Marriott International and Lefay Announce Milestone Deal to Grow Luxury Wellness Offerings Globally

Marriott International has announced a landmark joint venture with the Leali family, founders of Lefay Resorts & SPA, to integrate the luxury wellness brand into Marriott’s portfolio. This marks the first brand in Marriott’s lineup dedicated exclusively to luxury wellness. Lefay, founded in Italy in 2006, is known for its immersive eco-resorts and its proprietary Lefay SPA Method, which blends scientific research with holistic traditions.

Global Expansion:
Lefay currently operates two award-winning resorts in Lago di Garda and Dolomiti, with three more under development in Tuscany, Southern Italy, and the Swiss Alps. Marriott’s development capabilities will help scale the brand worldwide.

Wellness-First Philosophy:
Lefay emphasizes sustainability, harmony with nature, and wellness programs that integrate movement, nutrition, and preventative health.

Strategic Fit:
Marriott sees luxury increasingly defined by wellbeing and experiential travel. Lefay will complement existing luxury brands like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and EDITION.

Italian Heritage Preserved:
While Marriott will manage the brand globally, Lefay’s founders will retain ownership of the Italian real estate assets, ensuring the brand’s identity and heritage remain intact.

Market Positioning:
Marriott aims to capture the growing demand for transformative travel experiences focused on health, longevity, and authenticity.

This move positions Marriott to compete more directly in the luxury wellness hospitality sector, a space where demand is rising sharply as travelers seek experiences that go beyond traditional luxury and focus on holistic wellbeing.