Award-winning resort architects Woods Bagot design stunning new 5* Balkan Resort

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

 

Award-winning architects, Woods Bagot, have been working on the Master Plan for the Balkan’s latest 5* resort – Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, located on the stunning Adriatic coast of Albania.
 
Woods Bagot, who have designed and developed urban and resort masterpieces throughout the world, are working closely with the team of UK based developers behind Lalzit Bay to develop the luxury residential resort complex which is due to deliver the first properties in late 2012. 
 
Lalzit Bay will more than lead the field of residential development in Albania, if not the Balkans, being on a par with other prestigious developments designed by Woods Bagot such as Minthis Hills in Cyprus, winner of the Best Golf Resort and Best Architecture (Multiple Use) CNBC Europe and Africa Property Awards. 
 
Woods Bagot was selected by the visionaries behind Lalzit Bay due to the shared core values each company holds, namely to deliver a functional and operational development that will support cultural needs and create solutions which will work for the developer, the builders and ultimately the owners.
 
With core values such as ‘we build trust and respect to achieve outstanding results’ and ‘we support and mentor to grow opportunities and realise full potential’ it is certainly a partnership that is forecast to yield excellent results.
 
The Project Architect, Chris Savva, from Woods Bagot gave his thoughts on the design of Lalzit Bay:
 
“The aim was to produce a masterplan and concept that provided a destination that fits comfortably within its natural environment. A suburban approach would not be appropriate to the beach location, so the typical planning pre-conceptions were replaced with a philosophy of creating a natural, beach resort.
 
“The site is deep so the challenge was to bring as much value into the site and balance the beach frontage between residences and the hotel. The project phasing was also considered so that the resort can grow over time with minimal disruption.”
 
Savva went on to explain the approach that Woods Bagot has taken towards the project:
 
“We have created a master-plan that gives beach frontage to the hotel and to the front line residences. We have arranged the site so that there is a dramatic entrance overlooking the central garden space. The garden space, with water features allows pedestrians to circulate free from traffic and gives all residences a garden view. Traffic is restricted to the perimeters, giving a clear separation. The front of the site houses the lower buildings so that the rear of the site retains stunning views.”
 
When asked about how Lalzit Bay will integrate with its premium location Savva commented:
 
 “The region features long sandy beaches with sand dunes and these lead back into the flat agricultural plains. We wanted to reflect the regional landscape so the character of the architecture is all about seaside living. The sand dune concept runs through with the use of timbers, stone and glass. Sand is encouraged to penetrate the site and the landscaping features boardwalks and plants typically found around the beach.
 
“The buildings have been positioned to provide views to the sea, the beach, and to private gardens. This sense of connection to the landscape is important for the owners to feel a sense of retreat.”
 
Ecological and sustainable development is important to both Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa and Woods Bagot. Savva describes his company views:
 
“Timber is a natural and renewable material and with the use of stone most of the building materials will be locally sourced. The landscaping will be of local native variety which will help in water conservation. Systems may include harvested water irrigation, solar thermal heating and passive methods such as timber window shuttering.”
 
Ravin Maharajah, Sales Director from Lalzit Bay & Resort was keen to appoint a design architect who had some experience in this part of Europe and Woods Bagot was the perfect choice with previous projects in Turkey, Cyprus and Montenegro in recent years. Maharajah explains:
 
“The resort team at Woods Bagot provide bespoke designs suited to the particulars of each location, climate, culture and site landscaping. They have great experience in this sector and they understand the importance of both the whole ‘Guest Experience’ and the owner’s development plans. This was the perfect recipe for our vision of Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa.”
 
For more information on villas and apartments available from as little as €29,000 in Lalzit Bay Resort, Albania, you can call us on +44 (0)845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com. 
 

Tourist numbers expected to rise as visitors flock to explore the magic of Albania

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

Once perceived only as a place that the daring and brave would visit, Albania is now coming into her own, exposing all her geographical wonders and historical wounds to the intrigued masses in search of something rare and unspoiled. It’s no wonder then that Albania’s tourist guide has been falling off the shelves when the country was declared the number 1 in the Lonely Planet’s Top 10 destinations for 2011.

Ravin Maharajah, Partner of the 5* Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa in Albania comments:

 
“Tourism in Albania is at such an exciting stage in its life cycle. It’s a very exciting time to be involved in the country. We are seeing rapid growth in tourism along Albania’s coastline – and expect it to go from strength to strength as this little known slice of the Mediterranean increases in popularity.

“Indeed, major UK tour companies like Saga are now bringing in British holiday-makers keen on seeing the delights that Albania can offer.”

Durres, one of the most popular destinations in Albania is the second largest city as well as one of the oldest and most financially important ports in the country. An estimated 600,000 international tourists every year are drawn to Durres by the warm sea waters, sandy beaches and wondrous abundance of historical must-sees such as the Byzantine Forum, Roman Thermal Baths and City Walls.

The Adriatic is a very popular yachting destination and The Mediterranean Boat Show will be taking place in Durres on the 11th and 12th June and will serve all countries bordering on the Adriatic and Ionian coasts as well those located around the Mediterranean Sea. This event will certainly bring a great number of boating enthusiasts to Durres helping further to build Albania’s tourism market and indeed its economy.

In addition, Durres is now more easily accessible with a new duel 4 lane motorway connecting the second city to the capital Tirana and on to the Kosovan border, further boosting tourism. And it is such growth that is spelling positive news for Albania´s property market with evidence of more and more potential property investors being attracted to the emerging market eager to reap large rewards.

The Albanian government too is actively encouraging property and hotel development in primary locations along the coast to accommodate the increased arrival of visitors. Lalzit Bay, just north of Durres, is one area that is certainly feeling the benefits of increased visitor numbers and direct foreign investment.

Partner of Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, the luxury beachfront resort development in the heart of the bay, Ravin Maharajah further adds,

“At Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa we are offering savvy investors the opportunity to become a part of this growth economy. Investors can purchase studios, one or two bedroom apartments or villas in a divine Mediterranean location from as little as €29,000, a fraction of the cost of buying a home in one of the more established European resorts. Owners also have the benefit of a fabulous beachfront holiday resort to enjoy with family and friends or to rent out to holiday makers.”

Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa will provide 5 star amenities, service and first rate luxury, making it one of the most desirable resort destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as an attractive investment choice with strong rental opportunities.

For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

Lalzit Bay targets Swiss buyers

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

Following the success of the recent launch parties in Kosovo, Macedonia and London, Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa are delighted to announce another round of parties for prospective purchasers and investors in this new luxury Resort on Albania’s Adriatic coast.

The first party will be held in Switzerland on May 27th 2011 where the sales and marketing team will be entertaining 100-150 expatriate Albanian buyers living and working in and around Zurich, Switzerland.

Ravin Maharajah, Partner in Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa comments:

“Launch parties and presentations to the Albanian Diaspora are a great way for us to meet a wide range of buyers and discuss their specific requirements. “

“As Lalzit Bay Resort is for both the local and international market, we need to be on the road meeting with expat Albanian communities across Europe. We’ve found these parties a great way to engage with our customer base.”

“Switzerland has already brought us several buyers so we look forward to another successful evening with our hosts.”

Specific dates and locations for the other forthcoming launch parties in Tirana, London and New York will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information please contact Peter Walshe on +44 (0)7944 737 195 or info@lalzitbay.com or follow us on www.facebook.com/lalzitbay or www.twitter.com/lalzitbayresort
 

Property prices in Albania rise by 1.5% according to latest official data

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

According to the Bank of Albania, real estate prices in the Balkan nation increased by 1.5% during Q1 2011 compared to a 0.9% increase in the same period in 2010.

Further research from The Bank of Albania states that from the end of 2009 and throughout 2010, prices remained virtually unchanged indicating stability in the market.

It is suggested that heightened apartment prices in Albania are a result of rising demand, improved credit access and an increase in construction permits after a reduction throughout 2010.

Ravin Maharajah, Partner of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, the 5* luxury residential development located on Albania’s Adriatic coastline comments,

“There are numerous upward forces being applied to land and property prices in Albania – increasing infrastructure investment, EU accession progress and vast differences in property prices between close neighbours such as Croatia.“

Maharajah further explains,

“Lalzit Bay Resort has easy access to new international air and road transport routes and is attracting the attention of the growing middle classes across the Balkans. We are finding people priced out of the Croatian market who now consider Albania as an alternative holiday and second home destination.”

The 5* Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa can provide the perfect investment opportunity for as little as €29,000, offering high-specification villas and apartments surrounded by superb on site facilities including a beach club, tennis courts and a wide choice of international cuisines on offer in the restaurants.

Lalzit Bay will become one of the most desirable resort destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as an attractive and attainable lifestyle and investment choice for those wanting a superior second home in the sun or indeed a buy to let property abroad.

For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com

Best Buys – Apartments on the Adriatic from just €29,000

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

One may wonder how it is possible to buy a luxury apartment anywhere in the world at this price let alone one just metres from golden sandy beaches and the warm waters of the Adriatic sea. This stunning coastline has long been sought after by property buyers who have focused their attentions traditionally on the eastern Italian coast, Croatia and Montenegro where property prices have skyrocketed in recent years.

Things are changing however as Montenegro’s neighbour and fellow Adriatic coastal nation, Albania, establishes its own attractive property market. Just 45 miles across the Strait of Otranto from Italy lies Durres, the highly popular tourist destination and home to Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, Albania’s new 5* residential development. 
The resort’s superior frontline location coupled with the low entry price of just €29,000 for a luxury studio apartment makes Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa a best buy in 2011. Nearly half the studio, one and two bedroom apartments available in phase 1 have already been sold merely weeks after their release with demand for the three and four bedroom villas equally high.
Ravin Maharajah, Sales Director of Lalzit Bay & Spa Resort comments:
“We were very conscious that we needed to price the properties at a competitive level for the Adriatic coastal market. With similar studio apartments in Croatia priced at €70,000* we are confident that our pricing structure is highly attractive and makes owning a home on the Adriatic affordable for all.
“Many of our early stage purchasers are Albanians who live abroad and are thrilled to be able to buy a property for use when they return home as well as enjoy reliable rental income when they are not using it. We have also seen a flurry of investors from Scandinavia; known for being intrepid travellers and often the first into new markets, we are not at all surprised that they are excited by this fresh opportunity.”
Lalzit Bay Spa Resort is without a doubt one of the finest and most innovative developments underway in Albania.  Fully managed by an internationally renowned resort operator, Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa will provide 5 star amenities, service and unqualified luxury, making it one of the most desirable resort destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean in 2011.
For more information about purchasing in Albania and indeed apartments from €29,000 contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.
* Price from Rightmove Overseas

Albania leads the Western Balkans towards economic recovery

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

 

The Western Balkan nation of Albania is leading the way in the region’s economic recovery according to the latest figures from the EC Economic and Financial Affairs Department’s ‘Candidate and Pre-Accession Countries’ Economic Quarterly Report’ Q4 2010.
Unlike many of its regional neighbours Albania weathered the economic crisis and avoided recession with 5.7% GDP growth recorded in Q4 2010 giving an average of 4.1% for the year. In contrast Croatia’s GDP fell by 0.6% in Q4 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 and the EU hopeful Republic of Macedonia saw only 2.3% growth. 
Ravin Maharajah, Partner of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, the 5* luxury resort located on Albania’s Adriatic coastline, comments,
“The outlook for Albania is most certainly positive for 2011. It has remained at the forefront of the Western Balkan nations during and post the crisis with economic growth driven by an increase in net exports as well as improvement in performance of the trade, hotel and restaurant sector.”
Albania has worked hard to reduce its public deficit by an impressive 58% in 2010 from 2009 levels in contrast to other Western Balkan nations including Croatia, Serbia and Kosovo which saw a continued deterioration of public finances last year.
In line with improved economic performance, unemployment levels are also down compared to the first half of 2011 with 2% year-on-year growth recorded for Q4 2010. Furthermore levels of FDI rose significantly by 17% last year which combined with Albania’s strong growth potential and movement towards EU accession enabled credit ratings agency, Standard and Poor’s, to maintain the nation’s credit rating at B+B last month.
Maharajah continues,
“Albania has the key fundamentals in place for a prosperous economy moving forwards with the government forecasting GDP growth to hover around 6% for 2012-1014 this will no doubt accelerate Albania’s accession to the EU.”
And it is this bright future that is attracting savvy investors from not only the UK but Scandinavia, Italy and the Balkans to invest in Albania. Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa has sold over half of its first allocation of 5* apartments with a healthy interest in the 3 and 4 bedroom villas.
Studio apartments designed by the internationally acclaimed architects Woods Bagot start from as little as €29,000 so to reserve yours today call +44 (0) 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa awarded first building permits

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

In what is considered a major step forward for Albania’s growing tourism industry, Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, the first major luxury resort project to be launched in Albania has been awarded its first building and site construction permits.

Ravin Maharajah, partner in Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa said:
“We are very pleased to be taking the next important step in the construction of this new resort. We’ve been working hard to get the architectural plans spot-on for phase 1 and we are absolutely delighted at the progress being made.
 “We are now looking forward to finalising many of the details regarding the site’s infrastructure and starting construction in the coming months.”
Mr Maharajah continues:
“The support from the local Mayor’s office in Sukth has been extremely encouraging and the speed at which this application has been processed goes to show how beneficial this resort will be to the local area.”
Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa has been working in conjunction with construction partner Trema Engineering. Trema are 51% owned by Austrian construction giant Strabag and have extensive experience in major construction projects. They have a strong track record in delivering projects on-time and on-budget, Tirana’s new airport being one of their previous projects.
For more information on villas and apartments in Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa available from €29,000, call today on +44 (0)845 125 8600 UK or +355 44 303 93 Albania or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

Albania proves a hit in Helsinki

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

 

The Lalzit Bay sales and marketing team hit the road this weekend to launch Albania’s first major luxury resort to property buyers at Helsinki’s overseas property show.
Bracing the icy winter winds off Helsinki’s frozen harbour, the sales team were inundated with eager investors specifically visiting the show to meet and discuss Albania’s first major luxury resort, Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa.
 
Ravin Maharajah, Partner in Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa explained the team’s attendance at the event:
 
“We’ve already sold to buyers in Finland even at this early stage so it was natural for us to want to exhibit in Helsinki and follow up on this demand. The North European markets have shown real enthusiasm for our product and we expect to be back in Finland and Scandinavia later in the year”.
 
Albania’s growing tourism industry…
 
Buyers at Helsinki’s property fair were keen to understand Albania’s growing tourism industry and how the potential of EU membership and infrastructure improvements are contributing to the development of the areas around Lalzit Bay, Durres and Tirana.
 
Traditional makes way for new destinations
 
Matti Juan Lehtinen, MD of Grupo Matti Juan International said of the event:
 
“Traditional destinations such as Spain and Turkey remain very popular but we are seeing demand for Albania as it’s so new and exciting. It has the weather of Greece and Croatia, but not the prices so many are keen to get in early and make a sound investment in a country with real potential.”
Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa are most grateful to their marketing partner in Finland, Grupo Matti Juan International for helping to create such awareness of Albania amongst Finnish property investors.
 
Matti and his team were excellent hosts and proved why they are such popular and well-liked agents.
 
For more information on villas and apartments in Lalzlit Bay Resort, Albania, you can call us on +44 (0)845 125 8600 or fill in the contact form.

Albania cruising to increased tourism in 2011

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

 

Durres in Albania has joined the likes of Castries in St Lucia, Hong Kong in China and Madeira in Portugal as a destination of choice for P&O Cruises.
 
As part of their 175th birthday celebrations, P&O have added 13 new ports to their extensive worldwide destination list including this historic city nestled on the Adriatic Coast.
 
Durres is Albania’s second largest city; it is also one of the oldest and most economically important cities in the country. It has long been the preferred holiday destination for the capital’s residents who enjoy basking in the hot summer sunshine but it is a popular destination for foreign tourist alike with an estimated 600,000 tourists in total hitting the beaches every year. According to the Albanian Border and Migration Police figures, 63,525 Brits visited Albania between 1st April 2009 and 31st March 2010.
 
The beaches aren’t however the only attraction. Durres is home to the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans and this first century construction is currently under consideration for inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are also several modern theatres in the cultural centre as well as museums which are well worth visiting.
 
As well as by sea and air, visitors can easily find their way to Durres with the new road connecting Durres to Tirana and on to the northerly Kosovan border. This important infrastructural development has further boosted tourism and economic growth to the ‘gateway to western Europe’ which has a positive knock on effect for the rest of the country in time for EU accession.
 
To accommodate the increasing number of tourists the Albanian government is actively encouraging property and hotel development in prime locations along the coast. Just north of Durres, Lalzit Bay is one such destination which is benefitting from foreign direct investment and a property drive.
 
Ravin Maharajah, Director of Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa comments,
 
“Now is an exciting time for Albania in terms of both tourism and economy. Albania is being recognised by the likes of P&O Cruises as an up and coming hot spot for visitors and it has already been voted as the No1 European destination for 2011 by the reputable Lonely Planet Guides.
 
“At Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa we are responding to this increased demand by offering investors the opportunity to become a part of this growth economy. Investors can purchase studios, one or two bedroom apartments or villas in a divine Mediterranean location from as little as €29,000, a fraction of the cost of buying a home in one of the more established European resorts. Owners also have the benefit of a fabulous holiday resort to enjoy with family and friends or to rent out to holiday makers.”
 
For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.
 
— ENDS —
 
Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, Albania
 
A luxurious 5 star village in what will become the most exclusive beach community in Albania.
 
The resort will benefit from a beach club, sports and tennis club. A spa and wellness centre will include numerous steam rooms and full range of thermal treatment room.   An indoor hydrotherapy pool as well as more traditional indoor and outdoor infinity pools situated around the resort. Shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and an excellent selection of restaurants offering a range of different cuisines.
 
Apartments available – studio, 1 or 2 bedrooms from €29,000. Villas available – 3 or 4 beds – from €234,000. For more information contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.
 

Macedonia launch event – a great success for Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

Macedonia Launch party – Gostivar and Skopje

The Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa team last week travelled to Macedonia to launch Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa further into the Macedonian, Albanian and Kosovan markets.
It was a chance to meet around 150 second home buyers and property investors who have been watching the progress of the coastal resort project since we launched the concept to market in August 2010.
Ravin Maharajah, Partner in Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa said:  “We have had a lot of interest from investors in the region and it was a chance for us to meet face-to-face and discuss the project in detail
“We are delighted by the level of interest already shown in this pioneering resort on the Adriatic.”
Gostivar was an impressive setting surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains; the sun was shining and the launch event that evening was a great success, generating plenty of interest from the locals.
In Skopje, we entertained in the sumptuous surroundings on the top-floor of the Stone Bridge Hotel. The TV station ALSAT covered the event and we’ll post a link to the TV coverage we received. We were also delighted to have had several television celebrities in attendance.
For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on +44 (0)845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.
Notes to Editor:
Further events being held by Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa :
If you are interested in meeting the management team behind Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, we will be attending the following events in April:
– Homes Abroad Property Show – Helsinki, Finland – April 3rd and 4th 2011
– Albanian Investment Forum – Tirana, Albania – April 14th and 15th 2011
– Kosovo launch party – Hotel Victory, Prishtina April 22nd 2011