Preferred Hotels & Resorts Spotlights Italy's Leading Role in the Wellness Travel Movement with 11 Hotels Featured in New Preferred Wellbeing Program

From thermal spa resorts in Tuscany and Sicily to restorative retreats on the Adriatic Coast and Lake Como, Italy emerges as one of the strongest destinations represented within Preferred Wellbeing

Milan, Italy, October 7 2026 - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest independent hotel brand, is shining a spotlight on the growing influence of Italy within the global wellness travel landscape following the launch of Preferred Wellbeing, a new designation recognizing hotels that deliver exceptional, holistic wellbeing experiences. The program features more than 50 hotels worldwide, including 11 member properties across Italy, reinforcing the country's position at the forefront of wellness travel.

The announcement comes as wellness continues to shape luxury travel decisions globally. According to Preferred Hotels & Resorts' Luxury Travel Report, more than one-third of luxury travelers are actively seeking transformational wellness journeys, while 77 percent agree that true luxury now means escaping the pressure to constantly share experiences online and instead prioritizing genuine restoration and renewal.

Italy's longstanding wellness heritage, rooted in thermal bathing traditions, Mediterranean nutrition, connection to nature, and slow-living philosophies, aligns closely with the trends driving today's wellbeing movement. Across the country, Preferred Hotels & Resorts members are delivering experiences that blend ancient rituals with modern wellness practices, personalized programs, immersive spa environments, and meaningful connections to local culture.

"Today's traveler is increasingly seeking experiences that nurture physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing," said Roberta Possenti, Senior Vice President of Europe at Preferred Hotels & Resorts. "The strong representation of Italian properties within Preferred Wellbeing reflects the country's remarkable ability to combine timeless wellness traditions with innovative, immersive guest experiences."

Among the Italian hotels recognized within Preferred Wellbeing are destinations that exemplify the breadth of the country's wellness offering:

• The rise of stillness-led wellness at Passalacqua, Moltrasio (Legend Collection): On the shores of Lake Como, Passalacqua offers a more intuitive approach to wellbeing, where restoration comes through privacy, nature, and unhurried experiences. Guests can unwind in the hotel's ornate spa and outdoor treatment spaces, stroll through terraced gardens overlooking the lake, swim in the pool, or reconnect through simple pleasures such as tennis and bocce. Rather than structured wellness programming, Passalacqua embraces a growing desire for slower, more restorative travel experiences centered on beauty, calm, and presence.
• Alpine recovery and movement in nature at Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc, Courmayeur (L.V.X. Collection): Set beneath Mont Blanc, the hotel showcases the restorative benefits of mountain environments through fresh air, outdoor adventure, and dedicated recovery spaces, complemented by a thermal circuit, sensorial spa experiences, and panoramic wellness facilities.
• Thermal wellness rooted in Italian tradition at Castello di Velona Resort Thermal SPA & Winery, Montalcino (L.V.X. Collection): Demonstrating the enduring appeal of mineral-rich thermal therapies, the resort centers its wellbeing offering around natural waters rich in calcium, magnesium, and zinc, paired with hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, vineyard surroundings, and rituals inspired by Tuscany's natural bounty.
• Cultural rituals reimagined for modern wellbeing at Almar Giardino di Costanza Mazara del Vallo, Mazara del Vallo (L.V.X. Collection): In western Sicily, the Almablu Wellness Oasis draws upon Roman, Arab, Norman, and Nordic influences to create immersive journeys through water, heat, ritual, and heritage. Its distinctive cultural storytelling reflects a growing traveller desire for wellness experiences deeply connected to local identity and tradition.
• The evolution of longevity and transformational wellness at Preidlhof Luxury Dolce Vita Resort, Naturno (Lifestyle Collection): One of Italy's most advanced wellbeing destinations, Preidlhof combines evidence-based wellness, emotional healing, sleep optimization, Ayurveda, retreats, thermal pools, and med-spa experiences. Its approach reflects the increasing shift toward personalized, outcome-driven wellness designed to support long-term health and personal transformation.

Additional Hotels Part of Preferred Wellbeing in Italy:

• Almar Lido Jesolo, Venice (L.V.X. Collection)
• Casa di Langa, Cerretto Langhe (L.V.X. Collection)
• Castelfalfi, Montaione (Legend Collection)
• Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & SPA, Rome (L.V.X. Collection)
• Masseria San Domenico, Savelletri di Fasano (Legend Collection)
• Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Tremezzina (Legend Collection)

Preferred Wellbeing was created to help travelers easily identify hotels offering a truly integrated approach to wellness. Participating properties are evaluated against five wellbeing pillars and twelve criteria encompassing rest and recovery, movement, nourishment, connection to place, longevity, and environmental responsibility. To qualify, hotels must meet at least ten of the twelve criteria, ensuring credibility and consistency across the designation.

For more information and to explore Preferred Wellbeing, visit Preferred Wellbeing.