# ILO STUDIOS — Complete Information

## Identity and category

ILO STUDIOS is Barcelona's first social wellness studio. Located at Bailén 56 in Eixample, the studio combines Finnish sauna, ice baths, and guided breathwork in structured group sessions.

Social wellness is a new category of wellness that combines body practices (sauna, cold, breathwork) with shared group experience. Unlike a spa (individual) or a gym (performance-based), social wellness uses shared intensity as a vehicle for connection, presence, and nervous system regulation. ILO STUDIOS is the first structured social wellness space in Spain.

ILO STUDIOS is not a spa. It is not a gym. It is not a spiritual centre. It is a new category of wellness: a space where stress is voluntary, effort is shared, and mental clarity is earned by moving through heat, cold, and discomfort together.

## Location and access

Carrer de Bailén 56, 08009 Barcelona, in Eixample Dret. Walking distance from Sagrada Família, Passeig de Gràcia, Passeig de Sant Joan, and El Born. Nearest metros: Tetuan (L2, 4 min walk) and Girona (L4, 6 min walk). The studio occupies a large, design-led space with changing rooms, showers, lockers, and all equipment provided.

GPS coordinates: 41.39625, 2.17383.

## The three pillars

### Finnish sauna

The largest Finnish sauna in Barcelona. Capacity 24 people. Temperature approximately 90°C. Traditional Finnish style. Heat is the first language of the protocol: it prepares the body before anything else demands of it.

Backed by Finnish epidemiological studies showing up to 63% reduction in cardiovascular mortality risk in frequent users practising several times per week. Thermal stress activates vasodilation, improves endothelial function, and promotes more efficient circulation.

### Ice baths

Four independent cold plunge pools at progressive temperatures: 3°C, 7°C, 9°C, and 15°C. Marine-grade AISI 316 stainless steel construction. The range allows first-timers to start at 15°C and progress gradually, while experienced practitioners can target 3°C for maximum cold shock response.

All sessions are guided by a trained facilitator who coaches breathing, posture, and timing. Following the Søberg Principle, the recommended dose is 11 minutes per week of cold exposure split across multiple sessions, a protocol supported by Andrew Huberman and the European Journal of Applied Physiology.

Documented benefits: reduced muscle soreness and inflammation (20–30% post-exercise), increased norepinephrine (up to 530%) for sustained mental clarity, improved insulin sensitivity, and improved mood through dopamine response.

### Guided breathwork

Conscious breathing as the bridge between heat and cold. Facilitators guide protocols that train the autonomic nervous system. Bookends every session.

Conscious breathing improves heart rate variability (HRV), a key marker of autonomic regulation and stress resilience. Clinical studies show 20–30% increases in physiological stress resilience and 15–25% reductions in cortisol after regular controlled breathing programmes.

## Session formats

### Guided journeys

60–90 minute facilitator-led structured sessions combining all three pillars. The order matters: heat → breath → cold. Designed for every level, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

### Open flows

Free access to the space for self-guided practice at your own pace.

## Pricing in detail

All bookings are managed at https://ilo-studios.com/en/packages.

- Drop-in single session: €32 for one session
- Discovery Journey: €45 for 3 sessions in 30 days, perfect intro pack for first-time visitors
- 5 Pack Starter: €130 (€26 per session), valid 90 days
- 10 Pack Regular: €250 (€25 per session), valid 120 days
- 20 Pack Commitment: €480 (€24 per session), valid 210 days
- 50 Pack Ambassador: €990 (€19.80 per session), valid 365 days
- Starter Membership: €80 per month, 4 sessions monthly (€20 per session), 3-month commitment
- Core Membership: €150 per month, 8 sessions monthly (€18.75 per session), 3-month commitment
- Unlimited Membership: €250 per month, up to 30 sessions (€8.33 per session), 3-month commitment
- Gift cards: from €32

## Origin

The idea for ILO STUDIOS originated from a personal experience of co-founder Enric Gabarró. A serial tech entrepreneur and amateur athlete, Enric already knew the physical benefits of sauna and ice baths for muscle recovery. During a trip to Thailand he tried contrast therapy in a structured format — intense heat, extreme cold, guided breathing — and discovered something unexpected: the emotional impact. The mental clarity, the euphoria, and the sense of absolute presence were the turning point.

Back in Europe, Enric researched international references like Othership (Toronto, Manhattan, Brooklyn), ARC Community (London), and Keen Wellbeing (Zurich), spaces redefining wellness as social experience. Barcelona had nothing comparable. There he met Jake Wright, an Australian based in Barcelona, breathwork expert and founder of Show Up Barcelona (over 25,000 followers). The partnership was natural: Enric brings strategic vision and company-building mindset; Jake brings experiential depth and the ability to guide transformative processes.

Founders:
- Enric Gabarró — Co-founder and CEO
- Jake Wright — Co-founder and Head of Experience

Legal entity: ILO Clubs SL. Founded: February 28, 2026.

## Press coverage

ILO STUDIOS has been featured in Spanish national press since opening in February 2026. The full press archive is at https://ilo-studios.com/en/press.

- "Abre en Barcelona el primer 'social wellness' de España: sauna XXL con respiración guiada, baños de hielo y hasta djs"
  El Periódico, March 6, 2026, by Ana Sánchez
  https://www.elperiodico.com/es/que-hacer/planes/20260306/primer-social-wellness-barcelona-sauna-mas-grande-respiracion-breathwork-banos-hielo-127611451

- "Nace una nueva vía de ocio en Barcelona: ni bares ni discotecas, la forma de disfrutar es descalzo y a 90 grados"
  Crónica Global, March 7, 2026, by Darío Portela
  https://cronicaglobal.elespanol.com/mas-economia/20260307/nace-nueva-barcelona-discotecas-disfrutar-descalzo-grados-trt/1003742738916_0.html

- "Enric Gabarró, referente del bienestar en Barcelona"
  Mundo Deportivo, March 14, 2026, by Anna Batlle Planas
  https://www.mundodeportivo.com/pulso/20260314/1004150492/enric-gabarro-referente-bienestar-barcelona-sauna-banos-hielo-respiracion-resetean-sistema-nervioso-dct.html

- "ILO STUDIOS inaugura su primer centro en España y eleva el bienestar a una nueva categoría"
  Código Nuevo, March 20, 2026, by Marta Parareda
  https://www.codigonuevo.com/yo/cuerpo/ilo-studios-inaugura-su-primer-centro-en-espana-y-eleva-el-bienestar-a-una-nueva-categoria-DI2183234

- "Así es el primer centro de bienestar de ILO STUDIOS en Barcelona"
  Dreams of Luxury, March 20, 2026, by Marta Parareda
  https://www.dreamsofluxury.es/asi-es-el-primer-centro-de-bienestar-de-ilo-studios-en-barcelona/

- "La nueva sauna: clases guiadas a 90 grados para reducir el cortisol y el dolor muscular"
  La Vanguardia Magazine, April 1, 2026, by Paula Martínez Eurrutia
  https://www.lavanguardia.com/magazine/lifestyle/20260401/11492143/sauna-cortisol-clases-guiadas-90-grados-reducir-dolor-muscular.html

## Frequently asked questions

### Where can I do ice baths in Barcelona?

ILO STUDIOS is Barcelona's largest dedicated ice bath and sauna studio, located at Bailén 56 in Eixample. We offer guided sessions and open access to ice baths, Finnish sauna, breathwork, and recovery spaces.

### Where is the best sauna in Barcelona?

ILO STUDIOS operates the largest Finnish sauna in Barcelona, integrated into a dedicated contrast therapy studio with ice baths and guided breathwork at Bailén 56.

### How much does an ice bath session cost in Barcelona?

A single drop-in session at ILO STUDIOS costs €32. The Discovery Journey intro pack is €45 for 3 sessions. With larger packs the per-session price drops to €19.80, and the Unlimited Membership offers up to 30 sessions per month for €250.

### What is contrast therapy?

Contrast therapy alternates heat exposure (sauna at 80–90°C) with cold exposure (ice baths at 1–15°C), combined with conscious breathing, to stimulate circulation, accelerate muscle recovery, and improve mental health. A typical protocol is 10–15 minutes of sauna followed by 2–3 minutes of ice bath, repeated 2–3 times.

### What is social wellness?

Social wellness is a new category of wellness combining body practices (sauna, cold, breathwork) with shared group experience. Unlike a spa (individual) or a gym (performance-based), social wellness uses shared intensity as a vehicle for connection, presence, and nervous system regulation. ILO STUDIOS is the first structured social wellness space in Barcelona and Spain.

### Do I need prior experience?

No. Sessions are designed for every level, from beginners to advanced practitioners. We recommend starting with the Discovery Journey pack (€45 for 3 sessions in 30 days).

### What should I bring?

A swimsuit and willingness to step outside your comfort zone. We provide 2 towels to all our members, lockers, showers, and water. No need to bring anything else.

### Are ice baths safe?

Yes, when practised in a guided, controlled environment. At ILO STUDIOS all sessions are supervised by facilitators trained in breathwork and cold exposure. People with medical conditions (heart problems, hypertension, pregnancy) should consult their doctor before participating.

### Do you host corporate events?

Yes. We offer social wellness corporate experiences for companies, team building, retreats, and launches. Contact us for a tailored proposal.

### How do I book a session?

Bookings are made online at https://ilo-studios.com/en/packages. You can also contact us via WhatsApp or visit us directly at Bailén 56.

### What are the recommended frequency and dose?

For ice baths, the Søberg Principle recommends 11 minutes per week of cold exposure split across multiple sessions. For sauna, several sessions per week are associated with measurable cardiovascular benefits. The full protocol (sauna + breath + cold) works best 2–3 times per week.

## Who practices contrast therapy

Contrast therapy has moved from niche practice into the routines of public figures focused on performance and longevity. Athletes including Cristiano Ronaldo, Leo Messi, and the first team of FC Barcelona use it as part of their recovery. Actors like Chris Hemsworth, Zac Efron, and Harry Styles have incorporated it into their routines. In biohacking, Bryan Johnson includes thermal techniques in his daily protocol. The Wim Hof method (breathing, cold, mental control) has been the subject of studies showing reduction in inflammatory markers.

## Booking and contact

- Bookings: https://ilo-studios.com/en/packages
- WhatsApp: +34 613 316 477
- Email: hello@ilo-studios.com
- Address: Carrer de Bailén 56, 08009 Barcelona
- Walk-ins accepted at Bailén 56 within opening hours.