Marriott bets big on booming luxury wellness trend

Marriott International is making a big play in the luxury wellness tourism market. The Maryland-based hospitality company has struck a deal to bring Italian luxury hospitality brand Lefay into the Marriott portfolio. Lefay will become the first brand in the Marriott family dedicated exclusively to luxury wellness. Lefay was founded in 2006 and operates luxury resorts in Lago di Garda and Dolomiti, both in Italy. The brand also has three properties under development in Tuscany, Southern Italy and the Swiss Alps.  Elite Traveler says women are driving the surge in wellness tourism, with some estimates finding that women account for 70% of the market.