Through a joint venture, Marriott International will bring new luxury wellness options to its guests through the addition of Lefay resorts.
Lefay, founded by Domenico Alcide and Liliana Leali in 2006, will be Marriott’s first brand dedicated exclusively to luxury wellness, according to a news release. The Lefay portfolio includes the Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda and the Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti in Italy, and its pipeline has three properties under development in Tuscany, Southern Italy and the Swiss Alps.
These resorts will operate under long-term hotel management agreements with the new joint venture. Lefay will bring its existing brand and intellectual property assets, and the brand’s founders will continue to own the Italian real estate.
"Marriott is thrilled to collaborate with the Leali family as we grow our luxury wellness portfolio," Marriott President and CEO Tony Capuano said in the release. "Luxury is increasingly defined by wellbeing, 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."
Domenico Alcide Leali, CEO, said his family founded Lefay nearly 20 years ago “with a clear vision: to create destinations where wellbeing, nature and health come together authentically.”
The collaboration with Marriott will accelerate Lefay’s global expansion and reinforce its position in luxury wellness hospitality, he added.
Each Lefay property is designed as an eco-resort, the news release states. They emphasize architectural harmony with the environment, expansive indoor-outdoor spaces, sustainable materials and wellness programs that focus on movement, nutrition and preventative health.
"Lefay represents a new expression of luxury, one that is wellness‑first, deeply experiential, and emotionally resonant," said Tina Edmundson, president of luxury at 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."
The transaction is subject to customary approvals and closing conditions.