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:
Additional Hotels Part of Preferred Wellbeing in Italy:
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.
About Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing over 600 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries.
Through its five global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion.
Every property within the portfolio maintains the high-quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program.
The I Prefer™ Hotel Rewards, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ programs offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit PreferredHotels.com.
Stephanie Dowling
Senior Vice President, Public Relations & Corporate Communications
+1 312 356 9596
sdowling@preferredtravelgroup.com