NEWS
Marriott completes Lefay joint venture for luxury wellness growth
Marriott International has completed a transaction to bring Lefay into its global portfolio through a joint venture with the Leali family, founders of the Italian luxury wellness hospitality brand. The closing marks an important step in Marriott’s strategy to expand its focus on wellbeing and introduces Lefay as the company’s first brand dedicated exclusively to luxury wellness. Founded in Italy in 2006 by Domenico Alcide Leali and Liliana Leali, Lefay is known for immersive resorts in natural settings and a distinctive wellness philosophy. The brand’s existing portfolio includes two award-winning properties in Lago di Garda and the Dolomites, with further resorts under development in Tuscany, Southern Italy and the Swiss Alps.
The completion of the joint venture brings Lefay into Marriott International’s global brand platform while preserving the identity that has shaped the brand since its creation. Founded by Domenico Alcide Leali and Liliana Leali, Lefay has built its reputation around nature-led resorts, holistic wellbeing and a strong connection between luxury hospitality and sustainability. Its inclusion in Marriott’s portfolio gives the group a dedicated wellness brand at a time when travellers are placing greater importance on health, balance, prevention and restorative experiences.
At the centre of the brand is the proprietary Lefay SPA Method, which blends scientific research with holistic wellness traditions. This approach gives Lefay a clearly defined position within the luxury wellness segment, combining treatments, movement, nutrition and preventative health expertise into an integrated guest experience. Guests may choose individual à-la-carte treatments or structured multi-day wellness programmes, allowing each stay to be shaped around personal wellbeing goals.
The brand’s philosophy is built around transformative spaces, serenity, sustainability and authenticity. Lefay properties are designed to create harmony with their natural surroundings, using expansive indoor-outdoor spaces, sustainable materials and architecture that reflects the landscape. This connection between place, design and wellbeing is central to the brand’s identity and will remain an important part of its growth under the new joint venture.
The current Lefay portfolio includes two award-winning resorts in Italy: one in Lago di Garda and one in the Dolomites. Both properties are located in nature-rich leisure destinations and represent the type of setting that defines the brand. Their positioning combines high-end hospitality with restorative wellness programmes, natural scenery and a slower, more intentional approach to modern luxury.
The brand also has additional resorts under development in Tuscany, Southern Italy and the Swiss Alps. These projects support the next phase of Lefay’s expansion and reflect continued demand for luxury wellness resorts in destinations shaped by nature, landscape and lifestyle. Through Marriott’s global development, sales, marketing and distribution platforms, the brand will now have access to wider resources for future growth.
Under the structure of the transaction, the joint venture owns the Lefay brand and intellectual property assets. The Italian real estate assets will continue to be owned by the brand’s founders. The properties will operate under long-term management agreements with the joint venture, allowing Marriott to support brand development while maintaining continuity with the founding family and the existing property ownership structure.
The announcement also confirms that Lefay properties will become available through Marriott’s digital platforms and will participate in Marriott Bonvoy. Integration into the loyalty programme is expected to be completed in late 2026. This will give Marriott Bonvoy members access to a new wellness-focused luxury brand while giving Lefay broader visibility among the company’s global customer base.
For Marriott International, the transaction broadens a portfolio that already includes luxury, premium, select, midscale, extended stay and all-inclusive brands. As of March 31, 2026, the company had more than 9,900 properties in 146 countries and territories. By adding Lefay, Marriott introduces a specialized brand built entirely around wellbeing, strengthening its position in one of the most distinctive segments of modern hospitality.
The completion of the joint venture represents more than a portfolio addition. It gives Marriott International a dedicated platform for luxury wellness hospitality, while giving Lefay the global support needed to expand beyond its established Italian base. By combining Lefay’s wellness expertise, Italian heritage and nature-led philosophy with Marriott’s global scale, the partnership opens a new chapter for both companies in the growing market for transformative luxury travel.
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