Banyan Tree Group is slated to open its first property in Europe in 2026 with the opening of Banyan Tree Varko Bay in Greece.

The brand has partnered with French hospitality group Accor on the development, which is set to be located on the Varko Peninsula in Pogonia, Aitoloakarnania in western Greece, facing the islands of Lefkada, Meganisi and Scorpio.

The new luxury resort will comprise approximately 116 villas and 45 branded residences. Villas will be “embedded” into the coastal surroundings and will all feature private pools. 

Facilities will include a Banyan Tree Spa, a watersports centre, a beach club, several bars and three restaurants, including the brand’s signature Saffron outpost where guests can dine on Thai fare. 

Banyan Tree Varko Bay will be constructed and operated with an “uncompromising approach to sustainability and eco-sensitivity”. 

Built in partnership with Greek architectural firm 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, with 70% of water being reused for irrigation, the use of renewable energy sources and the encouragement of vegetation growth. 

Banyan Tree Group operates more than 60 hotels worldwide, with a potential pipeline of more than 50 projects by 2025. The group said the addition of Banyan Tree Varko Bay will “build on the brand’s core concepts of sustainability and wellbeing-centred luxury, while reinforcing Banyan Tree’s leadership in this highly demanding sector”.