Crystal Lagoons transforms any environment into a tropical paradise and has demonstrated on five continents that idyllic beach life does not have to be limited by climatic conditions. Its sustainable technology maintains bathing areas at warm temperatures, similar to tropical seas, even during the coldest months. This allows for enjoying the Caribbean experience 365 days a year, even in cities with very cold winters, where it seems unreachable, such as Bucharest.

The capital of Romania, known for its freezing winter season and short days with temperatures that can drop to -10°C, now offers its residents and tourists the opportunity to experience the Caribbean year-round. This is possible thanks to the new Central District Lagoon Park Bucharest project, which features a monumental 3-acre crystalline lagoon developed under the Public Access Lagoons® model, also known as PAL® Developments. This lagoon, suitable for swimming and water sports, is surrounded by white sandy beaches, creating an urban oasis in this iconic European city, where paddle surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, and other activities can be enjoyed.

The project is revolutionizing the experience and quality of life for Bucharest’s residents, providing a unique entertainment offering in the area. Central District Lagoon Park is driven by the Crystal Lagoons in association with the property developer Forty Management. This high-luxury complex features 5,000 m² of white sandy beaches, a 5-star hotel with 340 rooms, 400 luxury apartments for rent, and 8,500 m² of offices, commerce, and services, including restaurants, cinemas, a helipad, a private cinema, a sky bar, a spa, educational centers, retail spaces, fairgrounds, and terraces, among other infrastructure characteristic of the PAL® developments.

Crystal Lagoons is generating disruptive innovation in the global retail market. In Latin America, it is driving a new project that will revolutionize the shopping and entertainment experience in Colombia, redefining the concept of retail destinations: Kristal Malls, the largest shopping and entertainment center in the Colombian Caribbean, and the country’s first Shopping Resort. Located in Azul de Arenas, Cartagena de Indias, the project stands out for its monumental 7,4-acre crystalline lagoon suitable for swimming and water sports with Crystal Lagoons® technology. Developed under the Public Access Lagoons® model, also known as PAL® developments, the Lagoon will be accessible to all through ticketed entry.

The 296-acre development will be the next milestone in Colombia’s commercial landscape, with 110,000 m² of leasable area, highlighting its design and sustainable urbanism. In addition to the crystalline lagoon, Kristal Malls will integrate a wide variety of shops, including national and international luxury brands, a cinema, an amusement park for all ages, a 150-room hotel, offices, apartments, health centers, and a diverse range of restaurants, among other spaces.

“Shopping centers today must reinvent themselves and introduce new functional and experiential offerings to the public. PAL™ projects answer this need, as they offer an idyllic beach life and bring together restaurants, event centers, culture, shows, and activities, enhancing public attraction. An example of this is Ary Laguna, one of the largest shopping centers in Pakistan, and the advanced conversations with major US retailer chains,” explains Francisco Matte, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of Crystal Lagoons.

Kristal Malls is part of one of the most significant agreements signed by Crystal Lagoons in Latin America, in association with AED Constructores, one of the leading real estate firms in the country. The mega-contract includes 13 projects with crystalline lagoons that will enhance another tourist icon, such as the “Eje Cafetero,” in addition to the Colombian Caribbean.

“The fact that one of Colombia’s leading developers, such as AED, partners with Crystal Lagoons to build numerous projects, including the largest shopping center in the Colombian Caribbean, shows how our concept and technology are a success in Colombia,” adds Matte.