In MENA Crystal Lagoons is developing 15 new Public Access Lagoons™ and real estate projects

20/12/2021

The growth of Crystal Lagoons in the MENA market do not stop there as it has now agreed to develop 15 new projects, which will be developed under the successful Public Access Lagoons™ (also known as PAL™ complexes) and real estate models.

This firm is consolidating its rapid expansion in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) through a partnership with major regional investors and foreign equity funds that are interested in this unique and highly profitable amenity. Currently, the multinational innovation company has ongoing initiatives at different stages of development in countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait.

Egypt is a benchmark for the company, having become in the most important market in the MENA region for Crystal Lagoons, accounting for almost half of its project portfolio, with 16 developments at different stages of development. Its flagship project is Citystars Sharm El Sheikh, in the middle of the Sinai desert, with a 12.5-hectare crystalline lagoon. Now, the multinational is moving forward with five new complexes for next year, which will be located at the Red Sea (Abu Soma) and in Cairo and be built in association with the same developers of the Sharm El Sheikh (Sharbatly) and Fouka Bay and Mount Galala (Tatweer Misr) projects, on Egypt’s Northern Coast.

Interest in Crystal Lagoons® technology is also increasing in Dubai. One of the most recognizable projects is Meydan, a complex with the most expensive square meter in the United Arab Emirates. Its centerpiece is a magnificent 40-hectare lagoon that is soon to be extended to 60 hectares, which will ensure it breaks the record as the world’s largest crystalline lagoon for the third time. The company is negotiating a master agreement –exclusive license agreements for specific geographical areas and a significant number of PAL™ projects- in Dubai for five Public Access Lagoons™. These complexes will be in partnership with a prestigious German-African real estate fund.

Meanwhile, the luxury Tilal Al Ghaf residential development will expand its 7-hectare man-made lagoon to 13 hectares after seeing extraordinary sales figures. This will position Tilal Al Ghaf among the top five best-selling off-plan projects in Dubai. The resort is being jointly developed with Majid Al Futtaim, a major firm with a presence in 13 MENA countries.

Lastly, the multinational is negotiating three new contracts in Saudi Arabia. Two master agreements for PAL™ lagoons and a real estate project in Jeddah.

The revolution of Public Access Lagoons™ developments.

PAL™ projects are attracting great interest worldwide. This is clearly reflected in the success of the master agreement model through which the company has already more than 800 projects at various stages of development across strategic markets. These immense bodies of water are suitable for swimming and create a beach-like atmosphere just meters from your doorstep. The crystal-clear lagoons and white sandy beaches are also open to the general public on payment of an entrance fee and so provide a tropical experience in the middle of a city. These paradisiacal lagoon surroundings can be used for trade shows, product launches, cultural activities in multiple settings, weddings, hotels, retail, restaurants, terraces, domes and amphitheaters, making them the meeting point of the 21st century.

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).