Marriott International is strengthening its presence in the luxury wellness space through a new joint venture with the Leali family, founders of Lefay. The agreement will bring the luxury wellness hospitality brand Lefay into the Marriott portfolio, becoming the first in the hotel giant’s portfolio dedicated exclusively to luxury wellness.
Founded in Italy in 2006 by Domenico Alcide and Liliana Leali, Lefay is known for its immersive resorts in natural settings and its proprietary Lefay Spa Method, which blends scientific research with holistic wellness traditions. The brand’s philosophy centres on “space, serenity and sustainability,” and aims to “redefine modern luxury through well-being and authenticity.”
Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda
The Lefay portfolio comprises two resorts in Lake Garda and the Dolomites in Italy, as well as three properties under development: in Tuscany, Southern Italy and the Swiss Alps. Lefay’s existing and future resorts will operate under long-term hotel management agreements through the new joint venture, to which Lefay will contribute existing brand and intellectual property assets. The Italian real estate assets will continue to be held by the brand’s founders.
Why was Lefay a fit for Marriott International?
Why the addition by Marriott? Simply put, Anthony Capuano, President and CEO, said, “Luxury is increasingly defined by well-being, purpose and meaningful experiences.”
Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti Prestige Junior Suite
To that point, Marriott is not the only hotel brand focusing on wellness. Accor, last year, said that wellness was a priority for 79% of its guests, which is influencing how the hospitality group is approaching its design and offerings. Additionally, Small Luxury Hotels of the World recently introduced a new Wellbeing Collection, also based on research that found that 89% of adults said travel was effective for achieving holistic rest.
Each Lefay property emphasises architectural harmony with the natural environment, expansive indoor‑outdoor spaces, sustainable materials, and wellness programs that integrate movement, nutrition and preventative health. Guests may choose from à la carte treatments or structured multi‑day wellness programs.
What’s next for Lefay Resorts & Spas?
Lefay Resort u0026amp; Spa Lago di Garda Sky Villa
Lefay will complement Marriott’s existing Luxury Group portfolio (which comprises EDITION, The Ritz-Carlton, The Luxury Collection, St. Regis, W Hotels and JW Marriott) while appealing to a rapidly expanding global audience seeking transformative travel experiences focused on health and longevity.
“Lefay represents a new expression of luxury, one that is wellness‑first, deeply experiential and emotionally resonant,” said Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury, Marriott International. “As guest expectations continue to evolve, our collaboration with Lefay will allow us to thoughtfully extend our luxury offerings into a space where wellbeing is not just an amenity, but the heart of the travel experience.”
Lefay Resort u0026amp; Spa Dolomiti
Marriott added that it and the Leali family have a shared vision “to preserve Lefay’s distinct identity and Italian heritage while supporting its long‑term growth through carefully selected destinations that align with the brand’s values.”
