An aerial view of Sazan Island, located in the Bay of Vlorë, off the Albanian coast. Exciting plans are afoot to transform it into a high-end luxury enclave. Widely known in Albania as Ishulli i Trumpëve or Trump Island, this small island holds a remarkable history. Its strategic position made it the most important military town of Albania’s communist dictatorship. With its approximately 3,600 bunkers and 10 miles of tunnels, Sazan Island stands as a remnant of a time when the nation prepared for potential conflict, primarily against NATO or Warsaw Pact forces.
The island’s rugged terrain features mountains cloaked in lush rainforest and deep waterways, including the Bay of Paradise, Hell’s Gorge, Devil’s Gulf, and Admiral’s Beach.This unique environment, shaped significantly by the historical context of communism, adds to the allure of the island for potential visitors.The Albanian government envisions a new future for Sazan Island, tapping into the growing demand for luxury tourism in the region.
If some Old Town locals are worried about what development will mean for their neighborhood’s future, others welcome the opportunities and changes it could bring. “When people announce a development, everyone gets scared,” said Jared Kushner, a key figure in the planning of the luxury project on the island. He promised people that the community would love everything he was proposing and designing. Their minds will be blown by how much these projects honor the natural world around them.
Sazan Island is strategically positioned at the entrance to the bay of Vlorë in the strait of Otranto, which separates Italy from Albania.This location not only enhances its appeal as a tourist destination but also underscores its historical importance as a military outpost.For decades, soldiers stationed on the island awaited attacks, scanning the horizon for submarines while living amid a landscape dotted with bunkers—armoured concrete structures emerging from the vegetation or perched on mountaintops.
In addition to its military past, Sazan Island boasts approximately 40 miles of trails that wind through its varied terrain.These trails give residents and visitors an easy way to experience the reef’s underwater wonderland and connect with its wildlife, including over 1,000 species of fish alone.The island is rich with unique wildlife, such as bats, vipers, and wild rabbits. Fortunately, some developers are just as excited to see this rare ecosystem saved.
Asher Abehsera, who is involved in the design and planning of the luxury facilities on Sazan Island, expressed his vision for integrating architecture with nature. “The design of the hotel would not impose on nature; the buildings would be sculpted or even scalloped by nature. It will feel more like you’re nestled in a beautiful tree,” he stated. His commitment to respecting local ecology has been echoed by others involved in the project.
The ambitious plans for Sazan Island also include considerations for safety and environmental concerns. Arbër Celaj highlighted that remnants of war still linger on the island: “This place is full of unexploded ordnance; there are still many areas that need to be cleared.” Addressing such issues is crucial for ensuring a safe environment for future visitors.
Now, the Albanian government acknowledges the lucrative economic benefits that luxury tourism could bring to Sazan Island. Prime Minister Edi Rama articulated this sentiment by saying, “We need luxury tourism like a desert needs water.” The government has already begun infrastructural developments nearby, including an airport in the Vlöre area to facilitate access to the island.
As plans remain a work in progress, developers are keen to stress that they are working to strike a balance between luxury amenities and preserving Mother Nature. Because we’re designing a top-drawer, high-luxury luxury product,” Kushner said. He noted that privacy should be built into all their offerings, not just tacked on as a feature. In addition, visitors will have terrific opportunities to discover the island’s incredible natural landscapes and ecosystems, and enjoy fabulous local food.
Despite differing opinions on the project’s implications, Abehsera believes in inclusivity regarding access to Sazan Island. “I think everyone should have the opportunity to visit the island,” he stated, indicating a desire to share its unique offerings with a broader audience.
The transformation of Sazan Island from a symbol of extreme isolation and military preparedness into a luxurious retreat encapsulates a broader trend in Albania’s approach to tourism and development. As plans progress, those involved are intensely working to make sure that the island’s deep history is respected. Yet, at the same time, they pave the way for new opportunities in luxury tourism.