Crystal Lagoons® Partners with Hyundai-NexPlan Consortium to Develop 30 Public Access Lagoons™ projects in Korea

Annually, over 30 million Koreans will transform their lifestyle by accessing these monumental urban lagoons surrounded by beaches that will be built in the country’s main cities.

Public Access Lagoons™ projects develop urban hubs that are rapidly becoming the meeting spot of the 21st century in different cities around the world.

When we think of Korea, we immediately relate it to crowded metropolises. Crystal Lagoons® has recently signed one of the firm’s most important contracts in the country, that entails 30 Public Access Lagoons™ developments, created and patented by the multinational innovation company.

It constitutes a large-scale operation with important local multinational firms, including Hyundai, amongst other. The annual sales for the projects are estimated to be over US$ 1.000 million and, once operational, projections indicate that PAL™ developments alone will receive more than 30 million people on a yearly basis. The projects will be developed in several cities across the country by the Hyundai-NexPlan consortium, founded for this specific purpose.

“PAL™ projects transform any location into the most entertaining spot in the city, and add significant value to urban environments, creating beach life on people’s doorstep,” explains Cristián Lehuedé, Executive Director at Crystal Lagoons.

Attractive amenities surround these monumental crystalline bodies of water, which can be accessed via ticketed entry, such as restaurants, beach clubs, retail stores, amphitheaters as well as entertainment and cultural activities, for hosting concerts, shows and film screenings, converting the PAL™ model into the meeting spot of the 21st century.

The first project in Korea will be located in Incheon, Seoul, on public land granted under concession. It will include a 6.8-acre crystalline lagoon and will be surrounded by restaurants, retail stores, and an amphitheater for shows, etc.

“One of the main forms of entertainment for Koreans are shopping malls. PAL™ projects will offer locals a new experience, allowing them to change their lifestyle. This is part of a growing, worldwide trend in which malls are being reconverted into open spaces and the need to offer new functional alternatives and experiences, such as these lagoons,” explains Lehuedé.

According to the executive, the worldwide success of the PAL™ business model means “they concentrate 80% of Crystal Lagoons contracts. Their allure lies in that they are used by large numbers of people. Furthermore, they allow for a rapid return on investment, since they have low construction and maintenance costs. Crystal Lagoons already has 200 PAL™ projects in different stages of negotiation, construction and operation throughout Europe, Asia, America and Africa, specifically Thailand, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Indonesia, Dubai, South Africa, Australia and Chile,” confirms Lehuedé.

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Developments such as Windsong Ranch and Treasure Bay Bintan to feature special activities

The Lunar New Year will be celebrated this January 29, corresponding to the first new moon of 2025, with billions of people, mainly from Asian countries, participating.

The holiday’s significance has inspired Crystal Lagoons projects to organize special celebrations at their facilities. Thus, complexes such as Windsong Ranch in the United States and Treasure Bay Bintan in Indonesia will offer activities for their residents or open their events to the public.

The U.S. project has planned a cozy night featuring Fire pits, Food samples, Opportunities to try Chinese calligraphy, Origami artist exhibitions, Live music, and a traditional Chinese lion dance performance.

Meanwhile, the development in Indonesia will celebrate togetherness, prosperity, and warmth during the Year of the Snake with a Festive Fortune Dinner at The Patio Restaurant and Bar.

Both Windsong Ranch and Treasure Bay Bintan feature as a centerpiece an amenity powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology that brings idyllic beach life to Texas and Bintan Island, respectively.

At Windsong Ranch,  a 5-acre turquoise body of water offers residents three extensive white sandy beaches: kayaking and paddle boarding, a children’s play area, and more.

Since its opening, Windsong Ranch has consistently recorded impressive sales and earned numerous national awards, especially for its lagoon, which serves as the project’s centerpiece.

In Indonesia, Treasure Bay Bintan boasts one of the greatest wonders of Southeast Asia: the largest crystalline lagoon in the region, covering 15.5 acres with Crystal Lagoons® technology. This project, developed under the Public Access Lagoons® model, also known as PAL® complexes, has established itself as Indonesia’s premier tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually who are drawn by the spectacular Crystal Lagoons® amenity.

PAL® projects, accessible to all through ticketed entry, have a unique appeal: they bring idyllic beach life just steps away from homes in urban areas. They also offer event spaces with unparalleled scenic beauty, thanks to monumental turquoise crystalline lagoons surrounded by white sandy beaches, which are illuminated at night to create a magical ambiance. These developments feature extensive and diverse infrastructure, including terraces, amphitheaters, domes, esplanades, and commercial and entertainment areas.

The amenity powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology is an exclusive and highly valued element by buyers.

Once again, a Crystal Lagoons project makes headlines for its strong sales figures. This time, it’s the Marena development, located in the city of Luque, near Asunción, the capital of Paraguay.

Despite the challenging real estate context and high competition, the complex has sold more than 100 units in one year. “We have achieved extraordinary results despite the headwind, which confirms the validity of our proposal,” explained Gonzalo Faccas, managing partner of developer Eydisa.

The executive added, “This is the first crystalline lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology in the middle of the city, making it an exclusive and highly valued feature.”

The success of the first building, named Brisa, has been so remarkable that the firm is launching Torre Arena, the second of eight planned towers. The building responds to the high demand for units overlooking the lagoon, a desire clearly expressed by the market.

However, this milestone is not the first achievement of this complex. Since its launch, the project has generated unprecedented interest among buyers thanks to its monumental crystalline lagoon. In fact, it reached a record sales figure, surpassing 45% of units sold in its first phase within just a few months, reflecting the strong appeal of these turquoise-colored water features.

The project, driven by Crystal Lagoons and its commercial partners Eydisa and Castex, comprises eight apartment buildings offering spectacular views of the crystalline lagoon surrounded by white sand beaches and palm trees. Marena residents will enjoy a unique lifestyle with year-round access to water activities such as Stand-up, paddleboarding, Kayaking, Windsurfing, and Swimming.

The residential project is located just minutes from the city center, close to malls, offices, restaurants, banks, schools, and supermarkets, providing a convenient and functional daily lifestyle.

The success of Marena further strengthens Crystal Lagoons position in Paraguay, one of the multinational’s main markets in South America, where it has outstanding projects such as Aqua Village in San BernardinoBlue Lagoon in Pedro Juan Caballero, Costa del Lago in Hernandarias, and AquaTerra in Luque.

Infonegocios

The Crystal Lagoons project has become the epicenter of tribute bands, showcasing the best of Taylor Swift, Prince, Bruno Mars, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Buffett, and 80s hits.

Powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology, Evermore Bay serves as the stunning backdrop for a series of concerts at Evermore Orlando Resort. Located in the heart of Orlando, this project is one of Florida’s largest tourism ventures.

Throughout January and February, resort guests can enjoy an exciting lineup of beachfront performances by talented tribute artists. The series features bands covering hits from Taylor Swift, Prince, Bruno Mars, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Buffett, and 80s classics.

With over 10,000 rooms, this expansive complex is anchored by an impressive 8-acre crystalline lagoon. The project marks a significant milestone in the hotel and entertainment industry, promising to redefine the vacation experience in Orlando.

Beach Life in Orlando

The inclusion of the Crystal Lagoons® amenity is particularly noteworthy. While Orlando boasts an extensive array of entertainment options, it has long lacked a beach to enhance its tourist appeal. This gap is now filled by the turquoise lagoon and its nearly 8 hectares of pristine beach, offering guests a unique tropical retreat.

Conveniently situated near globally renowned attractions like Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort and just a short drive from Orlando International Airport, the luxury project has been hailed as a tropical beach paradise.

World-Class Hotel and Amenities

The development also introduces Orlando’s first Conrad Hotel, Hilton’s prestigious luxury brand. It features an exclusive selection of homes, villas, and apartments, along with two 18-hole golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus. This project redefines vacation living with world-class hotel and resort standards.

“Crystal Lagoons brings a piece of the Caribbean to this iconic landlocked city, allowing visitors to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience in a tropical oasis with turquoise waters and white sand beaches,” said Ivan Manzur, Senior Vice President of Sales at Crystal Lagoons US Corp.