Banyan Tree Group has unveiled plans for its first property in Europe with the upcoming Banyan Tree Varko Bay. Located in West Greece, the new luxury resort will be developed on the Varko Peninsula in Pogonia, Aitoloakarnania. The property is a collaboration between Banyan Tree and the French hospitality group, Accor.
Targeting an opening in 2026, the five-star resort will consist of approximately 116 villas and 43 branded residences, seamlessly embedded into the stunning coastal surroundings of the Varko Peninsula in Pogonia.
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Applying Banyan Tree’s pioneering expertise across the all-pool villa concept, the resort aims to offer a unique sense of place through tranquil, wellbeing-centered accommodations, with vistas of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding islands of Lefkada, Meganisi and Skorpios, as well as luxurious facilities for rejuvenation of both mind and body. The project includes an award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, a water sports centre, a beach club, bars and three restaurants including the signature, Saffron, where guests can dine on delectable Thai fare.
In keeping with Banyan Tree’s core pillar of sustainability, Banyan Tree Varko Bay will be constructed and operated with an uncompromising approach to sustainability and eco-sensitivity, immersing guests in a flourishing natural environment.
Built in partnership with the award-winning Greek Elastic Architects, the resort aims to be the first in Europe to achieve LEED Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and to become a model of sustainability for the hospitality sector. Mirroring existing Banyan Tree developments, the resort will prioritise responsible water use — 70% of water will be reused for irrigation, the use of renewable energy sources and the encouragement of vegetation growth. By ensuring the majority of all its hotels are covered with vegetation and developing plant-centred tropical spas, Banyan Tree creates beautiful contemporary spaces that are also friendly to the surrounding environment.
Banyan Tree Group operates over 60 hotels worldwide, including the sister brand Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa in Greece’s Ionian Islands – which opened in mid-2021. The Group has a potential pipeline of more than 50 projects to launch by 2025.