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Crystal Lagoons es anfitrión de premios “Champion of Champions”
World Intellectual Property Organization Awards Fernando Fischmann Gold Medal for Inventorship Crystal Lagoons hosts "Champion of Champions" Awards The hallmark of the new generation of Crystal Lagoons The non-stop expansion of Crystal Lagoons

Crystal Lagoons and Ka’ana Wave Co to bring surfing to projects worldwide

Crystal Lagoons and Ka’ana Wave Co have signed a Preferred Vendor Agreement to certify Ka’ana’s CM7-Series surf machines for installation in Crystal Lagoons® amenities. With millions of people passionate about surfing and millions more keen to learn, the partnership provides Crystal Lagoons developers an amenity to attract those who want to surf.

Since 2009, the innovative multi-acre, clear blue lagoons developed using Crystal Lagoons® patented technology have provided an unparalleled aquatic experience for guests around the world. The partnership to incorporate Ka’ana’s CM7-Surf technology serves to enhance the experience by activating lagoons for surfing and dynamic activities like kayaking, open water training, and play.

Designed to create a variety of waves, in a variety of pools and lagoons, for a variety of activities, the CM7-Series provides a surf experience that is fun for all ages, skills, and abilities. The experience is exhilarating, safe, and low impact, and the currents generated by the machine are fun for paddling and play.

“Crystal Lagoons has developed an outstanding aquatic experience. With over 1100 projects in different stages of operation, development, and negotiation to date, these large crystalline lagoons surrounded by white sandy beaches provide the perfect environment for activating the CM7-Surf Experience,” says Jamie Watson, CEO of Ka’ana Wave Co.

“The CM7-Series delivers an experience that is fun for everyone and has been demonstrated to consistently attract and engage guests for hours on end. Integrating Ka’ana’s new, patented CM7-Series technology will provide developers access to the booming surf market, and offer more versatile programming, while enhancing the already exceptional experience of a pristine water lagoon,” says Mauricio Salinas Ortiz, Head of New Business Development at Crystal Lagoons.

About Crystal Lagoons

Crystal Lagoons is a US-based company that has developed technology allowing crystalline lagoons of unlimited sizes to be built and maintained at very low costs anywhere. With over 2,500 patents in 160 countries, its sustainable amenities use up to 100 times fewer chemicals and only 2% of the energy required by conventional swimming pools.

About Ka’ana Wave Co

Ka’ana Wave Co., based in North Vancouver, Canada, provides hotels, resorts, waterparks, municipalities, and mixed-use developments access to surfing with an award-winning surf attraction that creates a variety of waves, in a variety of new and existing pools and lagoons, for a variety of activities.

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Amenities Evolution: Crystal Lagoons® technology Set to Dominate SFR Rentals

In the real estate market, the build-to-rent (BTR) sector emerges as one of the major winners of 2023. BTR involves longer tenancy agreements managed by operators, financial groups, and developers that prioritize long-term viability, distinctive amenities, and a strong sense of community integration.

As tenants yearn for a lifestyle that transcends the ordinary, Crystal Lagoons delivers precisely that – an amenity featuring beach life, water sports, event esplanades, amphitheaters, and clubhouses that transform every day into a magical vacation-like experience.

This boom is evidenced by a new trend in the tenant profile, as tenants now prefer single-family rental homes and communities instead of buying. This shift in the market structure has made tenants less sensitive to rental prices, as potential homeowners are taking their chances and firmly believe that the Federal Reserve’s interest rates at 5.25% and home prices should go down in the near future creating new opportunities for purchasing houses at a discounted rate. The market last saw these rates in July 2006, when the US GDP was 3.2% and inflation 4.4%.

What does this mean for the market and developers targeting that specific segment? 

 

Renters, by choice, are demanding superior quality homes. Studies have shown they highly value interior finishes, better amenities, and connectivity. As a result of these new demands in the shifting market, firms that meet the new standard can attain higher cash flows. And it has been seen on most of the projects with a crystalline lagoon with Crystal Lagoons technology on it, where sales have improved over a year (Sunterra sold nearly 800 units last year, being among the highest-selling communities in the country) and occupancy rates are at their highest. 

Higher rates have affected the whole real estate market in terms of financing and development; this is because total existing home sales fell 2.4% from February to March and are also down 22% compared to last year, scaring investors off. If we compare the first two months of home purchases in the SFR firms segment between 2022 and 2023, purchases have fallen by 90% in 2023.

Despite this, larger-single family rental (SFR) firms are better off due to the positive impact on their balance sheets with increasing rent, and we must consider that single-family housing inventory is at its lowest point in the last 40 years. Larger investors are closely eyeballing these firms and can help projects with broader financing options for their specific needs. 

Due to the current market condition, many analysts say that this will be the year of operational efficiency, not just efficiency when it comes to maintaining the property but specifically in the project as a whole, highlighting the use of technology in common spaces such as lagoons, concierge/reception, events, golf courses, and underutilized land. Incorporating technology that makes these projects more cost-efficient will be highly valued by investors because they are the same points set aside by developers and can improve earnings and drive sustainable growth in the long run.¯

The Way South

 

Investors are increasingly interested in the Sun Belt, a region spanning the Southeast and Southwest of the United States, comprising 18 states and 75% of the country’s population growth. Dallas and Tampa rank among the top ten US cities with the most real estate potential, where notably Crystal Lagoons has nine operational projects, several among the top-selling in the nation. While single-family developments remain important, multifamily communities are emerging as a major driving force in this region.

Traditionally attracting older couples for retirement, the Sub Belt has now become a sought-after destination for millennials due to its lower taxes and more affordable housing options. This demographic’s preference for suburban areas is fueling a substantial pace of suburban growth, with Generation Z expected to further contribute to this trend.

 

Adding an artificial lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology adds substantial value to existing and future developments in the area, leading to increased occupancy rates and higher rental prices. A crystalline lagoon is an amenity that holds greater appeal and interest for the discerning new generation of renters. Moreover, it serves as a low-cost development and maintenance project, generating added value for the community. Notably, a crystalline lagoon consumes only 2% of the energy and 100 fewer chemicals compared to a typical swimming pool of the same size. 

Do you want to grow your business with the Crystal Lagoons® technology? 


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“The expansion of Crystal Lagoons in the United States is limitless”

The United States is the world’s most competitive and dynamic real estate and entertainment market. For this reason, Crystal Lagoons has a strong commercial team with regional directors who have managed to significantly expand the business model in Florida, Texas, California, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. 

This year, new commercial and master agreements have been announced in Hawaii, and in states where the company already has a consolidated presence, such as Texas, which further strengthens its expansion plan in the country, where there are more than 260 Real Estate and PAL™ projects at different stages of development and negotiations.

Benjamín Fischmann, son of the founder of Crystal Lagoons, is an important member of the commercial team, and says that what “is remarkable is the way Crystal Lagoons® technology is valued in places that have a strong and particular beach culture. This is why we are due to arrive in Honolulu, Hawaii”.

 

To what do you attribute the commercial success the company has seen in the United States and what role is the team playing?

 

The rate of growth in the United States is limitless. Our crystalline lagoons have become trendy and are valued by investors and developers for the impact they have on the economy and tourism. Our technology revolutionizes urban lifestyles and improves the quality of life. In particular, PAL™ developments have been a resounding success in attracting public flow and added a tremendous draw to the surrounding area and new projects.

This success has been driven by the extensive experience, expertise and innovative approach that the Crystal Lagoons US team has taken, which plays a pivotal role in both closing deals and expanding the concept and technology in the country.

 

Which is the most important state for the company so far?

 

Texas and Florida are the fastest-growing states with top-sales projects and continue to grow, adding newly signed master agreements and joint ventures. More specifically, we have close to 70 projects in Texas at different stages of development, including Windsong Ranch, Balmoral Sierra Vista, and Lago Mar. There are 51 developments in Florida, including Epperson, Evermore, Sole Mia, Southshore Bay, and the iconic Mirada Lagoon, which just opened the largest crystalline lagoon in the United States. 

 

Which new commercial agreements have been signed in 2023 in the US?


In Texas we signed two new master agreements for projects in San Antonio and Dallas. In addition, through the joint venture model, we will develop public access lagoons in Cypress and Dayton as joint ventures. We also expect to soon finalize negotiations in Hawaii, where we will enter Honolulu, and in Alabama and Missouri. 

Learn more of our projects here 

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Crystal Lagoons project in Spain has been awarded the European Property Awards

The project is located in a strategic area of the Costa Cálida, in Murcia, in a region boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year, surrounded by golf courses. Santa Rosalía is defined as the heart of the Caribbean Sea and features a central element: a 1.6-hectare crystalline lagoon, the largest in Europe developed with Crystal Lagoons® patented technology, which allows the practice of water activities and sports in a safe environment, such as swimming, sailing, paddle boarding, and kayaking, among others. 

The crystalline lagoon is nestled within a 12.4-hectare reserve near Murcia and Cartagena, surrounded by exclusive houses, apartments, and independent villas. Amidst the lagoon, two paradisiacal islands with palm trees stand out, in addition to the traditional white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

“Few cities in the world have the climate of Murcia, which allows people to enjoy beach life year-round,” emphasizes Francisco Matte, Regional Director of Crystal Lagoons.

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Crystal Lagoons achieves new milestones in the inauguration and filling of lagoons in 2023

Throughout this year, Crystal Lagoons has achieved several milestones. Among them are the inaugurations and filling of lagoons on different continents, Real Estate, and Public Access Lagoons™ projects, also known as PAL™ developments. Many of these complexes stand out for their successful sales performance and also for the impressive size and spectacular nature of their crystalline lagoon.

America

In the United States, the main market for Crystal Lagoons worldwide with 260 projects in different stages of development, the multinational company achieves two significant milestones, both in the state of Florida, where it experiences great dynamism with 51 projects.

The first one is marked by the inauguration of Mirada Lagoon in Tampa, the largest crystalline lagoon in the United States, covering an area of 6 hectares. This is the fourth project in association with Metro Development Group.

On the other hand, in Orlando, the filling of an iconic new crystalline lagoon has been completed, the city’s first. It is situated within the Evermore Orlando Resort tourist complex, located near the renowned Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort theme parks, and will host the first Conrad Hotel in the area. The crystalline lagoon in this project offers the opportunity to enjoy the idyllic beach life experience in the country’s most visited destination.

Latin America leads in openings. Two projects stand out in Paraguay, both in partnership with Raíces Real Estate: Costa del Lago, in Hernandarias, a few minutes from Ciudad del Este, and Aquaterra, in Luque, on the outskirts of Asunción. Once the lagoon of the exclusive residential and hotel complex “The Beach Punta Cana City Place” completes its filling, the Dominican Republic will boast the largest artificial lagoon in the Caribbean, covering an area of 3 hectares.

In Argentina, the most important market for Crystal Lagoons in the region, Remeros Beach, with 3.5 hectares, was inaugurated in the northern area of the capital, Buenos Aires. Baia Kristal, in the top tourist city of Colombia, Cartagena de Indias, is also preparing for its upcoming opening.

Africa

In South Africa, the award-winning and top-selling Munyaka project, driven by Crystal Lagoons in partnership with the country’s main developer, Balwin Properties, achieved a new record by inaugurating the largest crystalline lagoon in the country. Recognized as “Johannesburg’s first beach” this stunning body of turquoise water covers an area equivalent to seven rugby fields.

With more than 31 projects, Egypt has positioned itself as Crystal Lagoons’ most solid market in the MENA region. In 2023, the filling of the lagoons at Swan Lake Stage 3, Fouka Bay, and Il Monte Galala will be completed, with the latter standing out as the world’s first crystal-clear lagoon in a mountainous area.

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Crystal Lagoons Brings Beach Life to the Largest Mall in the Colombian Caribbean

Crystal Lagoons enters the Latin American retail market as part of the largest shopping and entertainment center in the Colombian Caribbean. The central element of the project located in Cartagena de Indias, “Azul de Arenas,” will be a 3-hectare crystalline lagoon suitable for swimming and water sports.

These developments, to which anyone can enter by paying a ticket, also incorporate commerce, a 150-room hotel, offices, apartments, and health centers, among other spaces.

The 120-hectare development is located in this dynamically growing city and will be one of the most important commercial projects, with 110,000 m² of leasable area, highlighting its design and sustainable urbanism, characteristics of Crystal Lagoons® technology.

“Shopping centers today must reinvent themselves and introduce new functional and experiential offerings to the public. PAL™ projects provide an answer to this need, as they not only offer an idyllic beach life but also bring together restaurants, event centers, culture, shows, and attractive activities, factors that enhance 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 Miguel Ángel Cabañas, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of Crystal Lagoons.

A Long-Term Agreement

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

The success of Baia Kristal, Crystal Lagoons’ first real estate complex in the country, also in partnership with AED Constructores, prompted this company to sign the master agreement to develop projects in Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Pereira, and Cartagena de Indias itself.

“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 Cabañas.

The PAL™ model has piqued the interest of important players worldwide. Crystal Lagoons experienced a record global expansion with these projects. The company entered more than 15 new markets and closed mega-commercial agreements in countries such as Japan, Australia, the United States, India, Korea, Pakistan, Israel, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica, and Central America, among others.

Learn more about our PAL™ projects here.

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