Albania named as Hot Destination of 2012
The Balkan nation of Albania was relatively unknown a couple of years ago and if mentioned, it was most certainly not as a holiday destination. But things are changing rapidly with this enigma of a country repeatedly hitting the travel headlines these days for all the right reasons.
In 2011 the auspicious Lonely Planet guide put Albania in at #1 in their ‘Best in Travel for 2011’ list. Shortly after, London’s very own global business newspaper, The Financial Times dubbed Albania one of the year’s most intriguing prospects for emerging travel.
And now, getting 2012 off to a flying start, Albania has been named by MSN Travel as one of the Hottest Destinations of the year. In at 4th position, Albania makes the prestigious shortlist compiled by one of the world’s longest established travel companies – Cox and Kings and ABTA Travel Association.
Perhaps best well-described as ‘a country awakening from a long, oppressive hibernation’, Cox and Kings herald Albania as a:
“Landscape of almost heart-wrenching beauty, rugged mountains, snow-capped for much of the year, towering above unspoilt white sand beaches and green mysterious valleys.”
This beautiful description conjures up a vivid portrayal of untouched lands just waiting to be explored. Like the people of Albania, who have been previously hidden behind a blanket of communism and corruption, the nation is now emerging as a hidden European gem.
MSN Travel says of Albania:
“Bordered by Greece, Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro, Albania is nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean but has long been ignored as a travel destination after years of being shuttered in communist isolation. But the world is slowly awakening to its potential as both a beach and historical destination with miles of coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and historic archaeological ruins that trace the country´s history back through the to the Bronze Age.”
Ravin Maharajah, Partner in Lalzit Bay & Spa Resort, the 5* resort under construction on the stunning Adriatic coastline of Albania, comments on the latest accolade awarded to this country:
“We started this venture in Albania, carrying out the exploratory work for the resort in 2008. We were extremely confident of the success that will come out of Albania as it heads away from oppression and towards modern Europe. Our early forays into the country led us to a land of plenty. There is an abundance of sunshine, white sandy beaches, crystal clear warm waters, beautiful mountain ranges and above all a kind, warm and generous population.
“We have been bowled over time and time again with the efforts that the Albanians are making to push their country forward, make changes and improve the infrastructure.”
The apartments in Lalzit Bay Resort are moments away from the beach and situated in beautiful private gardens. The villas are designed to be the ultimate beach properties in Albania – spacious, stylish and with private swimming pools.
Priced from just €35,000 for apartments, for more information contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.