Marriott International, Inc. has entered into a strategic partnership with Fitwel, a globally recognised healthy building certification system, to strengthen wellness-focused living across its branded residential portfolio. The collaboration marks Fitwel’s first enterprise partnership and establishes Marriott as the certification system’s first hospitality Champion+ company, reinforcing the company’s commitment to integrating health and well-being into residential developments worldwide.
The portfolio-wide agreement extends beyond individual properties and aims to embed wellness solutions across Marriott International’s global residential network by aligning operational excellence with internationally recognised standards for healthier buildings.
Commenting on the partnership, John Hearns, Senior Vice President, Global Residential Operations at Marriott International, said evolving owner expectations are driving demand for residences that combine thoughtful design, signature amenities and wellness-focused experiences. He noted that becoming the first hospitality company to partner with Fitwel at scale represents a significant milestone in enhancing Marriott’s branded residential portfolio.
Joanna Frank, President and CEO of the Center for Active Design and Active Design Advisors, Inc. (Adai), said Marriott’s commitment reflects a broader shift across the real estate and hospitality sectors, where health is increasingly recognised as a core business strategy that enhances long-term value, resilience and customer experience. She added that Marriott is helping establish a new global benchmark for scaling health-focused practices across residential portfolios.
The partnership builds on a successful pilot programme at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Chicago, Magnificent Mile, which earned a 2-star Fitwel Certification in March. The property features a working fruit and vegetable rooftop garden, a state-of-the-art fitness centre with saunas and steam rooms, and a range of wellness-focused amenities. Marriott now plans to expand Fitwel Certification across its global branded residential portfolio, with several additional properties expected to achieve certification by the end of the year.
Marriott’s branded residential portfolio currently comprises 153 operational properties and 183 projects in the pipeline. Wellness-focused developments include W Residences Dubai – The Palm, featuring solar panels, a cold plunge pool and recreational facilities; The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Muskoka, currently under development with planned greenhouses, outdoor fitness trails and sports facilities; and The St. Regis Residences, Bangkok and The Residences at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, both offering Longevity Hubs by Clinique La Prairie.
Originally developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), Fitwel has become one of the world’s leading healthy building certification systems. Marriott has previously earned Fitwel recognition for its Global Headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, which opened in 2022 with a 3-star Fitwel Certification, further underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to wellness-led design and sustainable living.
