In the new enclave of Rachel's Eco Love within the emblematic Kimpton Los Monteros, its founder, Raquel Zamora, He welcomes us with the serenity of someone who has turned his lifestyle into a solid business project. Almost fifteen years ago he coined a term that is now on everyone's lips: Eco Love, a fusion of organic food, movement and holistic wellness.
"If I were to start from scratch today, I would change neither the name nor the concept.”, he says. “Rachel's Eco Love was born out of a real need: to take care of ourselves inside and out. When I started there was a gap in the market; today that awareness is all over the world.".
Eating healthy is no longer a trend, it's a baseline
Rachel's Eco Love's gastronomic proposal is firmly committed to organic and ecological products. “We try to make almost everything natural. There are exceptions on request, but the commitment is clear: the more natural, the better for your health.".
For Zamora, wellness cannot be divided into watertight compartments. “Food and sport go hand in hand. It is a way of life. The person who trains wants to eat healthily, and the person who eats healthily becomes interested in moving. Everything is connected".
Wellness as luxury?
Although his premises are located in premium enclaves, Zamora rejects the luxury label. “Taking care of yourself is not an exclusive privilege. One of our events with sports class and brunch costs 32 euros. It is accessible to anyone who wants to treat themselves to a morning of wellness”. In fact, he says that his meetings are attended by a wide range of people who come from other provinces just to enjoy the experience.
What he does recognise is that his spaces create an aspirational atmosphere: “There are many ways to experience wellness, from the everyday to the more experiential. We offer a beautiful experience, but it is still for everyone.
Global Community and Rachel's World Tour
One of the brand's greatest assets is the international community that has grown up around it. This bond has led to the Rachel's World Tour, with events in Madrid, London, Miami and soon Paris. The format remains the same: sports class with local instructors, followed by the iconic brunch. “Many customers follow us from different countries. They bring friends, relatives... the community grows by itself.".
Wellness, between health and marketing
Zamora does not perceive flaws in the industry, but he does issue a warning: “...the industry is not a failure.“Sport is not only physical, it is also mental and emotional. We must be careful not to turn wellness into a pressure or an aesthetic obligation. The real objective should be to feel good, not to respond to an external demand.".
Longevity with quality of life
In his philosophy, movement is the best preventive medicine: “Movement is the best medicine.“I am not in favour of medicalising everything. Sport helps stress, mood, and many people with anxiety. Before going to the pill, I think you have to try other ways.".
Is living to 120 years a challenge or a condemnation? For the businesswoman the key is clear: “The important thing is not how many years you live, but how you live them. I want to enjoy myself as long as I have quality of life and autonomy. The day I'm not well and I'm a burden, for me that cycle has closed.".
On the emotional state of today's society, she is blunt: “I think that today people are falling apart earlier than before. There is a lack of strength, commitment and values. We demand less of ourselves, but we feel more overwhelmed.".
Success, mistakes and learning
When asked which of his mistakes has proved to be the most profitable, Zamora is not clear. “I have made a lot of mistakes. Mistakes are constant, when you start a business, but I have always seen them as learning. If not here, then somewhere else. The important thing is to keep going and not get paralysed".
Vanity, networks and validation
Her venues and events are highly “Instagrammable”, something she observes naturally, despite the fact that among her clients there are several influencers: “Today everyone records themselves and shares their lives. I don't think they come here to posture. They come because they like the food, the atmosphere and how they feel here.
The quick wellbeing test
We propose a game to Raquel Zamora: to answer only with yes or no to some of the most talked-about concepts in wellness today. His quick, unfiltered answers clearly outline his philosophy:
- Botox: Yes
- Creatine: Of course
- Wearables (watches and control devices): Yes
- Hormones: No
- Sauna: Yes
- Ice bath: Yes
- Hyperbaric chamber: Yes
- Infusion therapies (drips): Yes
- Fasting: Yes, but not always
- God: Yes
A direct portrait of his vision: openness to technology and new therapies, but with criteria, limits and a spirituality present.
Making a mark
At the end of the talk, an intimate question: if only I could be remembered for one reason. Her answer is simple and honest: “I would like to be remembered for doing something good for someone. That I contributed something positive to someone else's life”.
And that, probably, is the real meaning of Eco Love.
