Marriott International and Lefay Announce Milestone Agreement to Grow Luxury Wellness Offerings Globally | News
Marriott International and the Leali family, founders of Lefay, today announced their plans to enter into a joint venture to bring the acclaimed luxury wellness hospitality brand Lefay into the Marriott portfolio. This partnership combines Lefay’s approach to holistic wellness with Marriott’s global scale and the power of the award-winning Marriott Bonvoy loyalty platform. Lefay becomes the first brand in Marriott’s portfolio to focus exclusively on luxury wellness.
Founded in Italy in 2006 by Domenico Alcide and Liliana Leali, Lefay is known for its immersive resorts in natural settings and the patented Lefay SPA method, which combines scientific research with holistic wellness traditions. The brand’s philosophy focuses on space, tranquility and sustainability and aims to redefine modern luxury through well-being and authenticity.
The Lefay portfolio includes two award-winning luxury resorts in Lago di Garda and Dolomiti, Italy, both located in natural leisure destinations. Additionally, the brand’s pipeline includes three properties under development in Tuscany, southern Italy and the Swiss Alps. Lefay’s existing and pipeline resorts will operate under long-term hotel management agreements with the new joint venture, to which Lefay will contribute existing brand and intellectual properties. The Italian real estate assets will remain in the hands of the brand’s founders. Together, the parties want to grow the brand around the world, leveraging Marriott’s powerful development capabilities.
“Marriott is excited to partner with the Leali family as we expand our luxury wellness portfolio,” said Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International. “Luxury is increasingly defined by wellness, purpose and meaningful experiences. We are excited to introduce Lefay to our customers around the world and thoughtfully expand Marriott’s presence in the luxury wellness space.”
A heritage brand that embraces global well-being
“Our family founded Lefay almost twenty years ago with a clear vision: to create destinations where well-being, nature and health come together in an authentic way,” said Domenico Alcide and Liliana Leali, founders of Lefay. “We are deeply honored to enter into this partnership with Marriott and further advance our vision of bringing the Lefay brand to the world.”
Each Lefay property is designed as an eco-resort, emphasizing architectural harmony with the natural environment, expansive indoor and outdoor spaces, sustainable materials and wellness programs that integrate exercise, nutrition and preventative health. Guests can choose from à la carte treatments or structured multi-day wellness programs, all rooted in Lefay’s holistic philosophy.
Strengthening Marriott’s luxury portfolio and wellness offering
Lefay will complement Marriott’s existing Luxury Group portfolio while appealing to a rapidly growing global audience seeking transformative travel experiences focused on health and longevity.
“Lefay represents a new expression of luxury, one that prioritizes wellness, is deeply experiential and emotionally resonant,” said Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury, Marriott International. “As guest expectations continue to evolve, our partnership with Lefay will allow us to thoughtfully expand our luxury offering into a space where wellness is not just an amenity, but the heart of the travel experience.”
“Lefay is proud to join Marriott’s Luxury Group, alongside some of the most prestigious hotel brands, such as The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, EDITION and The Luxury Collection,” said Alcide Leali, CEO of Lefay. “Together, we are poised to accelerate the global expansion of the Lefay brand and further strengthen Lefay’s position as a leading name in luxury wellness hospitality.”
The relationship between Marriott and the Leali family reflects a shared vision to preserve Lefay’s distinctive identity and Italian heritage while supporting long-term growth through carefully selected destinations that align with the brand’s values.
The transaction is subject to customary approvals and closing conditions.
