Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, are preparing to transform a piece of Cold War history into one of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive destinations. The couple has committed $1.4 billion to develop a luxury island resort on Sazan Island, a remote Albanian site that once served as a soviet military base.
From military outpost to luxury destination
For decades, Sazan Island was closed to the public, serving as a strategic base during the Cold War and storing chemical weapons. Although it partially opened to visitors in 2017, the area still bears reminders of its past, from derelict bunkers to signs warning of landmines. According to italian journalist Marzio Mian, who toured the site in 2024, “It is littered with signs depicting skull and crossbones, warning of landmines,” a chilling reminder of the island’s history.
Despite these challenges, the Albanian government has been working to clear the land of unexploded ordnance since 2020. Officials confirmed that they will continue this work in collaboration with Ivanka and Kushner, ensuring that development can move forward safely.
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Government approval and growing local anticipation
the project received preliminary approval from the Albanian government in January, just two months after Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election. While officials have dismissed concerns about political influence, the timing has sparked questions. A spokesperson for Albanian president Edi Rama told the New York Times in 2024, “the fact that such a renowned American entrepreneur shows his interest on investing in Albania makes us very proud and happy.”
Locals are already embracing the development, referring to Sazan Island as “Ishulli i Trumpëve,” or “Trump island.” at the same time, some opposition politicians have raised transparency concerns. Agron Shehaj, a member of Albania’s opposition party, argued, “For Albania, which is a poor country, it is important to develop tourism. But there has been a lack of transparency here, and it makes it look like this is a private deal that is in the political interest of the prime minister of Albania.”
Blending history, luxury, and environmental concerns
Ivanka and Kushner’s plans go far beyond simply building a hotel. the couple reportedly intends to incorporate parts of the island’s 3,600 abandoned bunkers into their designs, creating what ivanka described in a 2024 podcast interview as an “extraordinary” property built with “the best architects and the best brands.”
Despite initial skepticism, Kushner has emphasized that the resort will respect the island’s natural environment. In 2024, he told The Guardian, “when people announce a development, everyone gets scared. Everybody assumes the worst. but once they see the plans we have, the way we’re designing it, the way we’re being faithful and considerate of the environment around us, I think that people will be very, very pleased.”
A bold vision for Albania’s tourism future
The island is accessible by regular ferries from vlore, one of albania’s top tourist hubs. the government is also constructing a new airport near vlore, expected to bring wealthy travelers closer to the resort. President Rama has been vocal about his support, stating to The Guardian: “we need luxury tourism like a desert needs water.”
While no official start date for construction has been announced, documents tied to the preliminary approval make clear that albanian officials retain the right to revoke the decision pending further negotiations.
