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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Several international media highlighted that the hotel sector is undergoing a real transformation thanks to the incorporation of innovative technologies. One of the technologies highlighted was precisely Crystal Lagoons, in parallel with process automation and artificial intelligence.

The sustainability of the multinational innovation company was key to being considered within these trends. “Currently, many travelers are seeking accommodations that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Places like the AVA Resort Cancun, with its artificial lagoon of crystal-clear waters powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology, are examples of accommodations that stand out for their commitment to sustainability,” explains the Spanish portal 24 Matins.

The turquoise-colored body of water provides ideal conditions for sailing, swimming, kayaking, or relaxing, and thanks to state-of-the-art technology, it consumes 33 times less water than an 18-hole golf course, 40% less water than a park of the same size, and only 2% of the energy of a conventional pool.

After transforming the real estate industry and the urban entertainment landscape with its innovative Public Access Lagoons™ projects, the multinational innovation company is now generating a new revolution, this time in the hotel sector.

Recognizing the transformative value of Crystal Lagoons® technology, leading global hotel chains such as Marriott, Radisson, Conrad, Hyatt Regency, and AVA Resort itself, have incorporated this amenity as a centerpiece in their projects.

“Every hotel project incorporating a Crystal Lagoons amenity becomes the most attractive destination in the area. These bodies of water change the paradigm of vacation developments with world-class hotel and resort standards”, explains Iván Manzur, Senior Vice President of Sales at Crystal Lagoons US Corp.

The multinational water innovation company already has developments of this kind, in which crystalline lagoons are the differentiating factor in the United States, Mexico, Indonesia, Romania, and Uruguay, among other countries.

“The crystalline lagoons achieve unprecedented results, such as bringing a beach lifestyle to Orlando—an entertainment option it didn’t have—or, counterintuitively, replacing the sea in iconic tourist destinations like Cancun,” emphasizes Jean Pierre Juanchich, Global Business Director of Crystal Lagoons.

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The Crystal Lagoons project in Thailand, Blue Tree, located in the heart of Phuket, just 4 kilometers from the coast, has recently inaugurated the Beach Club MuMu Clubhouse, a new landmark in this iconic tourist destination, adding even more fun and entertainment. This new space becomes a meeting point in the surroundings of Phuket’s largest artificial lagoon and the first in Asia under the innovative Public Access Lagoons™ model, globally recognized as a “must-visit” in the region.

This PAL™ development with Crystal Lagoons® technology has set a new standard in public meeting and entertainment spaces, establishing itself as the top amenity in Thailand. With 4.2 acres of turquoise water oasis, surrounded by white sandy beaches, a private peninsula, restaurants, and a poolside bar, it offers the perfect setting to enjoy a dynamic beach experience 24 hours a day and a calendar full of activities throughout the year.

During the day, the Beach Club offers a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can enjoy various gastronomic offerings, art, culture, and activities, from beach yoga to water sports. The place comes alive at night with nightclubs, special events, concerts, and themed parties featuring live music, special guests, and renowned DJs.

Crystal Lagoons PAL™ projects are transforming and enriching urban life by offering new entertainment destinations not limited exclusively to residents of private real estate developments with crystalline lagoons. These developments are positively impacting the lives of millions of people, bringing a piece of the ocean to the city center and making it accessible just steps from their homes.

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The monumental crystalline lagoons with Crystal Lagoons® technology have established themselves as the most attractive and esteemed amenity worldwide. Not only are they year-round entertainment centers, but they also stand out for their aesthetic value and contribution to landscape architecture. Their design harmoniously integrates with the natural environment, becoming a distinctive element that enhances the visual quality and experience of the project.

These bodies of water offer multifunctional recreational spaces, with trails, resting areas, playgrounds, and access to water activities. With over 125 activities in the lagoon and its surroundings, they become ideal venues to host various events, including large-scale ones like Aquathlons.

An example is the iconic tourist destination of Phuket, Thailand, which welcomes over 38 million visitors worldwide each year. Here, the Crystal Lagoons project Blue Tree, showcasing the first crystalline lagoon developed under the Public Access Lagoons™ model in Asia, has established itself as the new entertainment hub in the region and is a magnet for hosting world-class events, concerts, and themed parties, offering a variety of experiences for all lifestyles, from water slides to water parks. Recently, it was the venue for the country’s beauty pageant, Miss Thailand.

This PAL™ development is the jewel of the Blue Tree project. It spans 4.2 acres, is surrounded by white sandy beaches, and features a private peninsula, restaurants, and a pool bar. It is a massive recreational area with turquoise waters under the concept of an entertaining beach. Among the activities offered are Slip N Fly, water slides, Cliff Jumping & Rock Climbing, splash zones, and a water playground for adults and children.

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