Crystal Lagoons expands Middle East success with Saudi Arabia PAL™ projects

08/02/2023

Crystal Lagoons enters the largest country in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, with a new mega deal to develop Public Access Lagoons™, also called PAL™ projects, real estate and hospitality projects. There will be 10 high-luxury public access complexes, which will be located in coastal and inland cities such as the capital Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, Al Hufuf, Ta’if, etc.

The multinational innovation company, founded by scientist Fernando Fischmann, has partnered with the A’amal Group business conglomerate, affiliated with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. A’amal is a major holding company with interests in the oil, transportation, energy, security and engineering industries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The company’s CEO is a well-known businessman around the world, as well as a board member of several international organizations such as the International Chamber of Commerce, the G20 Executive Committee, and the United Nations Global Compact.

With these new projects, Crystal Lagoons consolidate its presence in the Middle East, where it already has ongoing projects in the UAE, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, and Oman. In fact, the world’s two largest crystalline lagoons are located in the Middle East: Dubai (40 hectares) and Egypt (12.5 hectares).

“Closing a mega commercial deal like this for 10 PAL™ projects in the Middle East’s largest country is a milestone for us that validates our uniqueness and added value. It also shows that the Crystal Lagoons® concept and technology can bring an idyllic beach lifestyle to anywhere in the world, even in the middle of the desert,” said Alastair Sinclair, regional director of Crystal Lagoons.

A central feature of PAL™ developments is a large crystalline lagoon that is suitable for swimming and practicing water sports and surrounded by white sandy beaches, which are open to the public for a fee. The complexes also have commercial areas, food halls, weddings, hotels, multi-stage concert venues, terraces, amphitheaters, etc.

Crystal Lagoons experienced record global expansion in 2022 with its PAL™ projects, reaching a total of 810 facilities under development worldwide. The company entered over 15 new markets and closed mega business deals in countries including Japan, Australia, India, Israel, Palestine, among others.

One of the attributes of Crystal Lagoons® technology is that it’s environmentally friendly. PAL™ projects could reduce 14 million tons in CO2 emissions, equivalent to 40% of the carbon footprint of the tourism and transportation industries

World’s Largest Crystal Lagoon in the middle of the desert, Captures International Attention

17-04-2024

The press continues highlighting the world’s largest crystalline lagoon with Crystal Lagoons® technology at Citystars Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. This stunning amenity in the middle of the Sinai desert, spanning 28.8 acres of turquoise waters, has been the subject of numerous reports highlighting its unique features.

Since 2015, this mega-project has held Crystal Lagoons’ second Guinness World Record as the largest crystalline body of water globally, surpassing its record from 2007 when the iconic San Alfonso del Mar crystalline lagoon was certified as the world’s largest.

Citystars Sharm El Sheikh results from an association between the Crystal Lagoons and the Sharbatly family, one of the oldest and most prominent in the Middle East and Africa. Crystal Lagoons® technology has added real estate value to the development by transforming undeveloped desert lands into a paradisiacal setting.

The monumental crystalline lagoon at Citystars Sharm El Sheikh, in the Sinai, is supplied without use with saline water from desert wells, creating tropical seas amid an arid environment.

Crystal Lagoons® technology has achieved what was previously thought technically impossible: the construction of artificial lagoons of unlimited sizes anywhere in the world, even in the heart of the desert. Today, this innovation allows for the idyllic beach experience to be brought to unexpected locations, gaining worldwide recognition for its transformative impact.

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.