Public Access Lagoons® Projects: Urban Beaches Revolutionizing City Life

26-11-25

PAL projects are redefining the urban landscape and the real estate industry, bringing beach life into the city, wherever it may be, with a profitable and sustainable model.

The world is urbanizing at a rapid pace, yet the desire for crystalline water, white sand, and beach life in the city is growing more than ever. In this context, Urban Beaches with turquoise lagoons have become one of the most disruptive amenities for real estate, hospitality, and retail developers, as well as for the general public.

Crystal Lagoons’ public access projects, known as Public Access Lagoons® developments, also known as PAL® developments, make it possible to bring the experience of a beach destination to previously unthinkable locations: urban centers, inland areas, underutilized land, or commercial assets undergoing transformation.

For developers, this means transforming any piece of land into a massive meeting point, with multiple revenue streams and a value proposition built on innovation, sustainability, and high demand.

What are Urban Beaches and PAL® projects?

Urban Beaches are developments that recreate the experience of a beach resort in the heart of an urban environment or in inland locations. In the case of PAL® complexes, the heart of the project is a large-scale crystalline lagoon surrounded by:

• White sand beaches
• Green areas, terraces, and rest areas
• Water sports and recreation areas
• Commercial, gastronomic, and entertainment infrastructure

Public Access Lagoons® projects are structured as open-access destinations through tickets, day passes, or memberships, where anyone can enjoy city beach life without needing to travel to the coast. This model redefines the concept of entertainment, tourism, and urban development, creating new hubs of attraction and regenerating underutilized areas.

How does the PAL® model work?

An entertainment ecosystem built around water

PAL® projects are conceived as experience “hubs”, where the crystalline lagoon is the anchor that brings together more than 125 possible activities, both in the water and around it: motorized and non-motorized water sports, inflatable parks, fairs, dinners, weddings, beach parties, concerts, flowboarding, quadrofoil, cable parks, paddleboard yoga, water slides, cliff jumping, video mapping shows, aquatic light shows, water curtain animation, open-air cinema, corporate events, floating cabanas, and more.

Around the lagoon, the master plan may include:

Shopping boulevards
Restaurants and bars overlooking the water
Venues for events and shows
Coworking areas, conference rooms, and spaces for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE)
Family attractions (inflatable parks, games, etc.)

Multiple revenue streams for developers

Public access projects do not rely solely on the sale or rental of units; instead, they often involve additional funding sources. The lagoon triggers a series of revenue streams, including:

Sale of day tickets and seasonal passes
Annual or corporate memberships
Equipment rentals (kayaks, paddleboards, etc.)
Food & beverage and retail consumption
Rental of spaces for events, concerts, and brand activations
Sponsorships and commercial agreements with brands

This diversification turns Urban Beaches based on the PAL® model into resilient assets, capable of operating year-round and maintaining their appeal even outside the traditional high season.

Beach life in the city powered by sustainable technology

One of the main competitive advantages of PAL® lagoons is their technological foundation. The lagoons use a patented treatment system that:

Uses up to 33 times less water than an 18-hole golf course
Consumes around 40% less water than a park of the same size
Operates in a closed circuit, mainly replenishing the water lost through evaporation
Uses up to 100 times fewer chemicals than a traditional swimming pool
Requires only 2% of the energy of conventional filtration systems

These results have been certified by international organizations, such as Bureau Veritas, which reinforces the credibility of the solution at the ESG level. For investors and operators, this translates into:

Competitive OPEX, thanks to lower water, energy, and chemical consumption
Improved sustainability indicators and regulatory compliance
An environmental innovation narrative that aligns with the demands of cities and communities

In other words, Crystal Lagoons’ public access projects combine city beach life with an environmental performance that clearly sets them apart from traditional aquatic leisure alternatives.

Beach life in the city powered by sustainable technology

One of the main competitive advantages of PAL® lagoons is their technological foundation. The lagoons use a patented treatment system that:

Uses up to 33 times less water than an 18-hole golf course
Consumes around 40% less water than a park of the same size
Operates in a closed circuit, mainly replenishing the water lost through evaporation
Uses up to 100 times fewer chemicals than a traditional swimming pool
Requires only 2% of the energy of conventional filtration systems

Competitive OPEX, thanks to lower water, energy, and chemical consumption
Improved sustainability indicators and regulatory compliance
An environmental innovation narrative that aligns with the demands of cities and communities

In other words, Crystal Lagoons’ public access projects combine city beach life with an environmental performance that clearly sets them apart from traditional aquatic leisure alternatives.

Benefits for developers and operators

For those leading real estate, retail, or hospitality projects, Urban Beaches with public access lagoons deliver tangible benefits:

Greater attraction and visitor flow

They significantly increase foot traffic to shopping centers and service hubs.
They extend visitors’ dwell time, boosting spending in food & beverage, as well as retail.
They turn traditional assets (malls, outlets, event centers) into full-day entertainment destinations.

Land value uplift and asset reconversion

They transform inland plots into genuine waterfront locations.
They revalue deteriorated or underutilized areas, enabling urban regeneration projects.
They allow existing assets to be repositioned, giving them a second life as flagship Urban Beaches.

New business models and resilience

Revenue is not limited to traditional real estate; tickets, memberships, events, and sponsorships complement it.
They reduce seasonality in demand through year-round programming of events, sports, and wellness experiences.
They improve cash flow stability by combining local audiences, tourists, and corporate clients.

Typical applications of PAL® projects of Crystal Lagoons

Developers can integrate the PAL® model into different types of projects:

Shopping centers and “shopping resorts”

Malls that are transformed into entertainment destinations with Urban Beaches.
Increase in visits, sales per square meter, and competitiveness against e-commerce.

Mixed-use urban developments

Projects that combine housing, offices, hotels, and retail around public access lagoons.
Creation of new leisure and business districts in consolidated or expanding cities.

Tourism and second-home projects

Destinations that complement hotel offerings with a year-round calendar of aquatic activities, events, and experiences.
Increase in average length of stay and visitor spending.

Conversion of industrial or underutilized land

Former industrial, logistics, or peripheral areas that are transformed into public access projects anchored by a crystalline lagoon.
Urban regeneration with a positive impact on property values and local quality of life.

From the city to the beach: an opportunity for the next great destination

PAL® developments have demonstrated that the beach is no longer a privilege reserved for coastal areas: today, it is possible to offer beach life in the city in virtually any location worldwide, with a sustainable, scalable, and highly profitable model.

For real estate developers and amenity operators, Urban Beaches with public access lagoons represent:

A new category of urban destination
An asset that generates multiple revenue streams
A powerful differentiator in terms of brand and experience

Ultimately, the Public Access Lagoons® projects by Crystal Lagoons allow city dwellers to reach the beach in minutes, while offering investors a solid platform to capture long-term value by combining innovation, sustainability, and an amenity that people choose, enjoy, and remember.

Original content

Outstanding news

The “Lagoon Effect” Once Again Places Crystal Lagoons® Projects Among the Top-Selling Communities in the U.S.

Sunterra, Mirada, and Lago Mar are the three projects that once again made the ranking “The Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities of 2025” by consulting firm RCLCO Real Estate Advisors.

In the hypercompetitive U.S. residential real estate market, differentiation is everything. Developers of Master-Planned Communities (MPCs) are constantly looking for that disruptive element that not only draws attention but also dramatically accelerates sales velocity and justifies premium pricing.

Once again, the data confirms the answer is turquoise.

RCLCO Real Estate Advisors’ latest report, one of the leading U.S. real estate research and advisory firms, “The Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities of 2025” validates what has become an undeniable industry trend: the presence of a Crystal Lagoons® amenity is the most powerful sales driver in today’s market. It’s no coincidence that, year after year, projects anchored by this innovation secure leading positions in this prestigious national ranking.

In 2025, three iconic developments featuring Crystal Lagoons® technology have ranked among the top 50 best-selling communities nationwide, proving that the promise of an idyllic, sustainable, and accessible “beach life” is an irresistible magnet for buyers.

The results: three Crystal Lagoons® projects in RCLCO’s Top 50

In the 2025 edition of the ranking, three communities with Crystal Lagoons® amenity stand out:

5th place, Sunterra (Katy, Texas): 1,024 units sold – the highest-ranked community in Texas in the Top 50.
14th place, Mirada (San Antonio, Florida): 650 units sold.
47th place, Lago Mar (Texas City, Texas): 380 units sold.

Beyond the ranking, the key takeaway is strategic: two states dominate the Top 50’s performance -Florida and Texas- and those are precisely the markets where Crystal Lagoons has consolidated high-impact, high-performing projects.

Case by case: what explains the performance of Sunterra, Mirada, and Lago Mar

1) Sunterra (Texas): Top 5 consistency and multi-year proof of the “lagoon effect”

Sunterra doesn’t just appear in 2025: it has been a consistent top performer. The project itself highlights that it ranked #3 nationally in 2023, #4 in 2024, and now #5 in 2025, reinforcing that this isn’t a one-off result: it’s a structural advantage.

In addition, it is a large-scale MPC (1,000 acres), where the 4-acre lagoon serves as the lifestyle anchor and a key driver of sustaining sales momentum in a highly competitive market, such as the Houston/Katy area.

RCLCO 2025 data: #5 nationally, 1,024 sales.

2) Mirada (Florida): An “inland beach” that sustains strong sales volume

Mirada features an approximately 14.9-acre lagoon within an approximately 1,799-acre community in the Tampa Bay area, combining residents and Public Access Lagoons® model, expanding visibility and driving traffic.

RCLCO 2025 data: #14 nationally, 650 sales.

And as a sign of its trajectory, RCLCO had already highlighted Mirada for its strong performance in previous ranking updates (Top 10 mid-year 2024), showing that the project is maintaining momentum.

3) Lago Mar (Texas): Sales + a hybrid model (residents + Public Access Lagoons® model)

Lago Mar combines scale (over 1,999 acres) with an 11.49-acre lagoon, designed as a signature amenity and complemented by mixed-use components, including plans for hospitality, retail, and waterfront experiences.

RCLCO 2025 data: #47 nationally, 380 sales.

In markets like Texas, where competition among MPCs is intense, this type of amenity acts as a demand catalyst, strengthening perceived premium value and differentiation.

Why MPCs with Crystal Lagoons sell more: the “amenity” becomes a business

U.S. homebuyers are no longer just shopping for square footage, they’re buying a lifestyle. And when that lifestyle is iconic, tangible, and shareable, it becomes a competitive advantage that’s hard to replicate.

From a business perspective, a lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology unlocks three key levers:

1) True differentiation (not a commodity)

A crystalline lagoon with sandy beaches redefines the community’s “center of gravity,” elevating the offering from “standard amenities” to a true destination.

2) Scalable efficiency and sustainability
Crystal Lagoons® technology is designed to be more efficient than traditional systems: it uses only 2% of the energy required by conventional pools and up to 100 times fewer chemicals, and it can operate with fresh, brackish, or seawater.

3) Proven commercial performance at scale
RCLCO has been tracking MPC sales for decades (publishing this ranking since 1994), making it a long-term benchmark for understanding which communities truly gain traction.

When an amenity is measured in sales, turquoise speaks for itself

That Sunterra (#5), Mirada (#14), and Lago Mar (#47) rank in RCLCO’s Top 50 isn’t a PR headline: it’s a direct market signal. In a ranking based on net new-home contracts (net of cancellations), these communities prove that Crystal Lagoons® technology doesn’t just enhance a development: it accelerates commercial performance.

RCLCO

16-01-2026

Redefining the U.S. Real Estate Landscape: the Three Most Innovative Projects of Crystal Lagoons in the Country

Crystal Lagoons is transforming the U.S. real estate market. Here are the three most innovative projects (Epperson, Evermore, and Cotino) showcasing the ROI, sustainability, and impact of this disruptive technology.

In the world’s most competitive real estate market, the United States, differentiation is no longer optional; it’s a matter of survival. Master-planned community developers and hospitality projects are facing growing demand for unique, sustainable experiences that justify a premium price. In this context, the “standard amenity” (the clubhouse, the traditional pool, the golf course) has lost much of its pulling power.

Crystal Lagoons has burst onto the scene not only as an alternative but as a revolution. This patented technology, capable of bringing an idyllic beach lifestyle anywhere, even far from the coast, has become the “World’s Top Amenity,” generating an undeniable global impact.

Crystal Lagoons in the U.S.

The success of Crystal Lagoons in the United States has been meteoric, validating a business model that combines sustainable technological innovation with an unprecedented return on investment (ROI). Below are three projects that best illustrate how this technology is rewriting the rules of U.S. real estate development.

The Turquoise Revolution: Technology as a Business Driver

Before diving into the projects, it is essential to understand why they are effective. For the U.S. developers, focused on the bottom line and increasingly aware of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, the value proposition is irresistible.

It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about data-driven operational efficiency:

Water Sustainability: Crystal Lagoons® amenities can use any type of water (fresh, brackish, or saltwater) and consume up to 33 times less water than a golf course and 40% less water than a park of the same size.
Low Operating Cost (OpEx): Thanks to its ultrasound filtration system, the technology uses only 2% of the energy and up to 100 times fewer chemicals than conventional swimming pool filtration systems.

This technological foundation is what makes the following innovative megaprojects possible.

The three Game-Changing Projects in the U.S.

These developments have not only been commercial successes; they have also served as proof of concept for different business models (purely residential, large-scale hospitality, and branded mega-communities), demonstrating the versatility of Crystal Lagoons® technology.

Epperson (Wesley Chapel, Florida): The Pioneer that Validated the Residential Model

The Challenge: Located inland in the Tampa, Florida area, far from the state’s famous coastal beaches, developer Metro Development Group needed a radically differentiator to attract buyers to a landlocked location.

The Innovation: Epperson was the first project of Crystal Lagoons in the United States. The opening of its 7.36-acre lagoon instantly transformed a landlocked community into a premium beach destination.

The Business Impact: Epperson empirically proved the “lagoon effect” in the U.S. market. The results were immediate:

Record Sales Velocity: Before the lagoon, sales pace was in line with the local market. After the lagoon was announced, sales increased by +174%, and Epperson became the fastest-selling community in the Tampa area, dramatically outperforming the competition.
Premium pricing: The project was able to sustain above-market prices per square meter, demonstrating that buyers were willing to pay for the unique “beach living” lifestyle without being on the coast.
Evolution into a hybrid model: Part of the lagoon is open to the public, making it one of the first real estate developments to transition into Public Access Lagoons® model.

Evermore Orlando Resort (Orlando, Florida): Disruption in the World Capital of Tourism

The Challenge: Orlando is arguably the most saturated hospitality market in the world, dominated by theme parks and hundreds of resorts competing for families’ attention. How do you differentiate right next to Walt Disney World®?

The Innovation: Evermore Orlando Resort (built on the former Villas of Grand Cypress site) replaced golf course views with a monumental 8-acre Crystal Lagoons® amenity and 20 acres of white-sand beaches. It is the centerpiece of a US$1.5 billion luxury resort complex.

The Business Impact: This project redefines the concept of a “resort amenity” at massive scale.

Guest Attraction: It offers something even theme parks don’t have: an authentic Caribbean-style beach experience in the heart of Florida, with safe swimming and non-motorized water sports.
Longer Stays: By creating a destination within a destination, Evermore encourages guests to spend full days at the resort, thereby increasing on-site spending on food, beverages, and activities, rather than using the hotel solely as a place to sleep between park visits.

Cotino™, a Storyliving by Disney Community (Rancho Mirage, California): The Fusion of Iconic Brands in the Desert

The Challenge: In the arid landscape of California’s Coachella Valley, Disney needed a centerpiece for its first branded residential community, “Storyliving by Disney.” The amenity not only had to be spectacular, but also viable in a desert environment with strict water regulations.

The Innovation: The choice was a nearly 24.67-acre Crystal Lagoons® amenity. This project is highly innovative because it represents the ultimate validation of the technology by one of the world’s most demanding entertainment and experience brands.

The Business Impact: Cotino demonstrates the technology’s ability to elevate global brands and perform in challenging environments.

Sustainability in the Desert: Choosing Crystal Lagoons® technology underscores its water efficiency. The lagoon will consume significantly less water than the golf courses that traditionally dominate the Palm Springs landscape.
The Heart of the “Story”: The lagoon isn’t just a body of water; it’s the main stage for the “Storyliving” experience, designed to host recreational activities, themed events, and a ticketed public-access area (Parr House), demonstrating the technology’s versatility to create immersive experiences that justify premium home pricing in a luxury branded community.

The Future of Real Estate Development Is Turquoise

The success of Epperson, Evermore, and now Cotino in the United States sends a clear message to the global industry: sustainable innovation is the path to profitability in modern real estate.

Crystal Lagoons® technology is no longer a bet; it has become a benchmark of excellence for developers, from local giants to global brands like Disney, who want to lead their markets by offering not just properties, but also transformative lifestyles that enhance the environment and captivate demand.

Original content

09-01-2026

Beyond the Traditional Pool: Why Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ Maximize Investor Value

These are compact-sized lagoons that outperform traditional pools, generating greater value for real estate developers and hospitality projects with a sustainable, iconic, and highly profitable amenity.

In real estate and hospitality development, the choice of aquatic amenity is no longer just an architectural decision; it is a financial and strategic one. The difference between a traditional swimming pool and a Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™can determine the project’s positioning, its sales velocity, its economic sustainability, and, ultimately, its return on investment.

Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ combine the “wow” effect of a Crystal Lagoons® amenity (turquoise waters, beaches, and a resort-like atmosphere) with an optimized format in terms of area, investment, and operation, ideal for projects that do not require a large-scale lagoon but do need a top-level, differentiating amenity.

What is a Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™?

These compact-sized lagoons are smaller-scale crystalline lagoons, designed specifically for:

Medium- or high-density real estate projects (residential buildings, condominiums, mixed-use).
Hotels and boutique resorts that need a major differentiator without a large footprint.
Urban or second-row developments that require a Crystal Lagoons® amenity, but with more contained economic and financial indicators.

They retain all the attributes of Crystal Lagoons® technology:

Turquoise, crystalline water.
Closed-circuit operation with low water and energy consumption.
Versatility for swimming, non-motorized water sports, and recreational use.

But at a scale that facilitates its integration into more compact sites, with faster execution times and lower initial investment.

Small Lagoons vs. traditional pools: the comparison that matters to investors

CapEx and OpEx: efficiency per square meter of amenity

At first glance, a traditional pool may seem like the “safe” option. However, when you analyze the value generated for every dollar invested, the equation changes.

Traditional pools

They are perceived as standardized: guests or residents consider them as something basic, not as a plus.
To create visual impact, they require greater depth and surface area, which means more structure, more concrete, and more equipment.
Filtration and chemical costs increase in direct proportion to the volume of water.

Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™

They offer a much greater visual and experiential impact thanks to their horizontal scale, turquoise color, and natural-lagoon design.
They allow for optimized water and energy use through Crystal Lagoons® technology, specifically engineered to reduce consumption and operating costs.
They generate a perception of a “premium” amenity, comparable to that of a luxury beachfront resort, even on inland or second-row sites.

In simple terms, a Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ turns the “pool” budget into a flagship asset of the project, not just a checklist cost.

Perception of value: from “having a pool” to “living in front of a lagoon”

From the end user’s perspective (unit buyer, guest, or tourist), the difference is radical:

A traditional swimming pool is an expected amenity.
A Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ is a lifestyle promise:
- Your own beach within the project.
- Space for recreational and family activities.
- An iconic landscape visible from apartments, rooms, and common areas.

For the investor, this translates into:

Greater willingness to pay for units facing the lagoon versus those facing a standard pool.
Better commercial positioning on listing sites, with brokers, and in campaigns (it’s not the same to promote a “pool” as a “crystalline lagoon with beaches”).
Higher price per square meter for units with views of or close access to the Small Lagoon.

Profitability in hospitality: revenue beyond the room

In hospitality projects, a Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ can become the centerpiece of an entire revenue ecosystem:

Direct impact

Higher ADR (Average Daily Rate): the hotel or resort can charge higher rates by offering a differentiated and visually striking experience.
Higher occupancy: a smaller-scale lagoon becomes a travel motivator in itself, not just an additional service.

Indirect impact

Increase in F&B revenue (restaurants, bars, and beach clubs by the lagoon).
Opportunity for waterfront events (weddings, brand launches, boutique concerts).
Possibility of special packages and experiences (sunset experiences, water sports, day passes).

While a traditional swimming pool rarely generates storytelling, Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ fuels campaigns, content, and commercial partnerships.

Sustainability and ESG: a key argument for banks and funds

ESG criteria have become a decisive factor in evaluating real estate and hospitality projects. Here, Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ offer clear advantages over many large-scale traditional pools:

Closed-circuit operation, with replacement only of the water lost through evaporation.
Possibility of using fresh, salt, or brackish water, avoiding competition with potable water resources, which is especially relevant in areas of water stress.
Treatment and filtration technology designed to reduce energy and chemical use compared to conventional systems.

For the institutional investor or financing bank, this strengthens the project as:

More environmentally responsible assets, with a stronger ESG narrative.
Projects with long-term amenities that are less exposed to regulatory or social scrutiny.

For the institutional investor or financing bank, this strengthens the project as:

More environmentally responsible assets, with a stronger ESG narrative.
Projects with long-term amenities that are less exposed to regulatory or social scrutiny.

When does a Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ make more sense than a traditional swimming pool?

These smaller lagoons are especially recommended when the investor is looking to:

In real estate developments

Differentiate a condominium or residential building in saturated markets.
Increase land value in inland urban plots or in second-row beachfront sites.
Create a premium amenity in mixed-use projects (retail + residential + offices).

In hospitality projects

Elevate a hotel or resort into a destination category without relying on a prime beachfront location.
Renovate an existing asset by replacing an unappealing traditional pool with a high-impact Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™
Reposition a hotel as a regional benchmark for innovation and vacation experience.

Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™: Maximum return per cubic meter of water

In a context where every CapEx decision must justify its impact on sales, rates, occupancy, and resale value, Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ offer investors something a traditional swimming pool can hardly deliver:

A true market differentiator.
An iconic amenity that enhances the project’s positioning.
A catalyst that accelerates the project’s sales velocity.
The justification for a price premium per square meter.
An asset aligned with demand for high-end vacation experiences, as well as sustainability and ESG criteria.

In today’s market, true innovation isn’t about building bigger; it’s about building smarter. Small Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ represent that applied intelligence, delivering a high–value-added real estate investment that combines luxury, sustainability, and profitability at any scale.

Original content

02-01-2026