Crystal Lagoons signs its largest contract in Latin America to develop 13 projects in Colombia

29/11/2021

Crystal Lagoons, the innovation multinational that develops large crystalline lagoons, continues to boost its growth in the region. Recently, it signed one of the largest contracts that includes 13 new projects in Colombia, which will help consolidate two emblematic tourist destinations: Eje Cafetero and the Colombian Caribbean.

This mega agreement is also signed with AED Constructores and arises after the success of Crystal Lagoons’ first real estate development in the country, Baia Kristal, located in Cartagena de Indias.

The new complexes are added to the 197 that the company has in Latin America, in different stages of development, and will be carried out in the cities of Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Pereira and Cartagena de Indias. In the latter port city, a 200-hectare megaproject, which will house the first Public Access Lagoons ™ development, (PAL ™ projects), in Colombia and nine private real estate projects, each with a 3-hectare navigable lagoon, similar to Baia Kristal.

Unlike private lagoons projects, the PAL™ developments are open to the public for a fee, allowing anyone access to this idyllic beach experience. Additionally, around the lagoon, there are commercial facilities for holding conventions, product launches, food halls, weddings, hotels, shops, restaurants, multiple stages for concerts, outdoor terraces, domes and amphitheaters.

“Baia Kristal’s unprecedented business opportunities were planned to be sold within three years, but ended up being sold in less than 12 months. This demonstrates that, contrary to what you might think, these crystal-clear lagoons can be successful anywhere in the world, in tourist spots as well as in coastal cities. This is what led AED Constructores to extend its partnership with Crystal Lagoons to develop 13 more lagoons,” said Jean Pierre Juanchich, Crystal Lagoons’ Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

In addition to this public access project in Cartagena, Crystal Lagoons will develop two more PAL™ complexes, one of which will be located in Pereira, the most populated city in the Eje Cafetero region. Despite being located almost 200 kilometers from the ocean, residents of Pereira will finally be able to enjoy a beach experience. The complex will include all of the infrastructure of the PAL™ model, enabling it to become in the meeting point in the city.

In Barranquilla, the main economic center in the Colombian Caribbean region, the project will the combine PAL™ model with private residential areas for first dwelling.

In Santa Marta, which is also located on the Colombian Caribbean coast and is the country’s oldest standing city, Crystal Lagoons will develop a residential project focused primarily on Colombians living abroad who are looking for a second home in their country.

These 13 new projects come as an addition to facilities already being developed in Colombia, which include Baia Kristal and another hotel development.

“Colombia is a market with great potential for Crystal Lagoons due to its climate, population and other factors. These projects will change the lives of millions of Colombians by bringing a Caribbean-like experience to their doorsteps,” said Juanchich.

The PAL™ model has attracted the interest worldwide. Some of the company’s biggest contracts are in the United States (16 PAL™ developments in partnership with Epic and Mattel and five with ADËLON in Orlando), Korea (30 PAL™ projects in partnership with Hyundai-NexPlan), Pakistan (15 PAL™ developments in partnership with Ary Group) and Central America (18 PAL™ developments together with successful entrepreneurs in the region).

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Time Out: Crystal Lagoons Project in Indonesia is a Must-Visit

12-04-2024

Once again, the prestigious international entertainment, travel, and tourism guide Time Out has turned its attention to the Crystal Lagoons Treasure Bay project on the idyllic island of Bintan, Indonesia. Its recent edition of recommendations on what to see, do, and experience highlighted this project as essential to include in travelers’ itineraries and a must-visit in the region due to its unique features, as the largest crystalline lagoon in Southeast Asia with sustainable Crystal Lagoons® technology spanning 15.5 acres, equivalent to 50 Olympic-size swimming pools, surrounded by 1,400 meters of white sandy beaches.

Time Out recommended this project developed under the Public Access Lagoons™ model, also known as PAL™ developments, emphasizing the variety of aquatic experiences that can be enjoyed across its 222 acres, allowing visitors to indulge in beach life year-round with options for dining, spa, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife. Within the artificial lagoon, an oasis of turquoise waters, visitors can partake in water sports such as bungee jumping, cable water skiing, boating, slides, paddleboarding, kayaking, and wakeboarding.

With its monumental body of water, Treasure Bay has established itself as a unique experience on the paradise island of Bintan, Indonesia. Bintan, known for its nearly 3,000 islands, strategically faces Singapore and Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It offers many tourist attractions, including world-class golf courses, hiking, elephant parks, eco-farms, luxury spas, and beach activities.

This PAL™ development is surrounded by 1,400 meters of white sandy beaches, with a length of 800 meters and reaching a maximum depth of 2.5 meters. It offers various water recreation experiences, including bungee jumping, cable water skiing, boat rides, water slides, paddle boarding, kayaking, and wakeboarding. The artificial lagoon allows visitors to enjoy beach life year-round with dining options, spas, shops, entertainment, and nightlife.PAL™ projects, which anyone can access for an entrance fee, transform any site into a year-round entertainment hub with more than 125 activities that can take place in the lagoon itself or its surroundings.

Iconic Crystal Lagoons Luxury Project in Cancun prepares for opening in June

09-04-2024

Crystal Lagoons® technology is revolutionizing the hotel industry and changing the paradigm of vacation developments. Major international hotel chains such as Marriott, Radisson, Conrad, Hyatt Regency, and AVA recognize the transformative value of crystalline lagoons. They have incorporated this amenity as a critical element in their projects, making them more attractive destinations.

In association with the prestigious AVA hotel chain, Crystal Lagoons is developing an iconic project that will become the most prominent luxury resort in Cancun, centered around a monumental 2.8-acre crystalline lagoon surrounded by white sandy beaches. This artificial lagoon with turquoise waters will allow guests to enjoy exclusive floating cabins and various water activities in a unique environment.

When it opens in June 2024, AVA Resort Cancún will be an innovative luxury destination just 10 minutes from Cancun International Airport and along the city’s most extensive commercial promenade. It will be a landmark in Mexican tourism and Cancun, the largest city on the Yucatan Peninsula and a regional cultural, financial, and tourist hub.

This beachfront oasis, with all rooms facing the sea, will offer experiences for all ages and various accommodation options, from elegant rooms to spacious villas, all with breathtaking views of the Mexican Caribbean. Six pools, a water park for children, and first-class beach services ensure relaxation and fun. Additionally, high-end boutiques and local shops will provide exclusive shopping options.

“Crystal Lagoons is a pioneer in sustainability and innovation. It will offer an idyllic beach landscape to enjoy a lively life around the lagoon. Guests can relax in one or four water cabins or engage in non-motorized water sports, all in the same body of water”, said Ash Tembe, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for North America at AIC Hotel Group.

Around the world, the concept and technology of Crystal Lagoons® have become the leading sales attraction, positively impacting its commercial success. Despite the credit and real estate challenges in the current economic conditions, Crystal Lagoons projects continue to defy the market with very impressive sales figures, particularly in the United States. The rankings from real estate consulting firms RCLCO and John Burns on the best-selling master-planned communities once again demonstrated that crystalline lagoons are a powerful purchasing driver. Sunterra, Mirada, Windsong Ranch, and Epperson secured prominent positions in 2023.

These projects ranked among the top 50 best-selling communities. Florida leads the ranking within the list, representing close to 40% of the sales for all top-ranked developments, followed by Texas with 37%. In both states, Crystal Lagoons has a significant presence.

In Texas, Sunterra stands out as a project that, even though the crystalline lagoon has not been built yet, serves as a commercial driver within the community, generating sales rates higher than the average, with a significant increase of 63% compared to 2022. This placed it 3rd nationally in both rankings, further boosting the strong performance of Houston, the top-selling metropolitan area in the country. Sunterra’s positive sales results had already been recorded in previous reports.

With the largest amenity powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology in the United States, Mirada in Florida, inaugurated in 2023, sets another record. With an 89% increase in sales, it ranks 17th. Its 15 acres of turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are a buying trigger.

Another notable project in Texas is Windsong Ranch, which has consistently set sales records, ranking 29th in the John Burns ranking. The project has also been nationally awarded as “Master Planned Community of the Year,” among other recognitions.

On the other hand, Epperson in Florida also ranked prominently in both studies, a commercial trend registered since its inauguration as a real estate project. The interest it generated was so significant that it had to be opened to the Public Access Lagoons™ model, also known as PAL™ developments.

The United States is the main operation of Crystal Lagoons worldwide, and it has more than 275 projects at different stages of development and negotiation. Among the most important are Mirada, Sole Mia, Balmoral, Windsong Ranch, Beachwalk, Southshore Bay, Aqua, among others. The recent joint venture to develop four Public Access Lagoons™ complexes, also known as PAL™, in Texas stands out and will add to the successful public access developments Epperson (Florida) and Lago Mar (Texas).