Egypt pointed as Crystal Lagoons® Leading Market In Africa

13/07/2020

Africa is experiencing rapid population growth, intensive development of infrastructure, and is seeing new urban poles popping up. This development allows Crystal Lagoons® to project and consolidate the success it has seen in the region, in which it totals 29 projects in different stages of planning, design, construction, or operation.

The most important market on the continent for Crystal Lagoons, however, is Egypt, with more than 20 real estate projects. In fact, the country also hosts the world’s largest crystalline lagoon (30 acres), which is located in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh. Other high profile developments such as Bo Island, Swan Lake, and Porto Golf are expected to open soon.

One of the main characteristics of the African continent is its numerous Mediterranean landlocked extensions while some of its coasts are cold and dangerous. Crystal Lagoons technology gives these problems a solution, as these pure turquoise lagoons allow swimming and water sports to be practiced in a safe environment, while also developing projects in landlocked areas, not only far from the coast but of low tourist and real estate value.

Other than Egypt. South Africa, Nigeria, Morocco, and Angola are just some of the continent’s countries where the multinational water innovation company has real estate projects and Public Access Lagoons™, also known as PAL™, in various stages of planning, design, construction or operation.

Alastair Sinclair, the firm’s Regional Director, explains the Crystal Lagoons success has spread throughout the African continent

“In Egypt, we have 20 operational projects, under construction or negotiation, and what is currently the largest crystalline lagoon in the world that spans 30 acres and holds the Guinness World Record since 2015. In South Africa, we have a total of 14 real estate developments and PAL, and in Nigeria, Morocco, and Angola, the firm has projects at different stages of development and negotiation,” says Alastair Sinclair.

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Time Out: Crystal Lagoons Project in Indonesia is a Must-Visit

12-04-2024

Once again, the prestigious international entertainment, travel, and tourism guide Time Out has turned its attention to the Crystal Lagoons Treasure Bay project on the idyllic island of Bintan, Indonesia. Its recent edition of recommendations on what to see, do, and experience highlighted this project as essential to include in travelers’ itineraries and a must-visit in the region due to its unique features, as the largest crystalline lagoon in Southeast Asia with sustainable Crystal Lagoons® technology spanning 15.5 acres, equivalent to 50 Olympic-size swimming pools, surrounded by 1,400 meters of white sandy beaches.

Time Out recommended this project developed under the Public Access Lagoons™ model, also known as PAL™ developments, emphasizing the variety of aquatic experiences that can be enjoyed across its 222 acres, allowing visitors to indulge in beach life year-round with options for dining, spa, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife. Within the artificial lagoon, an oasis of turquoise waters, visitors can partake in water sports such as bungee jumping, cable water skiing, boating, slides, paddleboarding, kayaking, and wakeboarding.

With its monumental body of water, Treasure Bay has established itself as a unique experience on the paradise island of Bintan, Indonesia. Bintan, known for its nearly 3,000 islands, strategically faces Singapore and Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It offers many tourist attractions, including world-class golf courses, hiking, elephant parks, eco-farms, luxury spas, and beach activities.

This PAL™ development is surrounded by 1,400 meters of white sandy beaches, with a length of 800 meters and reaching a maximum depth of 2.5 meters. It offers various water recreation experiences, including bungee jumping, cable water skiing, boat rides, water slides, paddle boarding, kayaking, and wakeboarding. The artificial lagoon allows visitors to enjoy beach life year-round with dining options, spas, shops, entertainment, and nightlife.PAL™ projects, which anyone can access for an entrance fee, transform any site into a year-round entertainment hub with more than 125 activities that can take place in the lagoon itself or its surroundings.

Iconic Crystal Lagoons Luxury Project in Cancun prepares for opening in June

09-04-2024

Crystal Lagoons® technology is revolutionizing the hotel industry and changing the paradigm of vacation developments. Major international hotel chains such as Marriott, Radisson, Conrad, Hyatt Regency, and AVA recognize the transformative value of crystalline lagoons. They have incorporated this amenity as a critical element in their projects, making them more attractive destinations.

In association with the prestigious AVA hotel chain, Crystal Lagoons is developing an iconic project that will become the most prominent luxury resort in Cancun, centered around a monumental 2.8-acre crystalline lagoon surrounded by white sandy beaches. This artificial lagoon with turquoise waters will allow guests to enjoy exclusive floating cabins and various water activities in a unique environment.

When it opens in June 2024, AVA Resort Cancún will be an innovative luxury destination just 10 minutes from Cancun International Airport and along the city’s most extensive commercial promenade. It will be a landmark in Mexican tourism and Cancun, the largest city on the Yucatan Peninsula and a regional cultural, financial, and tourist hub.

This beachfront oasis, with all rooms facing the sea, will offer experiences for all ages and various accommodation options, from elegant rooms to spacious villas, all with breathtaking views of the Mexican Caribbean. Six pools, a water park for children, and first-class beach services ensure relaxation and fun. Additionally, high-end boutiques and local shops will provide exclusive shopping options.

“Crystal Lagoons is a pioneer in sustainability and innovation. It will offer an idyllic beach landscape to enjoy a lively life around the lagoon. Guests can relax in one or four water cabins or engage in non-motorized water sports, all in the same body of water”, said Ash Tembe, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for North America at AIC Hotel Group.

Around the world, the concept and technology of Crystal Lagoons® have become the leading sales attraction, positively impacting its commercial success. Despite the credit and real estate challenges in the current economic conditions, Crystal Lagoons projects continue to defy the market with very impressive sales figures, particularly in the United States. The rankings from real estate consulting firms RCLCO and John Burns on the best-selling master-planned communities once again demonstrated that crystalline lagoons are a powerful purchasing driver. Sunterra, Mirada, Windsong Ranch, and Epperson secured prominent positions in 2023.

These projects ranked among the top 50 best-selling communities. Florida leads the ranking within the list, representing close to 40% of the sales for all top-ranked developments, followed by Texas with 37%. In both states, Crystal Lagoons has a significant presence.

In Texas, Sunterra stands out as a project that, even though the crystalline lagoon has not been built yet, serves as a commercial driver within the community, generating sales rates higher than the average, with a significant increase of 63% compared to 2022. This placed it 3rd nationally in both rankings, further boosting the strong performance of Houston, the top-selling metropolitan area in the country. Sunterra’s positive sales results had already been recorded in previous reports.

With the largest amenity powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology in the United States, Mirada in Florida, inaugurated in 2023, sets another record. With an 89% increase in sales, it ranks 17th. Its 15 acres of turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are a buying trigger.

Another notable project in Texas is Windsong Ranch, which has consistently set sales records, ranking 29th in the John Burns ranking. The project has also been nationally awarded as “Master Planned Community of the Year,” among other recognitions.

On the other hand, Epperson in Florida also ranked prominently in both studies, a commercial trend registered since its inauguration as a real estate project. The interest it generated was so significant that it had to be opened to the Public Access Lagoons™ model, also known as PAL™ developments.

The United States is the main operation of Crystal Lagoons worldwide, and it has more than 275 projects at different stages of development and negotiation. Among the most important are Mirada, Sole Mia, Balmoral, Windsong Ranch, Beachwalk, Southshore Bay, Aqua, among others. The recent joint venture to develop four Public Access Lagoons™ complexes, also known as PAL™, in Texas stands out and will add to the successful public access developments Epperson (Florida) and Lago Mar (Texas).