Marriott International Completes Transaction to Bring Lefay into its Global Portfolio through Joint Venture
Marriott acquires a stake in Italian luxury wellness brand Lefay via joint venture with the founding Leali family, adding two properties in Italy with more under development across Tuscany, Southern Italy, and the Swiss Alps.
Photo by Marriott
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) today announced it has entered into a joint venture with the Leali family, founders of Lefay, to bring the highly regarded luxury wellness hospitality brand into Marriott’s global portfolio. The closing of the transaction marks an important step in Marriott’s strategy to expand its focus on wellbeing and introduces Lefay as the company’s first brand focused exclusively on luxury wellness.
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. The brand’s philosophy centers on transformative spaces, serenity, and sustainability and aims to redefine modern luxury through wellbeing and authenticity. Lefay properties emphasize architectural harmony with the natural environment, expansive indoor-outdoor spaces, sustainable materials, and wellness programs that integrate movement, nutrition, and preventative health expertise. Guests may choose from à‑la‑carte treatments or structured multi day wellness programs, all rooted in Lefay’s holistic and science-backed philosophy.
The current portfolio includes two award-winning properties in Lago di Garda and the Dolomites, with additional resorts under development in Tuscany, Southern Italy, and the Swiss Alps.
The joint venture owns the Lefay brand and intellectual property assets and the Italian real estate assets continue to be owned by the brand’s founders. The properties will operate under long‑term management agreements with the joint venture. Marriott will support the brand’s growth through its global development, sales, marketing, and distribution platforms, while preserving Lefay’s unique brand identity and approach to wellness.
Lefay properties will be available through Marriott’s digital platforms and participate in the company’s award-winning Marriott Bonvoy ® loyalty program, with integration expected to be completed in late 2026.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,100 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 142 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.
About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel platform, connects travelers to the people, places, and passions they love through an extraordinary collection of hotels and experiences worldwide. The platform features over 30 hotel brands and 10,000 destinations, including the largest collection of luxury offerings, distinctive boutique properties, premium home rentals, and more, providing renowned hospitality across the globe. With unrivaled access to the best in entertainment, culinary, sports, outdoor adventure, arts, culture, and more, Marriott Bonvoy offers transformative travel experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Marriott Bonvoy membership is free and unlocks unique benefits including the ability to earn points through travel and everyday activities, like purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for free stays, experiences and more. Visit marriottbonvoy.com for more information and download the Marriott Bonvoy app here. Travelers can connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.
Lefay Resorts & Residences was founded in 2006 by Domenico Alcide and Liliana Leali with a mission to establish an Italian benchmark in luxury wellness tourism. The brand’s flagship, Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda, opened in 2008 and has since received over 100 international awards. Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti followed in 2019, marking the brand’s expansion into serviced branded residences. In 2022, the company announced its first resort outside Italy in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Consistent with its commitment to sustainability and well-being, both Italian resorts are carbon-neutral and hold leading certifications.