Crystalline lagoon of San Alfonso del Mar captures world attention

The first crystalline lagoon with Crystal Lagoons® technology, San Alfonso del Mar, continues to attract the attention of the world press. The Canadian outlet INDIE 88 FM highlighted this monumental body of water as the largest on the planet, comparing it to a piece of the ocean.

The website shows the immense turquoise lagoon, highlighting the characteristics that transform it into a pioneering amenity.

Located on the coast of Chile, in Algarrobo, the pristine waters of the lagoon span over half a mile and 20 acres in total. These dimensions made it the Guinness World Record for being the largest crystalline lagoon on the planet, until 2015, when another Crystal Lagoons amenity in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, was inaugurated. To date, this latest development has maintained the world record.

A new revolution

San Alfonso del Mar was the first project in the world to employ the firm’s innovative technology, which quickly transformed the development into the “most successful second home resort in the southern hemisphere.”

The turquoise lagoon positively impacts the area, not only by creating an eye-catching and safe environment for swimming and other water sports, but it also offers spectacular views and numerous opportunities for recreational activities and walks. As a consequence, San Alfonso del Mar has transformed and revitalized the entire community.

Today, having revolutionized the real estate world for 10 years, the firm is now transforming city life with its Public Access Lagoons™, also known as PAL™. These monumental crystalline lagoons, which are surrounded by white sand beaches, retail and gastronomic services, can be accessed via ticketed-entry. In this way, Crystal Lagoons brings a piece of the ocean to the heart of the city, creating beach life in urban surroundings, much like an English architect did 200 years ago, when he introduced small forests into the city of London, which we know as city parks.

INDIE 88 FM

Outstanding news

These are developments where anyone can enjoy an idyllic beach lifestyle through ticketed entry. Moreover, they transform any piece of land into the meeting point of the 21st century and the best business opportunity.

Public Access Lagoons® projects, also known as PAL® developments, developed by Crystal Lagoons, are redefining the concepts of entertainment, tourism, and urban development. These crystalline lagoons, accessible to all through ticketed entry, transform any piece of land into both the best business opportunity and the meeting point of the 21st century, creating destinations that combine technology, sustainability, and profitability.

The vision of Crystal Lagoons goes beyond offering a crystalline lagoon; it is about creating complete experiences that generate lasting value. With the ability to bring a tropical beach just steps away from people’s homes, PAL® complexes have become unparalleled attraction hubs, capable of hosting a wide variety of activities and events throughout the year.

The Heart of a New Lifestyle

PAL® lagoons are much more than a visual attraction: they are the social, recreational, and economic center of modern communities. These developments can host event centers, concerts, festivals, food fairs, sports activities, and many other initiatives throughout the year, becoming true hubs of entertainment and social interaction.

Examples of Projects Transforming Cities

  • Lagoon Park Bucharest (Romania): An urban oasis located in the heart of Bucharest, featuring a 2.2-acre crystalline lagoon that debuted with sold-out tickets more than a week in advance.
  • Epperson Lagoon (USA): With its 7.3-acre crystalline lagoon, it became the first real estate project transformed into a PAL® development.
  • Angel Lagoon (USA): Anchored by a 4.2-acre crystalline lagoon, it has been described as “a paradise just 40 minutes from Houston.”

A Profitable and Sustainable Business Model

PAL® projects generate multiple sources of revenue, making them a unique opportunity for investors and real estate developers. Among the most common models are:

  • Sale of daily tickets and annual memberships
  • Rental of spaces for events and corporate activities
  • Operation of restaurants, bars, shops, and beach clubs
  • Commercialization of naming rights and brand sponsorships

All of this is achieved through a scalable and sustainable operational model that reduces maintenance costs and maximizes long-term profitability.

Crystal Lagoons® Sustainable Technology

The patented Crystal Lagoons® technology allows large bodies of crystalline water to be maintained with minimal resource consumption:

  • Uses any type of water: fresh, salt, or brackish
  • Consumes up to 33 times less water than a golf course
  • Uses only 2% of the energy required by conventional filtration systems
  • Requires up to 100 times fewer chemicals than a traditional swimming pool

This efficiency makes PAL® projects a globally recognized model of sustainability and water efficiency.

Developments Anywhere in the World

One of the greatest advantages of PAL® projects is their geographical versatility. They can be developed in urban, rural, or inland areas and adapted to different scales and audiences.

Master Agreements: A Model for Global Expansion

Crystal Lagoons drives the growth of its PAL® projects through Master Agreements, strategic alliances that allow local partners to develop multiple lagoons under a single license.

This model:

  • Facilitates rapid expansion in key markets
  • Optimizes investment and development timelines
  • Guarantees the exclusive use of Crystal Lagoons® technology in each region

In this way, partners can capitalize on the enormous commercial potential of crystalline lagoons, benefiting from the global recognition of the Crystal Lagoons® brand.

Original Content

The project will become the largest urban beach in Europe, fulfilling a long-awaited aspiration for Madrid’s residents. It will be developed under the Public Access Lagoons® model, also known as PAL® projects, accessible to all through ticketed entry.

For a long time, the inhabitants of Madrid, Spain’s capital, have longed to experience beach life within the city. Today, that dream will come true thanks to Crystal Lagoons, as the municipal council of the town of Alovera has approved a project that will enable the development of the largest urban beach in Europe. This will put an end to the wait, allowing Madrid’s residents to enjoy crystalline waters and white sandy beaches.

The project

This is Alovera Beach, a new Public Access Lagoons® development, also known as a PAL® project, located just 30 minutes from Madrid. Its centerpiece will be a 5.2-acre lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology, accessible to all through ticketed entry. The body of water will be suitable for swimming and water sports, and will be surrounded by 16,000 m² of white sand beaches. 

Contribution to the Community

The complex will represent an investment of over € 20 million and create more than 140 direct jobs. In addition to the crystalline lagoon, it will feature a range of infrastructure characteristics from the PAL® model. This will include:

  • Sports facilities
  • Water park with slides and children’s pools
  • Water sports school – kayaking, paddleboarding –
  • Dining services
  • Events
  • Beach Club
  • Among other amenities, the project is expected to set a benchmark for aquatic entertainment in central Spain.

The project is an innovative concept that will transform the municipality of Alovera and boost tourism in the Guadalajara area, positioning it on the European map of technology, innovation, and sustainability, while establishing it as a unique reference for outdoor water sports. The complex will be open year-round and is expected to receive around 350,000 visitors annually.

Bringing the Beach to the City

Alovera Beach’s proximity to Madrid and its excellent accessibility will make this entertainment park an attractive option for thousands of people who would otherwise travel hundreds of kilometers to enjoy a beach experience, resulting in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

Sustainability as a Cornerstone

Like all lagoons developed by the multinational innovation company, Alovera Beach will be no exception and will feature Crystal Lagoons® sustainable technology, which:

  • It uses any type of water: fresh, salt, or brackish water, that has no alternative use
  • It consumes 33 times less water than an 18-hole golf course and 40% less water than a park of the same size
  • Its filtration system uses only 2% of the energy required by conventional systems
  • It employs up to 100 times fewer chemicals than a swimming pool

The Partnership and Urban Contribution

The complex is being developed by Grupo Rayet in partnership with Crystal Lagoons, becoming a model of urban regeneration that will revolutionize the local landscape with a high social impact.

Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2025, with a partial opening of the park expected in the spring of 2027.

Europa Press