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.


 


 

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.


 


 

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.


 


 

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.


 


 

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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