Review: Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe

Why book?

Valle de Guadalupe is already filled with small boutique hotels and wineries, but this is the first luxury property from an international brand to open in the area—complete with private plunge pools and fireplaces in each villa, locally-inspired wellness treatments, and its own private on-site winery.

Set the scene

Located in the vast northern Baja peninsula, about 90 minutes south of the US border and 20 minutes east of Ensenada, Valle de Guadalupe has long been a hotspot for in-the-know West Coast and Mexican travelers. The mountainous desert region is filled with small boutique hotels, restaurants, and wineries, as the Mediterranean-like climate is especially great for making vino. But now, Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe, which opened in July 2024, is bringing a new dose of luxury to the area. Unlike many of the small boutique hotels scattered throughout the region’s rolling hills, it’s perched high on top of a hilltop, with 30 earth-toned villas, five restaurants, a spa, two heated pools, and its own private on-site winery—all of which blend into its 16 acres of natural surroundings. This high perch not only makes you feel like you’re in a fort, especially on the winding drive up to reception, it also provides epic panoramic views of the vineyards below. The unobstructed light is magical, with gorgeous sunrises, sunsets, golden hours…all of it.

The crowd will likely become more international as the months go on, given the global nature of the Banyan Tree brand (more on that below). But for now, it’s still pretty typical of the region, mostly split between Mexicans from Mexico City and Guadalajara, and Californians from LA and San Diego who cross the border by car. On any given afternoon, you may find a low-key couple lounging by one of the property’s two heated pools, local wine or mezcalita in hand, or a group of Krewe sunglasses-wearing LA friends who look like they just stepped out of Erewhon loading into the property van to go wine tasting.

The backstory

Banyan Tree is in the midst of a huge growth spurt. The 30-year-old brand opened 18 new hotel and resort properties in 2024 alone, and is on track to open their 100th property in Singapore (where they’re based) in 2025. As a company, they tend to seek out emerging luxury destinations, from Mayakoba, Mexico to Ringha, China to AIUIa, Saudi Arabia. So when they saw that this land in the valley was available, they jumped at the opportunity to build from the ground up and introduce their new wellness concept, “Veya,” in such a stunning location. For context, “Veya” means “to weave” in Sanskrit, which is exactly what the team wants you to do: weave yourself into your surroundings. But you won’t even need an etymology lesson to get the immersion effect while you’re there. The property blends into its surroundings so seamlessly, it’s nearly impossible not to connect with nature. And others. And yourself.

The rooms

Each of the 30 villas is built into the hillside, giving them a very earthy feel. And like all Banyan Tree properties, they have the classic fixings of modern luxury: super comfortable beds, blackout curtains, waterfall showers. But it’s the extras you’re really there for. Each one has its own indoor fireplace—perfect for cozy nights during the cooler off-season—as well as a wine bar, a terrace with either a daybed or couch setup, and a gorgeous private plunge pool overlooking the vineyards. Maybe a little too gorgeous, actually? The afternoon light on my villa’s pool was so sparkly, my husband and I ended up excitedly ordering a round of “this calls for a cocktail” mezcalitas to our pool before our happy hour wine tasting. In retrospect, this was not a good move, but I blame the plunge pools (and you probably will, too).

On the upside, the villas are one of the more soothing spots for a mild hangover. There are floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that face the vineyards, so you can take in the views without leaving bed (major perk). While each one is slightly different, they all have natural color palettes that bring the outside desert vibe in, but in a restrained, tasteful way—not like one of those overdone, made-for-Instagram Airbnbs in Joshua Tree. They’re roomy, too. Entry-level villas start at 1,100 square feet, but the standout is the Winemaker’s Three-bedroom Pool Villa, which comes in at more than 3,400 square feet.

Food and drink

Valle de Guadalupe is already known as a culinary destination. In fact, three restaurants in the area earned Michelin stars in 2024: Animalón, Conchas de Piedra, and Damiana. Now, Banyan Tree Veya VDG adds to the appeal even more. There’s the private winery and vineyard, Pictograma, for starters. It’s dedicated solely to the Grenache grape, and produces signature red, white, rose, and sparkling wines (I thought the sparkling was especially tasty). And then there are the on-site restaurants. Most of the action happens at Aldea, which is the main all-day Mexican diner for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with panoramic views of the valley below. My husband and I still dream of the quesabirria (a tortilla filled with beef and cheese) at breakfast; it is an absolute must-order. There’s also a cute on-site bakery near Aldea called Panadero that we loved. It opens at 8 am, and you can get takeaway coffee and a treat (homemade bread, Mexican pastries, croissants, etc.) and sit in the sunny chairs across from Aldea to bask in the morning light, as the sun doesn’t really hit Aldea until 11 a.m. or so. For other good bites, head to the poolside food truck, Roka, for quality burritos, or Jardin Botanico, the property’s rustic open-air grill near Pictograma. A Japanese fine-dining restaurant, Cinco, is also set to open soon. No matter where you dine, be sure to head to the lobby bar, Atalaya, for a cozy nightcap by the wood-burning fire. Diego, the charming bartender and sommelier, will take good care of you! And the views from Atalaya are incredible. The lights from the valley glitter below, giving it a very glamorous vibe.

The spa

Considering this is Banyan Tree’s wellness brand, the spa is an extra special treat. The main draw is the Desert Spring hydrotherapy circuit, which involves plunging between multiple hot and cold pools, steam rooms, and saunas. (I emerged reborn.) There’s also a traditional temazcal experience, a White Cave for meditation and sound healing, and an outdoor labyrinth with gorgeous views of the valley. Plus, unlimited workshops and yoga classes are included with your stay. Think guided meditations, botanical workshops, singing bowl therapy, cooking classes, somatic breathwork sessions, and more.

The neighborhood/area

As mentioned above, Valle de Guadalupe has a bit of an “if you know you know” vibe. Local travelers have been flocking there for years for its small boutique hotels and wineries. Many even stay in nearby Ensenada town, and come into the valley just for the day to imbibe in all the things. That’s why Banyan Tree’s arrival is a pretty big deal: It brings a new dose of name-brand luxury to the destination, and provides a retreat that could stand alone on its own. But that’s not to say you should stay on property the whole time. The staff is happy to arrange winery visits and book restaurant reservations, and you should let them. Don’t miss La Lomita Vineyard (my husband and I brought back a few bottles of their acclaimed Singular blend), or Primitivo, an outdoor restaurant with an open-fire kitchen and a powerhouse female chef, Carolina Jiménez.

The service

Very warm, welcoming, and personalized. The kind of place where they remember your favorite cocktail and which kind of milk you take in your coffee. Also, because it’s so hilly, the staffers will stop to ask you if you want a lift in their golf cart anytime they see you walking.

Eco effort

At the end of last year, Banyan Tree established the Rewilding Banyan Fund, set up to help restore natural habitats and increase biodiversity at all Banyan Group properties. They give $1 to the fund for every direct booking at a Banyan Tree property.

Accessibility

Because the hotel is built into the rolling hills, it’s not super ideal for those whose movement is restricted. That said, there is one pool villa with a more accessible design. And the staff is also more than willing to transport you by golf cart at any point throughout your stay.

Anything left to mention?

The stargazing is epic. Be sure to enjoy a glass of local wine or a cup of tea outside on your terrace under the twinkly sky before bed!