Álvarez Gómez perfumery building, a place deeply connected to sensory experiences. How did the design and architecture preserve this heritage while creating a space that promotes calm and wellbeing?

The hotel’s setting in the historic Álvarez Gómez perfumery building gives it character and depth. Álvarez Gómez is one of Spain’s most beloved heritage perfume houses – a symbol of timeless elegance, craftsmanship, and sensory refinement.

The design team, led by Rockwell Group, honoured this legacy by preserving the spirit of the original building while transforming it into a sanctuary of modern well-being.

We preserved the architectural soul of this 19th-century landmark, which holds the highest level of Heritage protection. The neoclassical façade and the original wooden staircase were meticulously restored, piece by piece. As you walk through the corridors and common areas, you will find original elements such as iron columns, stone pillars, and antique wooden doors, all complemented by neutral tones that invite rest and reflection.

The architecture guides guests through spaces that encourage slowing down and being present. Public areas are open and light-filled, while guestrooms cocoon guests in soft textures and natural light. Even small details, like lighting that mimics the rhythm of daylight, reinforce the sense of inner balance.

Wellness seems to be at the heart of JW Marriott’s philosophy. Can you tell us how this philosophy is brought to life in Madrid — from the guest experience to the smallest design details?

At JW Marriott Hotel Madrid, wellness is not treated as an amenity but as a way of being that infuses every touchpoint of the guest experience.

The brand’s global philosophy of “mindful luxury” finds a unique expression in Madrid, where sensory heritage and tranquil design converge to foster holistic well-being.

Guests are encouraged to embrace mindful moments throughout their stay – a morning stretch on the terrace, journaling with our in-room mindful postcards, a slow tea ritual at sunset, or guided meditation in the JW Garden. These small gestures transform everyday activities into moments of self-connection.

Your wellness offering has activities such as Sound Meditation and Breathwork inspired by Wim Hof, and Yoga Nidra. How do these practices align with the JW brand’s commitment to mindfulness and holistic wellbeing?

This goes right to the essence of what JW Marriott aims to offer: not only luxury, but a deeper sense of inner harmony between mind, body, and spirit.

The inclusion of practices such as sound meditation, Yoga Nidra, and autohypnosis reflects our intention to provide guests with tools for reconnection – through stillness, awareness, and sensory experience.

These activities beautifully embody the JW Marriott philosophy of mindful luxury and holistic well-being.

Madrid is known for its energy and movement. How does JW Marriott Hotel Madrid offer guests a sense of balance — a way to slow down and reconnect — while still being right in the centre of the city?

The magic of the property lies in how it balances Madrid’s vitality with moments of calm. Guests can enjoy the city’s energy without being overwhelmed by it.
Through fluid design, warm tones, natural textures, and a serene Mediterranean-inspired cuisine crafted with local ingredients, the hotel creates a dialogue between movement and stillness. Here, guests never have to choose between exploration and restoration – they coexist naturally.

QÚ Restaurant, led by Michelin-starred chef Mario Sandoval, brings a culinary dimension to wellness. How do gastronomy and wellbeing intersect in your approach to hospitality?

At JW Marriott Hotel Madrid, wellness extends far beyond the spa — it is something you can taste, feel, and experience. With QÚ, we bring a culinary expression of mindfulness to the table. Each dish celebrates balance and authenticity, crafted with local, seasonal ingredients that nourish both body and soul. Dining here is not just about indulgence, it is about presence. It is a reminder that true luxury is feeling well, connected and completely in the moment.

Can you share more about the hotel’s wellness packages that combine spa treatments with gastronomy? What inspired this multisensory approach to relaxation and indulgence?

Our wellness packages are designed as a journey through the senses, blending the rejuvenating power of our Elysium Spa rituals — featuring Alqvimia products — with the mindful gastronomy of QÚ. From the scents of Madrid (rose, rosemary, lemon, lavender, and chocolate) to the flavours of seasonal Mediterranean cuisine, every detail is curated to help guests pause, reconnect, and rediscover balance. It is wellness not as a treatment, but as an experience of pure presence.

Many travellers today are blending business with leisure — the so-called “bleisure” trend. How does JW Marriott Madrid cater to this new way of living and working while maintaining its focus on wellness?

Today’s traveller no longer wants to choose between performance and presence. At JW Marriott Hotel Madrid, we have created an environment where guests can host meetings, practise mindfulness, and enjoy world-class dining — all within a single, balanced space. Our goal is to make business travel feel purposeful, restorative, and inspiring, proving that wellbeing and success truly go hand in hand.

As General Manager, how do you cultivate a culture of mindfulness and wellbeing among your team? How does this internal philosophy translate into the guest experience?

We believe you cannot genuinely deliver wellbeing unless you live it. For us, the mindful experience is not a concept — it’s a daily practice that begins with our people.
We cultivate a culture where associates feel seen, valued, and supported.
That might mean beginning meetings with a short moment of grounding, extend mindfulness sessions and trainings for the team, and spaces specifically designed at our back-of-house with the same intention as our guest areas, filled with light, calm colors, and areas to recharge, as our tranquil space.

This is what we call “The JW Treatment” — when our associates embody mindfulness, guests don’t just see it, they feel it.

What can we expect from JW Marriott Hotel Madrid in terms of new wellness experiences, collaborations, or innovations that continue to elevate the brand’s holistic offering?

We are exploring collaborations that go beyond traditional hospitality, engaging with local art and cultural institutions.

One such example is the “Art & Wellness” experience with Alqvimia and the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, where a private museum visit is paired with a bespoke spa ritual and a seasonal cocktail at our hotel.

Every initiative we pursue aims to create less noise and more meaningful presence.