Hotels & accommodation

Kep Merli

Kep Merli · Private villa resort on its own peninsula by Butrint and Ksamil

Kep Merli occupies a private peninsula on the Ionian coast near Ksamil, in the far south of Albania, next to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Butrint. White villas and private residences step down the terraced hillside above a sandy cove, looking across the strait towards Corfu.

Stays are in sea-view villas and private residences scattered across the headland, reached by stone paths and steps cut into the hillside. The Aquila residence, pictured here from the air, is one of the signature houses out on the point.

On site there is a private beach on the cove, an infinity-edge pool, and a beach restaurant serving dishes made with locally sourced ingredients — a resort arranged so that days can be spent entirely on the peninsula.

When you do leave, the resort arranges boat trips along the Riviera coast and to the Ksamil islets, e-foil sessions on the bay, and guided tours of Butrint's Roman ruins next door. Sarandë, the Riviera's main town, is a short drive north.

• Private peninsula beside the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Butrint
• Sea-view villas and private residences — no standard hotel block
• Private sandy beach and infinity-edge pool
• Beach restaurant using locally sourced ingredients
• Boat trips, e-foil and Butrint tours arranged on site

Visit the property — Kep Merli kepmerli.com

This featured showcase is an editorial selection by our editors. We have not stayed at this property and it is not a paid placement; no rating is implied. Paid placements never influence the Albania liveability score, safety rating or warnings.