Banyan Tree Varko Bay: Ultra-luxury Resort to Open in Greece in 2026

Banyan Tree Varko Bay, marina. Photo source: Banyan Tree Group

Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading multi-branded hospitality groups, is set to debut its Banyan Tree brand in Europe with the upcoming Banyan Tree Varko Bay.

The new luxury resort to be developed on the Varko Peninsula in Pogonia, Aitoloakarnania, is the result of the successful collaboration between Banyan Tree and the French hospitality group, Accor.

Targeting to open in 2026, the five-star resort will consist of approximately 116 villas and 45 branded residences, seamlessly embedded into the stunning coastal surroundings of the Varko Peninsula.

Banyan Tree Varko Bay, villa exterior. Photo source: Banyan Tree Group

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-centred accommodations, backdropped by views 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.

This includes the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, a water sports center, several state-of-the-art venues for meetings and events, a beach club, several bars and three restaurants including the signature Saffron where guests can dine on delectable Thai fare.

Banyan Tree Varko Bay, villa bedroom. Photo source: Banyan Tree Group

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 percent of water will be reused for irrigation, the use of renewable energy sources and the encouragement of vegetation growth.

Banyan Tree Varko Bay. Photo source: Banyan Tree Group

Banyan Tree Group operates over 60 hotels worldwide, with a potential pipeline of more than 50 projects by 2025.

The Group’s diversified portfolio of hotels, resorts, spas, galleries, golf and residences features an ecosystem of 10 global brands, including the award-winning Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa and Laguna, and the highly anticipated new brands of Homm, Garrya, Folio, and two new Banyan Tree brand extensions – Escape and Veya. Banyan Tree Group entered a strategic long-term partnership with Accor in 2016 to develop and manage Banyan Tree branded hotels around the world along with the access to Accor’s global reservations and sales network, as well as the loyalty programme ALL – Accor Live Limitless.

Banyan Tree Group in 2021 opened its first Angsana-branded hotel in Europe, the Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa on the Greek island of Corfu.