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PAL® Projects Prompt Interest in South African Investors

Unprecedented commercial success, accolades awarded by the real estate industry and praise from the President of the Republic, Cyril Ramaphosa, are just some of the achievements Crystal Lagoons® has accrued in South Africa. The Miami-based multinational is currently developing numerous crystalline lagoons in the country and already has 24 projects in different stages of development and negotiation.

As a consequence, the company is currently in advanced negotiations with investment funds and prominent real estate firms across the country to develop 20 Public Access Lagoons™ projects.

In South Africa, these developments also known as PAL™ projects, are expected to be developed in cities such as Polokwane, Mbombela, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, among others, through a master agreement, an exclusive license agreement for a specific geographic area and a specific volume of projects.

“It is a new licensing model that has become a new long-term investment alternative, with perpetual income at rates of return never seen before, low investment and limited risk, since as projects are being built, they quickly generate profits and a financial pyramid occurs,” explains Crystal Lagoons Regional Director, Alastair Sinclair.

PAL projects are characterized by monumental crystalline lagoons surrounded by tropical beaches, which are accessed via ticketed-entry. There are models with more or less infrastructure and the most complete options include areas for trade shows, launches, food-halls, weddings, concerts on multiple stages overlooking beaches, terraces, domes, as well as gastronomy, retail, amphitheaters and shows.

Thanks to a new technology by Crystal Lagoons, bathing areas are kept at 28°C both at low cost and sustainably, ensuring optimal conditions throughout the year, similar to tropical seas, which allows them to be enjoyed for longer.

Commercial success

In the real estate industry, the success of these crystalline lagoon projects in South Africa has sparked the interest of many local developers seeking to partner with Crystal Lagoons.

An example of this is the most recent project by Crystal Lagoons in the country, Munyaka, one of the five residential developments anchored by a lagoon being developed in association with the real estate company Balwin Properties. The ultra-luxurious complex was praised by the President of the Republic, who celebrated its infrastructure and urban contribution.

Munyaka, near Johannesburg, not only conquered the country’s leader, but buyers. Its excellent results allowed Balwin Properties to increase its sales by 11% during the last fiscal year. In fact, in just four days, Munyaka sold 550 apartments, with a similar record to that recorded by The Blyde, another Balwin complex with Crystal Lagoons, located in Pretoria, recently awarded the 2019-2020 International Property Awards in three categories.

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PAL® Projects: The New Paradigm in Entertainment, Urban Development, and Tourism

These are developments where anyone can enjoy an idyllic beach lifestyle through ticketed entry. Moreover, they transform any piece of land into the meeting point of the 21st century and the best business opportunity.

Public Access Lagoons® projects, also known as PAL® developments, developed by Crystal Lagoons, are redefining the concepts of entertainment, tourism, and urban development. These crystalline lagoons, accessible to all through ticketed entry, transform any piece of land into both the best business opportunity and the meeting point of the 21st century, creating destinations that combine technology, sustainability, and profitability.

The vision of Crystal Lagoons goes beyond offering a crystalline lagoon; it is about creating complete experiences that generate lasting value. With the ability to bring a tropical beach just steps away from people’s homes, PAL® complexes have become unparalleled attraction hubs, capable of hosting a wide variety of activities and events throughout the year.

The Heart of a New Lifestyle

PAL® lagoons are much more than a visual attraction: they are the social, recreational, and economic center of modern communities. These developments can host event centers, concerts, festivals, food fairs, sports activities, and many other initiatives throughout the year, becoming true hubs of entertainment and social interaction.

Examples of Projects Transforming Cities

  • Lagoon Park Bucharest (Romania): An urban oasis located in the heart of Bucharest, featuring a 2.2-acre crystalline lagoon that debuted with sold-out tickets more than a week in advance.
  • Epperson Lagoon (USA): With its 7.3-acre crystalline lagoon, it became the first real estate project transformed into a PAL® development.
  • Angel Lagoon (USA): Anchored by a 4.2-acre crystalline lagoon, it has been described as “a paradise just 40 minutes from Houston.”

A Profitable and Sustainable Business Model

PAL® projects generate multiple sources of revenue, making them a unique opportunity for investors and real estate developers. Among the most common models are:

  • Sale of daily tickets and annual memberships
  • Rental of spaces for events and corporate activities
  • Operation of restaurants, bars, shops, and beach clubs
  • Commercialization of naming rights and brand sponsorships

All of this is achieved through a scalable and sustainable operational model that reduces maintenance costs and maximizes long-term profitability.

Crystal Lagoons® Sustainable Technology

The patented Crystal Lagoons® technology allows large bodies of crystalline water to be maintained with minimal resource consumption:

  • Uses any type of water: fresh, salt, or brackish
  • Consumes up to 33 times less water than a golf course
  • Uses only 2% of the energy required by conventional filtration systems
  • Requires up to 100 times fewer chemicals than a traditional swimming pool

This efficiency makes PAL® projects a globally recognized model of sustainability and water efficiency.

Developments Anywhere in the World

One of the greatest advantages of PAL® projects is their geographical versatility. They can be developed in urban, rural, or inland areas and adapted to different scales and audiences.

Master Agreements: A Model for Global Expansion

Crystal Lagoons drives the growth of its PAL® projects through Master Agreements, strategic alliances that allow local partners to develop multiple lagoons under a single license.

This model:

  • Facilitates rapid expansion in key markets
  • Optimizes investment and development timelines
  • Guarantees the exclusive use of Crystal Lagoons® technology in each region

In this way, partners can capitalize on the enormous commercial potential of crystalline lagoons, benefiting from the global recognition of the Crystal Lagoons® brand.

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Madrid Will Have Idyllic Beach Life Thanks to Crystal Lagoons

The project will become the largest urban beach in Europe, fulfilling a long-awaited aspiration for Madrid’s residents. It will be developed under the Public Access Lagoons® model, also known as PAL® projects, accessible to all through ticketed entry.

For a long time, the inhabitants of Madrid, Spain’s capital, have longed to experience beach life within the city. Today, that dream will come true thanks to Crystal Lagoons, as the municipal council of the town of Alovera has approved a project that will enable the development of the largest urban beach in Europe. This will put an end to the wait, allowing Madrid’s residents to enjoy crystalline waters and white sandy beaches.

The project

This is Alovera Beach, a new Public Access Lagoons® development, also known as a PAL® project, located just 30 minutes from Madrid. Its centerpiece will be a 5.2-acre lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology, accessible to all through ticketed entry. The body of water will be suitable for swimming and water sports, and will be surrounded by 16,000 m² of white sand beaches. 

Contribution to the Community

The complex will represent an investment of over € 20 million and create more than 140 direct jobs. In addition to the crystalline lagoon, it will feature a range of infrastructure characteristics from the PAL® model. This will include:

  • Sports facilities
  • Water park with slides and children’s pools
  • Water sports school – kayaking, paddleboarding –
  • Dining services
  • Events
  • Beach Club
  • Among other amenities, the project is expected to set a benchmark for aquatic entertainment in central Spain.

The project is an innovative concept that will transform the municipality of Alovera and boost tourism in the Guadalajara area, positioning it on the European map of technology, innovation, and sustainability, while establishing it as a unique reference for outdoor water sports. The complex will be open year-round and is expected to receive around 350,000 visitors annually.

Bringing the Beach to the City

Alovera Beach’s proximity to Madrid and its excellent accessibility will make this entertainment park an attractive option for thousands of people who would otherwise travel hundreds of kilometers to enjoy a beach experience, resulting in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

Sustainability as a Cornerstone

Like all lagoons developed by the multinational innovation company, Alovera Beach will be no exception and will feature Crystal Lagoons® sustainable technology, which:

  • It uses any type of water: fresh, salt, or brackish water, that has no alternative use
  • It consumes 33 times less water than an 18-hole golf course and 40% less water than a park of the same size
  • Its filtration system uses only 2% of the energy required by conventional systems
  • It employs up to 100 times fewer chemicals than a swimming pool

The Partnership and Urban Contribution

The complex is being developed by Grupo Rayet in partnership with Crystal Lagoons, becoming a model of urban regeneration that will revolutionize the local landscape with a high social impact.

Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2025, with a partial opening of the park expected in the spring of 2027.

Europa Press

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