Wellness, Wisdom, and the Power of Letting Go: Mirella Prandelli at Lefay Resorts & Residences

When Mirella Prandelli first joined Lefay Resorts, she thought she was staying for a year, just long enough to add a luxury brand to her CV while regrouping after becoming disillusioned with the realities of journalism in Italy. Ten years later, she’s still there, still loving it, and still spearheading the brand’s evolution as Group PR & Communications Director. A trained journalist who once dreamed of writing for Italy’s top newspapers, Mirella brings storytelling savvy and the real-life insight of a working mother to one of the most forward-thinking wellness resort brands in the world.

In our chat, Mirella opens up about how she made the leap from journalism to hospitality, what it means to shape the identity of one of Italy’s most luxurious wellness brands, how motherhood reshaped her view on leadership, balance, and giving yourself grace, and why she believes the future of wellness is about contemplation, not perfection. Here’s herstory.

How did you get into hospitality?

Totally by chance! I studied communication and political science in Milan, Rome, London, and New York. I wanted to be a journalist and even passed the official Italian exam to join the press registry. I started writing for niche publications and even ghostwriting for major newspapers. But I wasn’t satisfied…financially or creatively. I wanted to work for a strong brand in the luxury world. That’s when I discovered Lefay. I fell in love with their vision, their style, and how they communicated. I applied even though there was no open role, and here I am, ten years later.

For those who don’t know, what does your role as Director of PR & Communications entail?

I oversee all press and public relations for Lefay. In Italy, I work directly with journalists, arranging visits, writing press releases, and managing media events. I also coordinate our international PR teams in the US, UK, France, and Germany. On top of that, I supervise brand identity. Every brochure, press image, and communication piece goes through me...I make sure it aligns with the Lefay voice. Each year, I also present our global communications strategy to the CEO and President, deciding which topics to spotlight and how to amplify them.

What sets Lefay apart in the luxury wellness world?

Lefay was founded by an Italian family with deep roots in airline transportation (they founded Air Dolomiti). In 2006, long before wellness and sustainability were trending, they had the vision to make those two pillars central to their hospitality concept. Our two resorts—Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda and Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti—are both eco-resorts with massive spa facilities (approximately 46,285 and 53,820 square feet, respectively). We’re also expanding with new projects in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, our first management project, and a property in Tuscany.

But beyond size or scale, the Lefay philosophy is what makes us unique. We blend Western medicine with classical Chinese medicine, thanks to our in-house scientific committee. All programs start with a medical consultation and are deeply personalized. Sustainability is also deeply embedded in everything we do…from architecture and energy systems to the sourcing of ingredients for our spa and restaurant menus.

iconic exterior of Lefay Dolomiti

What wellness trends are you seeing right now?

Several of the big wellness trends—hyper-personalization, cognitive health, digital detox, women’s health, and longevity—we’ve already been embracing for years. Our programs address everything from insomnia and stress relief to immunity boosting, detox, weight loss, fitness, anti-aging, and long-term vitality. Each begins with a doctor-led consultation and is tailored based on the guest’s energetic balance and needs.

One area we’re leaning into is in redefining wellness as pleasure rather than punishment. Our new "Letting Go" program at Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda is rooted in Classical Chinese Medicine and responds to the growing “wellness paradox”—where wellness becomes just another stressful to-do list. This three-night experience shifts the focus from action to contemplation, helping guests reconnect with their inner selves through breathwork, sensory rituals, nature excursions, and Water Shiatsu in our saltwater pool.

the "White Tiger" steam room at Lefay Dolomiti

What keeps you inspired in your career after a decade in the same company?

Lefay is constantly evolving, which has kept my role incredibly dynamic and rewarding. I was here for the planning and opening of Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti—from walking the construction site to choosing the names of the restaurants, helping shape the spa concept, and crafting the language we use to describe it all. It was thrilling to be involved from the ground up. Then came our entry into branded residences, which required learning a whole new lexicon to communicate real estate offerings while still upholding our luxury wellness positioning. More recently, I’ve immersed myself in the world of wellness, bridging ancient energy philosophies from Classical Chinese Medicine with innovative therapies like vibrational sound healing. It’s a rich, ever-changing landscape, there’s always something new to explore, learn, and share with the world.

What advice would you give to women looking to get into communications in hospitality?

First, understand that communication isn’t just a nice to have... it’s strategic. If you do something amazing and no one hears about it, it may as well not have happened. In hospitality, and especially luxury, communication is how we build identity and connection. 

For women getting started, my advice is this: develop critical thinking. We are bombarded with messaging every day, from social media to packaging to menus, and part of being a great communicator is questioning what you see and read. What's the message? Is it honest? Is it inclusive? Also, stay curious.

Communication is about people, cultures, and adapting messages across different markets. It's an ongoing learning process that makes the work endlessly interesting. Don’t just study communication—practice it. Speak up, write often, and stay curious.

Why does communication matter in hospitality?

Because if you do something great and no one knows about it, it’s like it never happened. Especially in luxury, brand storytelling and identity are everything. Communication connects people across cultures and markets. It’s not just about promotion, it’s about building trust and meaning.

And to any women who struggle to speak up: I get it. We weren’t raised to take the spotlight. But we need to. Women all over the world are changing the game, and we need to hear their voices.

Since you touched on how women sometimes struggle to advocate for themselves. What’s your take?

Historically, women were taught to stay in the background. We’re only now starting to shift that narrative, but it’s a work in progress. I think a lot of women still feel nervous about putting themselves forward. But we must. It’s time to be visible and take up space.

We like to get personal at hertelier, what’s your morning routine?

If I’m lucky, I squeeze in a home workout first thing—usually a mix of weights and Pilates from a remote trainer I love. I use Lefay Spa’s skincare line, which is great for my sensitive skin. I always eat breakfast—overnight oats and coffee with moka. Then I get my son ready for school, which is getting easier now that he’s learning to dress himself!

You mentioned working out from home and juggling it all—how has being a mother shaped your perspective, both personally and professionally?

Motherhood changed everything. Before my son was born, I was a free spirit—I worked late, traveled on a whim, stayed out dancing, and followed my passions with no limitations. But becoming a mother brought an entirely new kind of joy, and also a new set of challenges. It’s a balance between wanting to be fully present for my child and wanting to stay ambitious and engaged in my career. And the truth is, in Italy, the system doesn't make it easy. Childcare is expensive and limited, and even with a wonderful husband, I often end up being the default parent. It’s exhausting.

It’s a balance between wanting to be fully present for my child and wanting to stay ambitious and engaged in my career. And the truth is, in Italy, the system doesn't make it easy. Childcare is expensive and limited, and even with a wonderful husband, I often end up being the default parent. It’s exhausting.

There's this idea that women can do it all, and yes…we do. But it's not without sacrifice. It’s made me more empathetic and also more vocal about the need for real structural support for working parents. It’s also changed the way I approach wellness, I’ve come to believe even more in the importance of giving yourself grace. Some mornings, the best self-care is extra sleep, not a workout.

What an enlightening conversation. Thank you, Mirella!