Lefay and Marriott announce joint venture

Marriott International and Lefay Resorts have revealed plans to enter into a joint venture, bringing the luxury wellness hospitality brand into the Marriott portfolio.

Founded by the Leali family, Lefay will become the first in Marriott’s portfolio dedicated exclusively to luxury wellness.

The Lefay portfolio features two resorts in Italy, Lago di Garda and Dolomiti, with three properties under development in Tuscany, Southern Italy and the Swiss Alps.

Together, Marriott International and Lefay intend to grow the brand internationally, combining its renowned approach to holistic wellbeing with Marriott’s global scale.

“Together, we are poised to accelerate the global expansion of the Lefay brand and further reinforce our position as a leader in luxury wellness hospitality, without ever compromising our soul,” adds CEO Alcide Leali.

“We look forward to bringing the Lefay experience to new destinations and growing a global community of guests seeking meaningful, transformative wellbeing experiences.

“This is more than a strategic agreement. It is the beginning of a new chapter for Lefay.”

A family-run business

Lefay was founded in Italy in 2006 by Alcide and Liliana Leali. Its immersive resorts offer the proprietary Lefay Spa Method, which blends scientific research with holistic wellness traditions.

Each property is designed as an eco‑resort, emphasising architectural harmony with the natural environment and expansive indoor‑outdoor spaces.

Lefay’s existing and pipeline resorts will operate under long-term hotel management agreements with the new joint venture.

The Italian real estate assets will continue to be held by the brand’s founders.

Lefay will complement Marriott’s existing Luxury Group portfolio, which includes The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Edition and Luxury Collection brands.

“Lefay represents a new expression of luxury, one that is wellness‑first, deeply experiential and emotionally resonant,” says Tina Edmundson, president of luxury, 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.”

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