Banyan Tree Holdings (BTH), the Asian resort and spa operator, is to build an exclusive vineyard resort in South America in a joint venture with Mexican wine maker Monte Xanic.

The resort and spa, in Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, will be Banyan Tree’s fifth resort in Mexico, following Acapulco, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos and Chamela.

When completed the Valle de Guadalupe vineyard resort will be managed by Banyan Tree, located a two-hour drive from San Diego and will include 40 villas and a luxury spa.

Elsewhere in BTH’s Mexican portfolio, the Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Riviera Maya and Banyan Tree Punte Diamante in Acapulco will launch next year.

BTH will also invest in, design and operate the Banyan Tree Chamela in the State of Jalisco and the Banyan Tree Los Cabos in Baja California. Completion of both these resorts is scheduled for the end of 2009.