Marriott International announced the completion of a joint venture with the Leali family, founders of Lefay, bringing the luxury wellness hospitality brand into Marriott’s global portfolio. The transaction marks Marriott’s first brand dedicated exclusively to luxury wellness and expands the company’s focus on wellbeing.
Founded in Italy in 2006 by Domenico Alcide and Liliana Leali, Lefay is known for its resorts located in natural settings and its proprietary Lefay SPA Method, which combines scientific research with holistic wellness traditions. The brand emphasizes transformative experiences, sustainability, and architectural harmony with the surrounding environment. Guests can access individual treatments or multi-day wellness programs focused on movement, nutrition, and preventive health.
Lefay currently operates two award-winning resorts in Lake Garda and the Dolomites, with additional developments underway in Tuscany, Southern Italy, and the Swiss Alps. Under the transaction structure, the joint venture owns the Lefay brand and intellectual property, while the Italian real estate assets remain owned by the Leali family. The properties will continue operating under long-term management agreements with the joint venture.
Marriott plans to support the expansion of the brand through its global development, sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities while maintaining Lefay’s distinct identity and wellness philosophy. Lefay properties are expected to be integrated into Marriott’s digital platforms and the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program by late 2026.
Marriott International operates more than 9,900 properties across 146 countries and territories and continues to expand its portfolio across luxury, premium, select-service, extended-stay, and all-inclusive segments.
