Jala Retreat

Dessark

Ready to Build (Permitted Projects) – Residential. Hotels

Albania

Company Name

Dessark

COMPANY COUNTRY:

Albania

ARCHITECTURAL CREDITS

A collaboration between : Dessark Studio, UNS architecture & JA Joubert Architecture

Project Team

Architecture: Dessark Studio, UNS Architecture, JA Joubert Architecture Structural Design: Manjola Fida Electrical Design: Hysen Gjyla Hydrosanitary Design: Aurel Kryemadhi HVAC Design: Echo Star Fire Protection Design: Manjola Fida, Aurel Kryemadhi

CLIENT OR OWNER NAME:

Project Name:

Jala Retreat

Project Country:

Albania

Project City:

Bashkia Himarë

Project Category:

Residential. Hotels

Project Area:

3432 sqm

Completion Date:

2029-10-14

Project overview

Jala Retreat is a low-density residential and tourism development in Jalë Himarë , conceived as 18 villas integrated into the sloping Mediterranean landscape. The 4,800 m² site includes one- and two-story villas, partial underground levels, private pools and landscaped outdoor areas. The design maximizes sea views, sunset orientation, privacy and light through terraced massing and locally inspired materials. Its architecture creates a calm retreat rooted in the character of the Albanian Riviera.

Project history

Jala Retreat began in 2024 with the client’s vision for a tourism destination that would combine privacy, sea views and a strong connection to the landscape of Jalë. As the Albanian Riviera requires low development intensity, the client aimed to maximize the potential of the land while fully respecting planning regulations and the natural character of the site. The project developed as 18 villas arranged along the slope, with one- and two-story volumes, partial underground levels, private pools and landscaped outdoor spaces. Planning approval was granted in November 2024, followed by technical coordination and the construction permit in October 2025. The resulting design uses terraced massing to optimize views, usable area and privacy without creating excessive visual impact. It has increased the property’s long-term value, established a distinctive identity for the development and contributed to a higher-quality, context-sensitive model of tourism along the Albanian coast.