Ivanka Trump’s Investment Move: A Luxury Eco-Resort Coming to Sazan Island, Albania

It’s not every day that someone like Ivanka Trump decides to build a luxury eco-resort on a small, once-military island in the Adriatic.  

But here we are. Sazan Island—yes, that wild, windswept, mysterious island just across from Vlora—is about to make headlines for more than just its history.  

And honestly, this move? It says something big.  

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Albania Isn’t a Secret Anymore  

We locals have joked about this for years. How long will it take before the rest of the world wakes up to what we’ve got here? The Albanian Riviera , with its crystal-clear waters and sleepy stone villages, has always been our best-kept secret.  

But secrets don’t stay secrets forever.  

Now, with Ivanka Trump backing an eco-luxury resort on Sazan Island—a place that’s been uninhabited, off-limits, and totally untouched—it’s clear: Albania is having a moment.  

And if you’re looking for the next big place to invest? You’re staring right at it.  

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What This Means for the South  

Sazan Island is a bit north of us here in Saranda, but don’t be fooled—it’s all connected. When something this high-profile hits just a boat ride away, it sends ripples down the coast.  

It brings attention. It brings infrastructure. It brings money.  

Last week, I was walking down the promenade in Saranda, sipping a coffee (okay, it was my second of the morning), and overheard two travelers from the U.S. talking about property prices in Ksamil. One of them said, “If she’s investing here, maybe we should, too.”  

I had to laugh—but also, I get it.  

That kind of star-power investment changes the game.  

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Why the Timing Couldn’t Be Better  

This isn’t just about glitz and glamour. What’s exciting is the eco side of it. Sazan Island is raw, rugged, and full of natural beauty. If done right—and it sounds like that’s the plan—this resort could become a model for sustainable tourism in the region.  

That’s huge.  

Because here in the south, we’re already moving in that direction. Quietly. Naturally.  

In Borsh , we’re working on a villa project that blends into the surrounding landscape. Think stone paths, native plants, and big windows to bring in those epic sea views. You can take a peek right here , but fair warning—the photos don’t fully capture how peaceful that area feels.  

There’s a rhythm to life in Borsh. Slower, more grounded. Perfect for anyone who wants beachfront property without the chaos .  

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A Tiny Tangent on Sazan’s History  

Quick detour—because I’m a bit obsessed with local history.  

Sazan was a military base during communism. Completely off-limits to civilians. Growing up, it was this mysterious place that no one could really talk about. Now, the idea of it becoming a luxury escape? Wild.  

But also… kind of perfect. It’s remote but reachable. Wild but serene.  

And the symbolism? Turning a once-closed-off military island into a space for relaxation and wellness? That’s a pretty beautiful story arc.  

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The Ripple Effect in Ksamil 

The first time I visited Ksamil after hearing the Sazan Island news, I noticed something: the vibe had shifted. 

Cafés were buzzing, not just with tourists but with young Albanians talking about opportunities. 

One of the most exciting projects we’ve been working on there is White Residence Ksamil . It’s a hotel-apartment concept just a short stroll from the beach, modern but still very Ksamil . You know what I mean if you’ve ever walked through the eucalyptus-shaded paths near the shoreline or watched the light change over the islands at sunset. 

And I’ve got to say—every time I bring a client there, they have the same reaction. “Why is this still so affordable?” 

That’s the thing. For now, it is. But moves like Ivanka’s are going to shift the scales fast. 

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Saranda: Still the Smart Play 

While the spotlight moves around the Riviera, Saranda remains the anchor. It’s the town that ties it all together. Ferry to Corfu, endless seaview apartments, and honestly? Some of the best nightlife in the south. 

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast . 

You can still find affordable properties here that put you walking distance from the beach. The views alone—don’t get me started. I once had a client tell me their apartment had “three moods a day” depending on the sun and clouds. 

Also, a small local tip? There’s a bakery behind the main square that makes the best warm-byrek-at-7AM experience in town. I bring clients there before morning viewings. It always sets the tone. 

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It’s Bigger Than a Resort 

Ivanka Trump building a resort on Sazan is news. But to me, it’s more than that. 

It’s proof of what we locals already knew: Albania isn’t just “up and coming”—it’s arriving . 

And if you’ve been thinking about dipping your toes into this market, now might be the best time to do it. Before the world catches up completely. 

Because when the spotlight lands, it doesn’t stay in one place. It moves. It grows. And everything along the coast—from seaview apartments in Saranda to villas tucked into the hills of Borsh —gets brighter. 

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So, if you’re curious, or just want to talk ideas over coffee on a Ksamil terrace—reach out. I’ll be around. Probably sipping espresso. Possibly talking real estate. 

And definitely keeping an eye on that little island across the sea.