South Africa Now One of Crystal Lagoons Most Successful Markets

Unprecedented commercial success, awards from the real estate industry and praise from the President of the Republic are some of the recognitions that Crystal Lagoons® has received in South Africa. The American multinational innovation firm, which develops large crystalline lagoons at low construction and maintenance costs, has a total of 14 projects in different stages of development and negotiation in the country and a further 15 across the African continent.

The newest is Munyaka, one of the residential projects anchored by a Crystal Lagoons amenity and developed in association with the real estate agency, Balwin Properties. The ultra-luxurious complex was celebrated by the President of the Republic, Cyril Ramaphosa, who emphasized that Munyaka “will give life to the South Africa that we long for, promoting its economy through infrastructure. This is a magical place, as I see the lagoon going to be created and open spaces, I say, this is how you created great communities.”

Munyaka, near Johannesburg, not only conquered the authorities, but also homebuyers. Its positive results allowed Balwin Properties to increase its sales by 11% during the last fiscal year. In fact, in just four days, Munyaka sold over 550 apartments, with a record similar to that experienced by The Blyde, another Balwin complex with a water amenity powered by Crystal Lagoons technology, located in Pretoria, which was recently awarded the 2019-2020 International Property Awards in three categories.

Crystal Lagoons new standard for amenities is a distinguishing feature and has fueled an expansion plan with Balwin Properties with four new cityscape-transforming first-home projects in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.

Additionally, Crystal Lagoons is in advanced negotiations to develop 8 Public Access Lagoons™, also known as PAL™, in various cities spotted throughout South Africa. These projects, which are accessed via ticketed entry, have become the meeting point of the 21st century, and include restaurants, beach clubs, retail stores, amphitheaters, as well as recreational and cultural activities.

“Crystal Lagoons success transcends South Africa and has spread across the continent. In Egypt, we have 8 operational projects, under construction or negotiation, and one which is currently the largest crystalline man-made lagoon in the world (30 acres). We also have projects in different stages of development and negotiation in Nigeria, Morocco and Angola,” says Alastair Sinclair, Regional Director at Crystal Lagoons.

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2024 has been a record year for Crystal Lagoons in Egypt, with 45 projects at different stages of development and negotiations. The multinational innovation company, founded by scientist Fernando Fischmann, has secured new projects, consolidating its presence in the country, the company’s largest market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

On the country’s North Coast, Sodic, Madaar Development, and Q Developments have completed major second home projects, including Caesar Bay, Azha North Lagoon, and Q North.

In addition, Crystal Lagoons is in advanced negotiations to develop Public Access Lagoons® projects, also known as PAL® complexes, accessible to all through ticketed entry, and are set to revolutionize city lifestyles and bring beach life to the doorsteps of Egyptian households.

Crystal Lagoons projects add value by enabling the development of second-line beach projects on the North Coast and the Red Sea as well as in Cairo, which can take advantage of the good climate the region enjoys all year round,” said Miguel Angel Cabañas, regional director of Crystal Lagoons.

The most unique projects in Egypt include Citystars Sharm El Sheikh and Azha Ain Sokhna, the largest lagoons in the country, measuring 11.3 ha., and 11.97 ha., respectively.

Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, a city without a coastline, will now have an idyllic beach life thanks to the first project signed by Crystal Lagoons in this state. This new operation adds another chapter to the success story in the United States of this multinational innovation company founded by the scientist Fernando Fischmann. The US is the company’s main market worldwide, with more than 275 projects at different development and negotiation stages.

The project will feature a 4.8-acre crystalline lagoon surrounded by white sandy beaches. It will have a private area reserved for residences and tourists staying at a luxury hotel, confirming the impact on the hospitality industry of Crystal Lagoons. On the other hand, it will have a public access area, accessible to all through ticketed entry, which will have all the features of the Public Access Lagoons® model, also known as PAL® developments. For this reason, it will be a hybrid complex equipped with extensive commercial, entertainment, and sports infrastructure, as well as terraces, restaurants, parks, a wedding peninsula, a children’s area, and other amenities.

The project, called Oak Hills, forms part of an agreement with Contender Development, Broadstreet, Inc., and Blue Lagoon Development LLC. to develop four complexes in the state.

“The Crystal Lagoons® at Oak Hills will provide exceptional, safe and enjoyable recreational spaces for all ages. We’re excited to create a destination that will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also become a focal point for the entire region”, says Joseph Baldassarra, president of Broadstreet.

“PAL® developments and Crystal Lagoons® technology have become very attractive projects worldwide, so we are confident that this complex will be a success”, explains Ivan Manzur, Senior VP of Sales, Crystal Lagoons US Corp.

PAL® projects are environmentally friendly as they reduce the carbon footprint of tourism and transportation by more than 40%, reducing travel to coastal destinations by around 50%. In addition, they also offer event venues with unparalleled scenic beauty.

Crystal Lagoons is revolutionizing the global shopping mall industry with its disruptive technology, which integrates leisure, retail, and idyllic beach life in one place. Its new project in ColombiaKristal Mall, is the largest shopping mall in the Colombian Caribbean and the country’s first Shopping Resort. It blends entertainment and shopping around a monumental 5.3-acre crystalline lagoon with turquoise waters as its centerpiece. This innovative project addresses the global challenge of reinventing malls, transforming them into multifunctional destinations that attract a new generation of visitors.

Located in Cartagena de Indias, Kristal Mall spans 296 hectares and features a leasable area of 110,000 m². Powered by Crystal Lagoons in association with AED and Arquitectura & Concreto, this cutting-edge complex will offer a wide range of amenities, including high-end stores, restaurants, terraces, a cinema, an amusement park, a 150-room hotel, offices, apartments, healthcare centers, and an event venue designed for weddings, concerts, and large-scale shows.

Its main attraction will be the crystalline lagoon, developed under the Public Access Lagoons® model, also known as PAL® developments. The lagoon will bring the tropical beach lifestyle to this tourist city, which historically lacked high-quality beaches. Visitors can enjoy various aquatic activities, such as swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and more, redefining the region’s commercial and entertainment landscape.

PAL® developments, accessible to the public through a ticketed entry, stand out for their versatility. They are ideal venues for mass events such as concerts, fairs, exhibitions, and weddings. Their unparalleled scenic beauty is highlighted by monumental crystalline turquoise water lagoons, which light up at night to create a magical atmosphere. Infrastructure such as theaters, terraces, domes, and climate-controlled esplanades ensures year-round events, regardless of the season.

Kristal Mall is part of one of Latin America’s most extensive agreements between Crystal Lagoons and AED, a leading Colombian real estate company. This strategic agreement includes 11 projects in key regions such as the Eje Cafetero, the Andean Region, and the metropolitan area of Bogotá.

América Retail & Malls