Marriott and Lefay Form Joint Venture to Launch First Luxury Wellness Brand in Marriott Portfolio

Marriott International and the Leali family, founders of Lefay, announced plans to enter into a joint venture to bring the Lefay brand into Marriott’s portfolio, marking the first brand in the portfolio dedicated exclusively to luxury wellness.

Marriott International and the Leali family, founders of Lefay, have announced plans to form a joint venture that will bring the Lefay brand into the Marriott portfolio. Lefay will become the first brand in Marriott’s portfolio dedicated exclusively to luxury wellness.

The Lefay portfolio currently includes two award-winning luxury resorts in Lago di Garda and Dolomiti, Italy, both located in nature-rich leisure destinations. The brand’s pipeline includes three additional 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 its existing brand and intellectual property assets. The Italian real estate assets will remain held by the brand’s founders.

Founded in Italy in 2006 by Domenico Alcide and Liliana Leali, Lefay is known for its immersive resorts in natural settings and its proprietary Lefay SPA Method, which blends scientific research with holistic wellness traditions. Each Lefay property is designed as an eco-resort, emphasizing architectural harmony with the natural environment, expansive indoor-outdoor spaces, sustainable materials, and wellness programs that integrate movement, nutrition, and preventative health.

The parties intend to grow the Lefay brand globally, leveraging Marriott’s development capabilities. The collaboration aims to preserve Lefay’s distinct identity and Italian heritage while supporting the brand’s growth through carefully selected destinations that align with its values.

The transaction is subject to customary approvals and closing conditions.