“El País” Announces Crystal Lagoons® PAL™ to Arrive to Uruguay

A place to spend the day at the beach with crystalline waters and white sand, somewhere to swim or practice water sports and enjoy a concert or cultural event in a gastronomic and commercial setting. Uruguay’s leading newspaper, El País, has announced that Public Access Lagoons™, or PAL™, can offer all of this without leaving the city. This business model created by Crystal Lagoons®, the multinational that creates crystalline man-made lagoons in urban environments, is set to land in Uruguay in 2021.

The company’s first development in the country was a holiday resort complex known as Solanas, located in Maldonado, but operates privately, not as a PAL. Public Access Lagoons, on the other hand, grant the general public access via ticketed entry and offer a day at the beach and use of all the amenities available, said Jean Pierre Juanchich, Crystals Lagoons Regional Director for Latin America.

This new business model was launched in October last year and already represents 90% of the company’s turnover, he added. “Since then, we have already signed contracts for 130 PAL,” he said.

The plan is developed in three phases. The first, which requires an investment of approximately US$ 8 million, is anchored by a lagoon, a beach, green areas with kiosks and basic services such as bathrooms. It can be built in one year and, judging from past experiences, the investment is recovered in one or two years, confirmed Juanchich.

The second stage includes services around the lagoon, such as a wedding peninsula (an event center for weddings overlooking the lagoon), an area for concerts, road shows, restaurants and retail stores. This phase involves an additional US$ 7 million and is finalized in two years once the PAL is operational.

Finally, the more complex plan includes the construction of a hotel overlooking the beach and is considered an opportunity rather than a necessity for the model to succeed.

Jean Pierre Juanchich stated that, in general, each project spans over about 25 acres and usually include a 5-acre lagoon. The income generated during the first phase kick starts the investment for the second phase. “In one or two years the investment is recovered, because it requires low maintenance.”

The company estimates a ticket to cost US$ 10 and, according to studies carried out in the country, each lagoon would receive an influx of between 500,000 and 800,000 people per year. “Their proximity to Argentina is key,” he added. In any case, the main income is provided by other businesses, such as restaurants, retail, event centers, weddings, food trucks and brand sponsorship on the beaches. “With the three phases in operation, ticket revenues make up just 20% of the total.”

Negotiations in Uruguay are already underway with investment funds moving forward. At the moment, the negotiations have advanced quickly so as to start building between three or four PAL in Uruguay that would include hotels. “We license exclusive agreements with each country and are in advanced conversations to roll out between four and six projects in Uruguay. The negotiations are most advanced in cities such as Montevideo (which may include two), Paysandú and Carmelo, but Punta del Este is also on the map”.

The plan is to start building the first lagoon in 2021, so it is operational in 2022.

Private projects

Additional to the PAL, the company will continue with its private use lagoons in real estate projects and Juanchich expects as many as five such amenities in Uruguay (including Solanas).

Unlike Solanas, those that follow will anchor residential housing projects. One will be in Montevideo’s Carrasco neighborhood, in Colinas de Carrasco II. The design and details are still being studied and will be defined at a later date. The second will be in José Ignacio (Maldonado) in an area for holiday homes, and is currently being studied, he added.

Latest News

The recent inauguration of Crystal Lagoons project in the United States, Evermore Orlando Resort, featuring its impressive 8-acre crystalline lagoon and extensive beaches, steps from Disney World and Universal, has captured the attention of the global press. Nearly 500 media outlets from various countries, including Yahoo!, Associated Press, NBC, Fox, ABC, CBS, Washington Daily News, Finanzen y Benzinga, have covered the news, emphasizing the significance of this tourism milestone.

Numerous articles have highlighted this iconic development, considered one of Florida’s most significant tourism projects. It is located in the heart of Orlando, the most visited destination in the US, with 75 million tourists annually. With over 10,000 rooms surrounding the lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology, this amenity marks a before and after for the city, which lacked a beach despite its comprehensive entertainment options. Crystal Lagoons solves this problem by introducing a monumental body of water that brings idyllic beach life, redefining hotel standards, and consolidating its presence in the hospitality and entertainment industry.

Surrounding the crystalline lagoon is Orlando’s first Conrad hotel, a luxury brand of the Hilton chain, as well as various homes, villas, and apartments. In addition, there is an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, one of the greatest golfers in history.

“Every hotel project incorporating a Crystal Lagoons® amenity becomes the most attractive destination in the area. Conrad, one of the world’s leading hotel chains, understood this and decided to make a qualitative leap concerning the existing offer in the most touristic area of the U.S.,” said Iván Manzur, Senior Vice President of Sales of Crystal Lagoons US Corp.

Costa Rica is a globally recognized sustainable tourist destination with 1,300 kilometers of coastline and over 600 beaches. In this iconic location it is moving forward the first crystalline lagoon in Central America with Crystal Lagoons® technology. With 6 acres of turquoise waters suitable for swimming and water sports, surrounded by white sandy beaches, this amenity is the central piece of the NYA megaproject.

Developed under the Public Access Lagoons™ model, also known as PAL™ complexes, it was highlighted in a recent article in Revista Summa for its social impact and boost to tourism in the area and the country’s economic growth. John Scheman, president and founder of Nya, said: “We are happy and proud to bring Crystal Lagoons® innovative technology to Costa Rica, marking a before and after in the development of recreational spaces for both tourists and residents. With this crystalline lagoon, we are redefining the concept of beach life and providing a unique experience in our project.

Developed under the Public Access Lagoons™ model, also known as PAL™ complexes, it was highlighted in a recent article in Revista Summa for its social impact, boosting tourism in the area, and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

Nya is a development targeted towards retirees from the United States and high-net-worth Costa Ricans. It is located in the Guanacaste region and extends over 2,224 acres, just 25 miles from the Pacific coast and five minutes from Daniel Oduber International Airport. Crystal Lagoons will bring idyllic beach life to this inland area of the Costa Rican province, contributing to the revaluation of the area. The public access complex is estimated to attract more than 1 million visitors annually. Also, this project is part of the exclusivity agreement with the conglomerate Blue Water Ventures for complexes in Costa Rica and Guatemala.

PAL™ projects, which anyone can access for an entrance fee, have set a new standard in public gathering and entertainment spaces and have positioned themselves as revolutionary alternatives with a high social impact. 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. These include water sports with and without an engine, inflatable parks, trade shows, dining, weddings, beach parties, concerts, flow boarding, quatrefoil, cable parks, paddleboard yoga, water slides, cliff jumping, mapping shows, water light shows, water curtain animation, outdoor cinema, corporate events, floating cabanas, etc.

Revista Summa

In the heart of Texas, the Lago Mar project, developed under the Public Access Lagoons™ model, also known as PAL™ complexes, has made an unprecedented impact since its inception. The monumental 12-acre crystalline lagoon, the largest in Texas, powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology, has transformed the lifestyle in this state. With record sales and a permanent and varied schedule of events that bring the project to life year-round, it has become the preferred destination in the state, highlighted by the iconic Lagoonfest Texas, which holds the record for hosting the most floating cabanas in North America, 22.

The world award-winning “The Mysterious Circus” recently occurred, presenting a novel and entertaining family spectacle that included high-flying acrobatics, dance, and contortion acts. This event, held in the breathtaking setting of the crystalline lagoon, captivated attendees with its unique combination of circus talent and natural beauty. Artists worldwide dazzled audiences with incredible skills and performances in a magical and thrilling atmosphere.

The monumental crystalline lagoon of Lago Mar marks a milestone. It is equivalent to 50 Olympic-sized swimming pools, spans over half a kilometer from end to end, and offers white sandy beaches extending over a kilometer and a half. It is nearly six times larger than the first crystalline lagoon in that state, Balmoral. Crystal Lagoons developed both projects in association with Land Tejas.

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