Marriott International signs agreement with Fitwel | News
Marriott International, Inc. today announced an agreement with Fitwel, a leading healthy building certification system focused on optimizing occupant health through built environment strategies, to further integrate wellness solutions across its global branded residential portfolio.
This agreement underscores Marriott’s focus on advancing health and wellness in the design and operation of homes, marks Fitwel’s first corporate partnership and establishes Marriott as Fitwel’s first hospitality Champion+ company, a designation that recognizes organizations that implement wellness solutions at scale to create consistent and lasting positive impact for residents and communities. This portfolio-wide agreement is intended to go beyond the individual home level to encompass solutions across Marriott International’s entire residential portfolio, aligning operational excellence with a measurable, globally recognized standard for healthier buildings.
“As owner expectations continue to evolve, Marriott is focused on shaping residential experiences that include thoughtful design, signature amenities and a strong emphasis on wellness,” said John Hearns, Senior Vice President, Global Residential Operations. “We are proud to be the first hospitality company to collaborate at scale with Fitwel, a leading evidence-based certification program. We believe this partnership is a meaningful step in improving the company’s global residential portfolio.”
“Marriott’s leadership reflects a broader shift in the global real estate and hospitality industries, which is increasingly viewing health not as an amenity, but as a core business strategy tied to long-term value, resilience and customer experience,” said Joanna Frank, president and CEO of the Center for Active Design and Active Design Advisors, Inc. (Adai). “As Fitwel’s first Enterprise Partnership and the first branded home and hospitality company to achieve Fitwel’s Champion+ designation, Marriott is helping to set a new global benchmark for how health can be scaled across portfolios in a way that benefits owners, residents, guests, employees and long-term asset performance.”
The agreement builds on the successful completion of a pilot program at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Chicago, Magnificent Mile, which achieved a two-star Fitwel certification in March. The property features a working fruit and vegetable roof garden for residents, a state-of-the-art fitness center with saunas and steam rooms, among other health and wellness amenities. Through this partnership, Marriott plans to expand Fitwel certification across its global branded home portfolio and expects to achieve Fitwel certification for several branded homes by the end of the year.
This milestone reflects Marriott’s long-standing commitment to delivering the best health and wellness experiences for residents and guests. Across its global branded residential portfolio, which includes 153 open properties and 183 in the pipeline, the company continues to integrate thoughtful, wellness-focused designs and resident amenities, including:
W Residences Dubai – The Palm: The property is designed with solar panels and offers state-of-the-art leisure and wellness facilities, such as a new cold plunge pool and tennis courts, available exclusively to residents.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Muskoka: This extraordinary detached residential complex is currently under development and is planned to offer residents a greenhouse, outdoor archery and fitness trails, and recreational activities such as tennis, pickleball and basketball courts.
The St. Regis Residences, Bangkok and The Residences at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island feature Longevity Hubs by Clinique La Prairie, offering residents renowned wellness programs designed by Clinique La Prairie’s preventive health, aesthetic and longevity science.
Originally created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), Fitwel is the leading healthy buildings certification used by top real estate companies around the world to ensure their assets are designed and operated to positively impact the health, productivity and satisfaction of residents, employees and tenants. Fitwel-certified environments support physical and mental well-being, improve indoor environmental quality and promote community connection, improving both the guest experience and workplace performance. Fitwel Champion+ participants are recognized for their achievements and forward-looking commitment to building health and receive enhanced support from Fitwel to maximize impact across the portfolio.
Other properties in the company’s portfolio have also achieved Fitwel certification, including Marriott International’s global headquarters in Bethesda, MD, which opened in 2022 with a 3-star Fitwel certification.
