Lagoon Lifestyle: 10 Water Activities You’ll Enjoy in a Crystal Lagoons® Project

The combination of sustainable technology and high-impact water activities makes Crystal Lagoons® amenities a powerful driver of differentiation, desirability, and return for real estate and hospitality projects.

Imagine waking up every morning to the sight of turquoise waters and the promise of a day filled with adventure and relaxation, all just a few steps from your home. This is not a distant tropical dream; it’s the lagoon lifestyle offered by a project with a Crystal Lagoons® amenity. More than a simple amenity, a crystalline lagoon is an ecosystem of fun and well-being. In this recreational hub, innovation meets nature to deliver unparalleled aquatic experiences, with a range of activities that no other amenity can match.

What is the lagoon lifestyle?

The lagoon lifestyle is a new standard of urban and residential living that combines:

  • Large-scale turquoise waters in urban, resort, or mixed-use settings
  • White sand beaches and recreational spaces with high visual impact
  • Lagoon water sports for all ages and skill levels
  • A sustainable approach, with low water, energy, and chemical consumption

Crystal Lagoons® patented technology enables the maintenance of large bodies of crystalline water with a closed-circuit system that only replaces the water lost through evaporation, uses up to 100 times fewer chemicals, and requires just 2% of the energy required by conventional filtration systems. It also uses 33 times less water than a golf course and 40% less water than a park of the same size.

For developers, this translates into a distinctive, highly memorable amenity that accelerates sales velocity, enables higher-priced units, and increases land value by transforming inland plots into true waterfront locations.

10 water activities you can enjoy in a Crystal Lagoons® amenity

Below are ten lagoon activities that define the value proposition of these developments and help position projects as benchmark destinations.

  1. Open water swimming in large-scale crystalline waters

Unlike a traditional pool, Crystal Lagoons® amenities offer vast expanses of calm, transparent water that allow for:

  • Recreational and competitive swimming over longer circuits
  • Open-water style training in a safe and controlled environment
  • Clear differentiation from gyms and clubs with standard pools

For developers, this positions the project as an ideal destination for active residents and sports enthusiasts, generating organic, “Instagrammable” content that boosts project awareness.

  1. Paddleboarding and kayaking in a safe environment

Sports such as stand-up paddle (SUP) and kayaking are among the most in-demand lagoon water activities. Controlled depth and the absence of strong currents allow for:

  • Safe activities for families and children
  • Scenic paddling routes with views of the development
  • Membership programs or equipment rentals as a new revenue stream

This increases the time users spend in the project and opens up additional monetization opportunities through day passes, memberships, or guided activities.

  1. Watersports schools for all ages

The lagoons make it possible to develop schools for:

  • Swimming
  • Paddleboarding
  • Kayaking
  • Dinghy sailing or low-speed windsurfing (depending on design and local regulations)

These types of Crystal Lagoons activities strengthen the project’s image as a family sports hub and help build community loyalty, generating recurring traffic throughout the year, not just in peak season.

  1. Private beaches and urban beach clubs

Crystal Lagoons® amenities make it possible to create beach clubs in urban or inland locations, offering:

  • VIP areas with loungers, Balinese beds, and food & beverage service
  • Beach zones segmented by audience: families, adults, corporate events
  • “Beach lifestyle” spaces that position the project as a local icon

This format enhances the perceived value of the amenity and generates revenue from ticket sales, consumption, and events, especially under the Public Access Lagoons® model, also known as PAL® developments, which integrate retail, gastronomy, and entertainment around the lagoon.

  1. Inflatable water parks and kid-friendly zones

Floating inflatables games, slides, and aquatic circuits turned into “aquaparks” are ideal for families:

  • They increase the appeal for children and teenagers
  • They extend the daily usage time of the lagoon
  • They create highly impactful visual content for digital campaigns

They are a magnet for families looking to live by the lagoon with a permanent entertainment offering.

  1. Events and nighttime experiences on the water

The lagoons become a stage for unique experiences:

  • Floating cinema
  • Concerts by the lagoon
  • Light and drone shows over the water

This type of programming not only extends the amenity’s hours of use but also reinforces the perception of the project as “the place where everything happens,” increasing brand value and the loyalty of residents and visitors.

  1. Wellness activities: yoga, meditation, and aquatic fitness

The turquoise waters and beaches create the perfect setting for wellness activities:

  • Yoga classes by the lagoon
  • Sunset meditation
  • Aqua yoga or aquatic fitness in shallow areas

These activities reinforce the project’s positioning as a place that prioritizes the physical and emotional well-being of its residents, aligning with the global trend toward wellness and lifestyle experiences.

  1. Sports programs and internal triathlons

The size of the lagoons makes it possible to organize:

  • Internal triathlons (lagoon swim + cycling and running within the development)
  • Aquatic relay races
  • SUP or kayak competitions

This attracts specific sports audiences, generates news and media exposure, and positions the development as a suitable venue for regional events, reinforcing its value as a platform for business and public relations.

  1. Corporate activations and team building on the water

For mixed-use projects or those with a hospitality component, the lagoons become a stage for:

  • Team-building dynamics (kayak races, inflatable challenges, team circuits)
  • Brand launches with exclusive aquatic experiences
  • MICE packages (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) with lagoon access

This boosts occupancy in the low season, extends demand beyond vacation tourism, and generates additional revenue from corporate events.

  1. Year-round recreational use with Eco-Heated Lagoons

In colder climates, Eco-Heated Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ technology makes it possible to extend the lagoon’s usable season, increasing profitability per square meter of water. This innovation leverages sustainable cooling systems that reduce energy consumption compared to traditional technologies and can even reuse residual heat from industrial processes.

For developers, this means more operating days, more tickets sold, and an offering that keeps the amenity relevant throughout all 12 months of the year.

Living by the lagoon as a new value proposition

The lagoon lifestyle is not just an aesthetic trend; it represents a new category of real estate development where water is at the core of the experience, the business, and the long-term value proposition. The 10 activities mentioned above are only a sample of the vast potential for fun and well-being that opens up when you live by the lagoon.

By integrating a Crystal Lagoons® amenity and a robust portfolio of lagoon water sports, events, and year-round activities, developers can:

  • Radically differentiate their projects.
  • Capture greater value per unit.
  • Create destinations that residents and visitors choose, recommend, and share.

Ultimately, living by the lagoon is no longer a privilege reserved for coastal areas but becomes an attainable reality in any location worldwide, thanks to the sustainable and scalable technology of Crystal Lagoons®.

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Outstanding news

2025 marks a historic year for Crystal Lagoons: a record number of projects signed, strong presence in U.S. top-selling rankings (RCLCO), and the groundbreaking launch of the Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ concept.

In 2025, Crystal Lagoons delivered one of the strongest years in its recent history. With an expansion pace higher than in 2024, the multinational innovation company not only accelerated its global growth, but also reinforced, through market data, a key trend for real estate developers and hospitality projects: when an amenity is truly disruptive, it becomes a business.

The outcome was threefold: on the one hand, a record year for signed projects and new operational lagoons; on the other, strong validation in the United States, where communities featuring Crystal Lagoons® technology once again ranked among the country’s top-selling; and finally, a new technology created to fill a gap that, in just four months, is already a success.

2025 in figures: real, measurable, multi-sector expansion

Crystal Lagoons closed 2025 with milestones that speak directly to what matters in real estate and hospitality: execution, scale, and pipeline.

  • 15 new operational lagoons.
  • 50 new projects signed, surpassing the 2024 record.
  • More than 180 projects under negotiation or construction, including real estate, hospitality, Public Access Lagoons®, and Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ developments.

These figures send a powerful signal: demand for “beach lifestyle” experiences continue to grow, and the Crystal Lagoons value proposition keeps capturing that preference.

The “Lagoon Effect” shows up in sales: Crystal Lagoons in RCLCO’s Top 50 (U.S.)

The U.S. real estate market is one of the most competitive in the world, and RCLCO’s annual ranking (Real Estate Advisors) is considered the definitive barometer of success. In its 2025 edition, projects anchored by a Crystal Lagoons® amenity stood out among the country’s top-selling master-planned communities, once again validating that lagoons drive sales velocity.

The developments that stood out in the Top 50 are:

1. 5th place – Sunterra (Katy, Texas): With 1,024 units sold, it was crowned as the highest-ranked community in all of Texas within the ranking. Sunterra’s success shows that geographic location becomes secondary when a world-class amenity is delivered.

2. 14th place – Mirada (San Antonio, Florida): With 650 units sold, this project reaffirms the dominance of the technology in the Sunshine State.

3. 47th place – Lago Mar (Texas City, Texas): A longtime presence in the rankings that remains its appeal with 380 units sold, proving the model’s long-term sustainability.

Beyond the ranking positions, the strategic takeaway is the pattern: Florida and Texas dominate Top 50 performance, and that’s precisely where Crystal Lagoons has consolidated high-impact projects. This reinforces that the crystalline lagoon doesn’t function as “decoration,” but as a traction driver in highly competitive markets.

The 2025 Revolution: Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ Technology

While large crystalline lagoons are the company’s signature, 2025 saw the birth of an industry game-changer: Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ technology.

This new concept is designed for projects where space, budget, or format previously limited the ability to incorporate a “beach lifestyle” with large-scale lagoons.

What they are and why they’re positioned as “game-changing”:

·   Standardized lagoons ranging from 0.25 acre to 1 acre.

·   In just four months, the model already shows commercial success: 17 projects signed and more than 120 under negotiation.

This format enables real estate developers to access the benefits of a crystalline lagoon without requiring the large land footprints of a traditional master plan.

Key features of the Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ concept:

  • Instant visual impact: turquoise waters + white-sand beaches as the project’s icon.
  • Efficient design: built to maximize ROI per m², turning the center of the master plan into a beach destination at a fraction of the cost of traditional swimming pools.
  • Replicable model: standardization that speeds up implementation for certain project types.
  • Versatile use cases: from multifamily and urban projects to hotels, boutique resorts, mixed-use developments, and short-term rental–oriented projects.

In practice, these smaller lagoons respond to a clear market demand: an amenity that doesn’t require “mega-scale” to generate a premium, drive sales, and strengthen positioning.

A spectacular year that sets the trend for 2026

2025 has made it clear that innovation is the path to profitability. Whether leading U.S. sales rankings with large-scale projects or unlocking new niches with the Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ technology, the multinational innovation company continues to set the standard in the development of sustainable amenities.

For real estate developers, the market message is clear: turquoise isn’t just a color; it’s a competitive advantage that sells in record time.

Original content.

Sunterra, Mirada, and Lago Mar are the three projects that once again made the ranking “The Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities of 2025” by consulting firm RCLCO Real Estate Advisors.

In the hypercompetitive U.S. residential real estate market, differentiation is everything. Developers of Master-Planned Communities (MPCs) are constantly looking for that disruptive element that not only draws attention but also dramatically accelerates sales velocity and justifies premium pricing.

Once again, the data confirms the answer is turquoise.

RCLCO Real Estate Advisors’ latest report, one of the leading U.S. real estate research and advisory firms, “The Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities of 2025” validates what has become an undeniable industry trend: the presence of a Crystal Lagoons® amenity is the most powerful sales driver in today’s market. It’s no coincidence that, year after year, projects anchored by this innovation secure leading positions in this prestigious national ranking.

In 2025, three iconic developments featuring Crystal Lagoons® technology have ranked among the top 50 best-selling communities nationwide, proving that the promise of an idyllic, sustainable, and accessible “beach life” is an irresistible magnet for buyers.

The results: three Crystal Lagoons® projects in RCLCO’s Top 50

In the 2025 edition of the ranking, three communities with Crystal Lagoons® amenity stand out:

  • 5th place, Sunterra (Katy, Texas): 1,024 units sold – the highest-ranked community in Texas in the Top 50. 
  • 14th place, Mirada (San Antonio, Florida): 650 units sold.
  • 47th place, Lago Mar (Texas City, Texas): 380 units sold. 

Beyond the ranking, the key takeaway is strategic: two states dominate the Top 50’s performance -Florida and Texas- and those are precisely the markets where Crystal Lagoons has consolidated high-impact, high-performing projects.

Case by case: what explains the performance of Sunterra, Mirada, and Lago Mar

1) Sunterra (Texas): Top 5 consistency and multi-year proof of the “lagoon effect”

Sunterra doesn’t just appear in 2025: it has been a consistent top performer. The project itself highlights that it ranked #3 nationally in 2023, #4 in 2024, and now #5 in 2025, reinforcing that this isn’t a one-off result: it’s a structural advantage.

In addition, it is a large-scale MPC (1,000 acres), where the 4-acre lagoon serves as the lifestyle anchor and a key driver of sustaining sales momentum in a highly competitive market, such as the Houston/Katy area.

RCLCO 2025 data: #5 nationally, 1,024 sales.

2) Mirada (Florida): An “inland beach” that sustains strong sales volume

Mirada features an approximately 14.9-acre lagoon within an approximately 1,799-acre community in the Tampa Bay area, combining residents and Public Access Lagoons® model, expanding visibility and driving traffic.

RCLCO 2025 data: #14 nationally, 650 sales.

And as a sign of its trajectory, RCLCO had already highlighted Mirada for its strong performance in previous ranking updates (Top 10 mid-year 2024), showing that the project is maintaining momentum. 

3) Lago Mar (Texas): Sales + a hybrid model (residents + Public Access Lagoons® model)

Lago Mar combines scale (over 1,999 acres) with an 11.49-acre lagoon, designed as a signature amenity and complemented by mixed-use components, including plans for hospitality, retail, and waterfront experiences.

RCLCO 2025 data: #47 nationally, 380 sales.

In markets like Texas, where competition among MPCs is intense, this type of amenity acts as a demand catalyst, strengthening perceived premium value and differentiation.

Why MPCs with Crystal Lagoons sell more: the “amenity” becomes a business

U.S. homebuyers are no longer just shopping for square footage, they’re buying a lifestyle. And when that lifestyle is iconic, tangible, and shareable, it becomes a competitive advantage that’s hard to replicate.

From a business perspective, a lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology unlocks three key levers:

1) True differentiation (not a commodity)

A crystalline lagoon with sandy beaches redefines the community’s “center of gravity,” elevating the offering from “standard amenities” to a true destination.

2) Scalable efficiency and sustainability
Crystal Lagoons® technology is designed to be more efficient than traditional systems: it uses only 2% of the energy required by conventional pools and up to 100 times fewer chemicals, and it can operate with fresh, brackish, or seawater.

3) Proven commercial performance at scale
RCLCO has been tracking MPC sales for decades (publishing this ranking since 1994), making it a long-term benchmark for understanding which communities truly gain traction.

When an amenity is measured in sales, turquoise speaks for itself

That Sunterra (#5), Mirada (#14), and Lago Mar (#47) rank in RCLCO’s Top 50 isn’t a PR headline: it’s a direct market signal. In a ranking based on net new-home contracts (net of cancellations), these communities prove that Crystal Lagoons® technology doesn’t just enhance a development: it accelerates commercial performance.

RCLCO

Crystal Lagoons is transforming the U.S. real estate market. Here are the three most innovative projects (Epperson, Evermore, and Cotino) showcasing the ROI, sustainability, and impact of this disruptive technology.

In the world’s most competitive real estate market, the United States, differentiation is no longer optional; it’s a matter of survival. Master-planned community developers and hospitality projects are facing growing demand for unique, sustainable experiences that justify a premium price. In this context, the “standard amenity” (the clubhouse, the traditional pool, the golf course) has lost much of its pulling power.

Crystal Lagoons has burst onto the scene not only as an alternative but as a revolution. This patented technology, capable of bringing an idyllic beach lifestyle anywhere, even far from the coast, has become the “World’s Top Amenity,” generating an undeniable global impact.

Crystal Lagoons in the U.S.

The success of Crystal Lagoons in the United States has been meteoric, validating a business model that combines sustainable technological innovation with an unprecedented return on investment (ROI). Below are three projects that best illustrate how this technology is rewriting the rules of U.S. real estate development.

The Turquoise Revolution: Technology as a Business Driver

Before diving into the projects, it is essential to understand why they are effective. For the U.S. developers, focused on the bottom line and increasingly aware of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, the value proposition is irresistible.

It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about data-driven operational efficiency:

  • Water Sustainability: Crystal Lagoons® amenities can use any type of water (fresh, brackish, or saltwater) and consume up to 33 times less water than a golf course and 40% less water than a park of the same size.
  • Low Operating Cost (OpEx): Thanks to its ultrasound filtration system, the technology uses only 2% of the energy and up to 100 times fewer chemicals than conventional swimming pool filtration systems.

This technological foundation is what makes the following innovative megaprojects possible.

The three Game-Changing Projects in the U.S.

These developments have not only been commercial successes; they have also served as proof of concept for different business models (purely residential, large-scale hospitality, and branded mega-communities), demonstrating the versatility of Crystal Lagoons® technology.

Epperson (Wesley Chapel, Florida): The Pioneer that Validated the Residential Model

The Challenge: Located inland in the Tampa, Florida area, far from the state’s famous coastal beaches, developer Metro Development Group needed a radically differentiator to attract buyers to a landlocked location.

The Innovation: Epperson was the first project of Crystal Lagoons in the United States. The opening of its 7.36-acre lagoon instantly transformed a landlocked community into a premium beach destination.

The Business Impact: Epperson empirically proved the “lagoon effect” in the U.S. market. The results were immediate:

  • Record Sales Velocity: Before the lagoon, sales pace was in line with the local market. After the lagoon was announced, sales increased by +174%, and Epperson became the fastest-selling community in the Tampa area, dramatically outperforming the competition.
  • Premium pricing: The project was able to sustain above-market prices per square meter, demonstrating that buyers were willing to pay for the unique “beach living” lifestyle without being on the coast.
  • Evolution into a hybrid model: Part of the lagoon is open to the public, making it one of the first real estate developments to transition into Public Access Lagoons® model.
Epperson, Wesley Chapel, Florida

Evermore Orlando Resort (Orlando, Florida): Disruption in the World Capital of Tourism

The Challenge: Orlando is arguably the most saturated hospitality market in the world, dominated by theme parks and hundreds of resorts competing for families’ attention. How do you differentiate right next to Walt Disney World®?

The Innovation: Evermore Orlando Resort (built on the former Villas of Grand Cypress site) replaced golf course views with a monumental 8-acre Crystal Lagoons® amenity and 20 acres of white-sand beaches. It is the centerpiece of a US$1.5 billion luxury resort complex.

The Business Impact: This project redefines the concept of a “resort amenity” at massive scale.

  • Guest Attraction: It offers something even theme parks don’t have: an authentic Caribbean-style beach experience in the heart of Florida, with safe swimming and non-motorized water sports.
  • Longer Stays: By creating a destination within a destination, Evermore encourages guests to spend full days at the resort, thereby increasing on-site spending on food, beverages, and activities, rather than using the hotel solely as a place to sleep between park visits.
Evermore Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida

Cotino™, a Storyliving by Disney Community (Rancho Mirage, California): The Fusion of Iconic Brands in the Desert

The Challenge: In the arid landscape of California’s Coachella Valley, Disney needed a centerpiece for its first branded residential community, “Storyliving by Disney.” The amenity not only had to be spectacular, but also viable in a desert environment with strict water regulations.

The Innovation: The choice was a nearly 24.67-acre Crystal Lagoons® amenity. This project is highly innovative because it represents the ultimate validation of the technology by one of the world’s most demanding entertainment and experience brands.

The Business Impact: Cotino demonstrates the technology’s ability to elevate global brands and perform in challenging environments.

  • Sustainability in the Desert: Choosing Crystal Lagoons® technology underscores its water efficiency. The lagoon will consume significantly less water than the golf courses that traditionally dominate the Palm Springs landscape.
  • The Heart of the “Story”: The lagoon isn’t just a body of water; it’s the main stage for the “Storyliving” experience, designed to host recreational activities, themed events, and a ticketed public-access area (Parr House), demonstrating the technology’s versatility to create immersive experiences that justify premium home pricing in a luxury branded community.
Cotino™, a Storyliving by Disney Community, Rancho Mirage, California

The Future of Real Estate Development Is Turquoise

The success of Epperson, Evermore, and now Cotino in the United States sends a clear message to the global industry: sustainable innovation is the path to profitability in modern real estate.

Crystal Lagoons® technology is no longer a bet; it has become a benchmark of excellence for developers, from local giants to global brands like Disney, who want to lead their markets by offering not just properties, but also transformative lifestyles that enhance the environment and captivate demand.

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