Enhancing Health, Comfort and Wellness: Marriot's New Surprising Project

Marriott International has announced a new global agreement with Fitwel, a leading healthy building certification system, aimed at expanding wellness-focused design and operations across its branded residential portfolio worldwide.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Chicago, Magnificent Mile. Photo: Marriot

The partnership marks a significant milestone for both organizations, with Marriott becoming Fitwel’s first hospitality “Champion+” company and the first enterprise-level partner for the certification system. The designation recognizes large-scale implementation of wellness strategies designed to improve health outcomes for residents and communities across entire real estate portfolios.

The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island. Photo: Marriot

Under the agreement, Marriott will integrate Fitwel’s evidence-based standards across its global branded residential developments rather than applying certification on a property-by-property basis alone. The approach is intended to create a consistent framework for healthier living environments across the company’s expanding residential footprint.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Muskoka (rendering). Photo: Marriot

John Hearns, Senior Vice President of Global Residential Operations at Marriott International, said the partnership reflects growing expectations among property owners and residents for wellness-oriented living environments.

He noted that Marriott is increasingly focused on combining design, amenities and health-driven planning in its residential offerings, and said the collaboration with Fitwel represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening that strategy globally.

JW Marriott Grand Marina Saigon. Photo: Marriot

Fitwel President and CEO Joanna Frank said Marriott’s participation signals a broader shift in real estate and hospitality, where health is becoming a core component of long-term asset value and customer experience. She added that the partnership sets a new benchmark for scaling health-focused building practices across international portfolios.

The agreement builds on a pilot project at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Chicago, Magnificent Mile, which achieved a two-star Fitwel certification earlier this year. The property includes wellness features such as a rooftop fruit and vegetable garden, fitness facilities, saunas and steam rooms.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Boston, South Station. Photo: Marriot

Marriott plans to expand Fitwel certification across its branded residential portfolio, which currently includes 153 open properties and 183 projects in development. The company expects several additional properties to achieve certification by the end of the year.

Other developments across its portfolio already highlight its wellness focus, including W Residences Dubai – The Palm, which incorporates solar energy systems and resident-only wellness amenities, and The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Muskoka, currently in development with outdoor recreation facilities and wellness-focused design features. Select St. Regis branded residences also include longevity and preventative health programs in partnership with Clinique La Prairie.

W Residences Dubai - The Palm. Photo: Marriot

Fitwel, originally developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the General Services Administration, is widely used in global real estate to improve occupant health through better building design and operations.

W Residences Dubai - The Palm entrance. Photo: Marriot