Three projects of Crystal Lagoons among the fastest-growing in Tampa

Epperson, Mirada and Southshore Bay are three of the fastest-growing real estate projects in the Tampa Bay region, USA, according to a study by research firm Zonda. The common element of all: a lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons technology as the centerpiece.

Epperson was the first project of Crystal Lagoons in the United States in association with Metro Development Group. This developer, seeing the success generated by the crystalline lagoons, later signed several additional projects with the multinational innovation company, among them, Mirada and Southshore Bay.

“Homebuyer interest in our Metro Places communities continues to be extremely strong, thanks to the convenient locations, the quality of our builder team and amenities such as the crystalline lagoons,” states Vaike O’Grady, Metro Development Group’s vice president of marketing and communications.

However, the success of these three projects is not new, but started from the moment it was announced that they would incorporate an artificial lagoon.

EPPERSON

Epperson saw a 21% sales increase during the preconstruction period, over a seven-month time frame, compared with1% to 5% increases at competitor communities, according to Builder Magazine.

The impressive 8-acre crystalline lagoon has been a tremendous draw and homes have been registered to sell at a 9% to 10% premium comparable homes in the Tampa area, a phenomenon which many developers have come to know as the “lagoon effect”.

Originally intended to be exclusively for residents, due to demand, the amenity converted to the firm’s business model Public Access Lagoons™, known as PAL™.

MIRADA

The 15-acre Crystal Lagoons amenity at Mirada provides the perfect centerpiece in this community with plans for 5000 homes. Mirada delivers a unique, beach life in a growing, convenient location in the Tampa Bay area. With the pristine lagoon, this iconic, transformative amenity complements the overall 21st century interconnected lifestyle that Mirada will offer.

SOUTHSHORE BAY

Southshore Bay, a new gated community developed together with Metro Places which includes a separate section for Inspired Active Adult living for the 55+ age group. Located in Hillsborough County, it takes the best of the Florida coastline and brings it inland to the heart of this community. With acres of crystal clear water residents can swimkayakpaddleboard or relax or simply enjoy the breathtaking view.

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The Crystal Lagoons project in the US, Evermore Orlando Resort, has been making headlines since its opening. It has received a second award in less than a month: the prestigious USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice 2025. This recognition positions the resort as one of the most highly valued destinations and developments by readers of USA Today, solidifying its status as a benchmark for tourism and entertainment experiences.

Located in Orlando, the most-visited tourist destination in the United States, Evermore Orlando Resort represents a new era in recreation and tourism. With a stunning 8-acre crystalline lagoon as its centerpiece, it combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable design to deliver a unique experience that attracts visitors from around the globe.

The strategic location of the Evermore Orlando Resort steps away from the famous Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks, and the huge turquoise body of water has contributed to its allure and to the attention it has captured in public. In fact, the introduction of the amenity with Crystal Lagoons® technology resolves the issue of the lack of beaches in Orlando, a destination known for its vast entertainment offerings but lacking the idyllic beach life.

Another striking aspect of Evermore Orlando Resort is the presence of the first Conrad hotel in the city, a luxury brand of the Hilton chain. With over 10,000 rooms surrounding the crystalline lagoon, the complex marks a turning point in the tourism industry, redefining hospitality standards in Orlando. 

In addition, this complex offers a variety of accommodation options, including houses, villas, and apartments, offering visitors an exclusive and sophisticated experience. Additionally, the project features an 18-hole golf course designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, one of the greatest golfers in history.

“The success of Evermore Orlando Resort reaffirms the commitment of Crystal Lagoons to revolutionize the tourism industry through sustainable and innovative solutions. This recognition positions the project as an industry benchmark and a must-see attraction in the heart of Florida,” explains Ivan Manzur, Senior Vice President of Sales for Crystal Lagoons US Corp.

Mexico has consolidated its position as a strategic market for Crystal Lagoons, thanks to its dynamic economy, warm and dry climate, and tourism appeal, which creates a growing demand for high-quality bodies of water for recreational activities. This country has become one of the most relevant markets for the multinational in Latin America, further establishing its presence in key cities.

The monumental crystalline lagoons have revolutionized the lifestyle in iconic destinations such as Cancun, Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, Toluca, Veracruz, Monterrey, and Punta Mita. These turquoise bodies of water have transformed urban environments, increased property values, and made the idyllic beach lifestyle a reality, positioning themselves as the best amenity in these regions with a significant transformative impact.

Crystal Lagoons has developed trend-setting projects under the Public Access Lagoons® model, also known as PAL® developments, and real estate projects. Some of the most notable include AVA Resort Cancún, Diamante Cabo San Lucas, and Bluú Habitat Lagoons in Mazatlán. The crystalline lagoon is a landmark in one of Mexico’s fastest-growing tourism and residential destinations.

AVA Resort Cancún, inaugurated in 2024, is the largest resort in the city and a new vacation benchmark in the Yucatán Peninsula. Located just ten minutes from Cancun’s airport, this luxurious complex features a monumental 2.8-acre crystalline lagoon with Crystal Lagoons® technology, surrounded by white sandy beaches. This artificial lagoon offers unique experiences, such as floating cabanas and a wide range of aquatic activities in an exclusive setting, establishing it as a luxury all-inclusive destination.

Also, in Cancun, the Le Parc project is progressing rapidly. This development, located 7.5 kilometers from the beach, includes a crystalline lagoon that creates a third coastline, allowing for a year-round tropical lifestyle. With 960 apartments in total, the launch of Le Parc set a historic sales record, marking a milestone in the region.

In Punta Mita, the Kirah project continues to take shape, offering an integrated mix that includes lots, condominiums, apartments, a beach club, a water club, exclusive lagoons for children, a lagoon wellness center, and restaurants

“Mexican developers have found that Crystal Lagoons® technology accelerates the sales velocity and increases the value per square meter compared to similar projects in the same areas. On the other hand, these crystalline bodies of water improve people’s quality of life,” highlights Francisco Matte, Regional Director of Crystal Lagoons for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The signing of a new Master Agreement with Ecipsa Group, Argentina’s leading residential developer, to develop 10 new projects in Brazil reflects the powerful expansion of Crystal Lagoons in Latin America’s largest economy and one of the world’s top ten. With this agreement, the multinational water innovation company now has 55 projects at various stages of development and negotiation in the country.

These developments will transform Brazilian cities, bringing the idyllic beach lifestyle with monumental crystalline lagoons surrounded by white sandy beaches suitable for swimming and water sports. The projects will allow residents and visitors to enjoy the tropical lifestyle year-round, redefining the nautical experience and providing a safe, natural environment for various activities such as swimming, sailing, paddle surfing, and kayaking.

This Master Agreement is the second Crystal Lagoons to sign with Ecipsa in Brazil, following the success of the first agreement focused on developing real estate, hybrid, and Public Access Lagoons®, also known as PAL® development, projects in the state of São Paulo, the country’s most important region, whose capital is the fourth-largest city in the world.

Brazil, one of Crystal Lagoons strategic markets in Latin America, has witnessed sustained growth in alliance with leading local developers. Among the most emblematic projects are “Brasil Beach Cuiabá Home & Resort,” in Mato Grosso, where the country’s first crystalline lagoon is located, and the luxurious second-home complex “Ponta da Figueira,” developed in collaboration with Melnick-Even, one of Brazil’s most prominent real estate developers.

PAL® complexes stand out for their versatility and are ideal settings for significant events such as concerts, fairs, exhibitions, and weddings. They offer unparalleled scenic beauty thanks to their monumental crystalline lagoons with turquoise waters, illuminated at night to create a magical atmosphere. The projects can also incorporate Eco-Heated Lagoons technology, which allows lagoons to be heated without energy so they can be used year-round, even at night.