First Crystalline Mountaintop Lagoon to Host Egypt’s Major Aquathlon

The monumental crystalline lagoon of the award-winning IL Monte Galala project in Egypt, the world’s first and largest lagoon atop a mountain, will set the stage for the 2024 IL Monte Galala Crystal Aquathlon on November 29th. In its second edition, this sporting event will blend the idyllic beach lifestyle with the unmatched views of the Red Sea and the majestic mountain landscape of Sokhna, known as Egypt’s “natural gem.” This artificial lagoon, developed with Crystal Lagoons® technology, has become an architectural and landscape icon for the region, establishing it as a unique destination for top-tier activities.

The Aquathlon will gather competitors of all ages, starting from 8, who will compete individually and in teams across various swimming and running categories. Globally recognized for its innovation, this crystalline lagoon stands out as a versatile space that enables world-class events year-round, promoting regional tourism and enhancing its appeal as a cultural and sports activity center.

The Crystal Lagoons amenity brings immense value to IL Monte Galala, an award-winning development combining sustainability, luxury, and quality of life in a unique natural setting. With panoramic views and a design that integrates mountains and beach life, IL Monte Galala has received awards such as the African Property Award and Cityscape Global, establishing itself as a global benchmark in luxury lifestyle and sustainable design.

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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.

Public Access Lagoons® projects, also known as PAL® developments, transform urban life by offering an eco-friendly, idyllic beach experience. With its monumental crystalline lagoons, Crystal Lagoons provides a sustainable alternative that meets the need for access to bodies of water in urban environments, integrating quality of life and respect for the environment.

These projects, which set a new standard in public entertainment, allow people to enjoy the tropical lifestyle year-round, democratize access to high-quality recreational spaces and have been globally recognized for their social and environmental impact. By reducing the carbon footprint from transportation and tourism by an estimated 40%—equivalent to 14 million tons of CO₂ annually—PAL® complexes bring a beach lifestyle steps away from homes, offering a sustainable alternative that lowers the need for travel to coastal destinations by car or plane, thereby reducing environmental impact by up to 50%.

The environmental benefits of these crystalline lagoons have been verified by Bureau Veritas, one of the world’s leading certification companies. Due to their water efficiency, a typical lagoon uses 33 times less water than a golf course and 40% less than a park of similar size. Designed to capture water during rainy seasons, they operate in a closed circuit, minimizing consumption by compensating only for evaporation. Additionally, they can utilize various types of water, including brackish, seawater, or freshwater -abundant resources with no alternative uses- and require up to 100 times fewer chemicals than a traditional swimming pool.

Another remarkable feature is their low energy consumption. Also certified by Bureau Veritas, these water bodies use only 2% of the energy required by conventional pool filtration systems, enhancing their environmentally responsible profile.

Crystal Lagoons® technology has been globally recognized with awards such as the Green World Environment Award in the “Champion of Champions” and “Carbon Reduction” categories and the Green Apple Award. The multinational has also been invited to leading international summits on urban sustainability, such as Future Green, to showcase the positive impact of its PAL® projects and their contribution to building more sustainable cities.

In this way, Crystal Lagoons redefines access to beach life in urban areas, offering a responsible recreational experience that enriches the environment and improves residents’ quality of life.

Crystal Lagoons® technology is reshaping the real estate and hospitality industries by creating and maintaining large, sustainable, and cost-effective lagoons. These lagoons provide stunning beach-like environments that are more affordable and environmentally friendly than traditional water bodies. The patented technology consumes 33 times less water than an 18-hole golf course and 100 times fewer chemicals than standard pools. The lagoons also use up to 50% less water due to molecular film technology that reduces evaporation. They can operate with any type of water, from seawater to brackish water, and are filled only once, offering substantial water conservation benefits.

Success in Master-Planned Communities

New home sales among the 50 Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities (MPCs) remained similar to the pace set by the top communities in the first half of 2023. Despite a 7.4% decline in national new home sales in June 2024 compared to 2023, master-planned communities continued to hold strong.

Sunterra in Houston, Texas, is a community featuring a 2.70-acre man-made lagoon with Crystal Lagoons® technology that will be open in 2025 and has already earned the third-place rank. This project in Texas won best-seller status in the state and third in the country. In Sunterra, The Sol Club’s star feature will be a Crystal Lagoons® amenity where people can walk along white-sandy beaches and do many water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding in turquoise waters. 

The Houston MSA (Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area Profile) was the top-performing metropolitan area, with 13 communities in the Top 50, representing over 4,500 sales, or almost 24% of all sales among ranked MPCs.

With that in mind, Texas represented about 39% of sales among ranked communities, followed by Florida at 36%, where Crystal Lagoons has eight projects, including Mirada, located in San Antonio, Florida, which was also part of the ranking. Mirada is a Master-Planned Community developed by Metro Development Group, and has a 14.9-acre crystalline lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons® Technology, equivalent to 11.37 Football fields and 48.2 Olympic Swimming Pools, gaining the title of our largest lagoon.

These impressive sales figures highlight the growing popularity and demand for master-planned communities featuring Crystal Lagoons® technology.

Here’s an in-depth look at how Crystal Lagoons® technology is reshaping sustainability and setting new standards for environmental efficiency.

Water Efficiency and Adaptability

One of the standout features of Crystal Lagoons® technology is its remarkable water efficiency. The lagoons work in a closed-circuit system, requiring only the replacement of water lost through evaporation. This system also allows lagoons to capture rainwater, potentially eliminating the need for refilling.

Additionally, these lagoons are versatile and can operate with seawater, freshwater, or even brackish water. This adaptability makes them ideal for various geographic regions and environmental conditions, expanding their applicability across numerous real estate projects.

The proprietary Crystal Lagoons® molecular film technology can reduce evaporation by an additional 50%.

Innovative Filtration and Disinfection

Another key innovation is the filtration and disinfection system. Traditional swimming pools rely on high levels of chlorine or other disinfectants, which can be harmful to the environment and costly. Crystal Lagoons® technology, however, uses advanced algorithms and controlled pulses of small quantities of additives to keep water clean. This system requires only 2% of the energy used by conventional pool filtration systems and reduces the need for space and equipment.

Environmental Impact and Future Prospects

Crystal Lagoons® technology is a game-changer for sustainability. It reduces water consumption and chemical use and offers communities a safe, aesthetically pleasing, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional water features. 

Crystal Lagoons® technology represents a breakthrough in both real estate and environmental sustainability. By offering a visually stunning, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution, this technology has become a must-have amenity for master-planned communities. As demand for these lagoons grows, so does their potential to revolutionize how communities are built and enjoyed, all while minimizing environmental impact.

Zonda Event in Dallas

At the most recent Zonda Event in Dallas, Crystal Lagoons® technology was showcased as a leading innovation in sustainable development. This event highlights key trends and advancements in real estate and emphasizes the growing importance of eco-friendly amenities in attracting homebuyers. Crystal Lagoons presence at the event further solidified its reputation as a top-tier amenity provider, particularly in Texas, where its projects have significantly boosted home sales in various master-planned communities.

This combination of advanced sustainability, aesthetic appeal, and practical water management ensures that Crystal Lagoons continues to be a transformative force in real estate and environmental conservation.

Successful lagoons

Crystal Lagoons’ impact is evident in its extensive global footprint. With over 70 projects in operation worldwide and much more in the making, the technology has become the world’s top amenity, improving millions of lives and setting new benchmarks for advancement in sustainability. This and other reasons led the company to introduce a new project for a stunning beach-like lagoon in Solano County, California, designed to provide a beautiful coastal experience lagoon. This project exemplifies the company’s commitment to making lagoon beach-like experiences accessible in non-coastal areas.

Solano Lagoon will use just 20 acre-feet of water annually, a fraction compared to the 493 acre-feet demanded by the 11 golf courses in Solano County.

To this date, there are 11 golf courses in Solano County, with an average size of 127 acres and an estimated total water demand of 493 acre-feet per year. The Solano lagoon will use 20 acre-feet of water per year; this represents only 0.15% of the 13,700 acre-feet of water secured for the East Solano Plan, 25 times less than an 18-hole golf course. The lagoon can utilize salt, fresh, or brackish water, aligning with the East Solano Homes, Jobs, and Clean Energy Initiative’s Water Guarantee. This efficient use of water resources highlights the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

The lagoon will also offer a visually appealing beach-like setting and serve as a sustainable recreational facility. Using advanced technology, Crystal Lagoons ensures that the lagoon remains eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Contact us and discover how Crystal Lagoons can transform your city.​

Crystal Lagoons® technology is reshaping the real estate and hospitality industries by creating and maintaining large, sustainable, and cost-effective lagoons. These lagoons provide stunning beach-like environments that are more affordable and environmentally friendly than traditional water bodies. The patented technology consumes 33 times less water than an 18-hole golf course and 100 times fewer chemicals than standard pools. The lagoons also use up to 50% less water due to molecular film technology that reduces evaporation. They can operate with any type of water, from seawater to brackish water, and are filled only once, offering substantial water conservation benefits.

Success in Master-Planned Communities

New home sales among the 50 Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities (MPCs) remained similar to the pace set by the top communities in the first half of 2023. Despite a 7.4% decline in national new home sales in June 2024 compared to 2023, master-planned communities continued to hold strong.

Sunterra in Houston, Texas, is a community featuring a 2.70-acre man-made lagoon with Crystal Lagoons® technology that will be open in 2025 and has already earned the third-place rank. This project in Texas won best-seller status in the state and third in the country. In Sunterra, The Sol Club’s star feature will be a Crystal Lagoons® amenity where people can walk along white-sandy beaches and do many water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding in turquoise waters. 

The Houston MSA (Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area Profile) was the top-performing metropolitan area, with 13 communities in the Top 50, representing over 4,500 sales, or almost 24% of all sales among ranked MPCs.

With that in mind, Texas represented about 39% of sales among ranked communities, followed by Florida at 36%, where Crystal Lagoons has eight projects, including Mirada, located in San Antonio, Florida, which was also part of the ranking. Mirada is a Master-Planned Community developed by Metro Development Group, and has a 14.9-acre crystalline lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons® Technology, equivalent to 11.37 Football fields and 48.2 Olympic Swimming Pools, gaining the title of our largest lagoon.

These impressive sales figures highlight the growing popularity and demand for master-planned communities featuring Crystal Lagoons® technology.

Here’s an in-depth look at how Crystal Lagoons® technology is reshaping sustainability and setting new standards for environmental efficiency.

Water Efficiency and Adaptability

One of the standout features of Crystal Lagoons® technology is its remarkable water efficiency. The lagoons work in a closed-circuit system, requiring only the replacement of water lost through evaporation. This system also allows lagoons to capture rainwater, potentially eliminating the need for refilling.

Additionally, these lagoons are versatile and can operate with seawater, freshwater, or even brackish water. This adaptability makes them ideal for various geographic regions and environmental conditions, expanding their applicability across numerous real estate projects.

The proprietary Crystal Lagoons® molecular film technology can reduce evaporation by an additional 50%.

Innovative Filtration and Disinfection

Another key innovation is the filtration and disinfection system. Traditional swimming pools rely on high levels of chlorine or other disinfectants, which can be harmful to the environment and costly. Crystal Lagoons® technology, however, uses advanced algorithms and controlled pulses of small quantities of additives to keep water clean. This system requires only 2% of the energy used by conventional pool filtration systems and reduces the need for space and equipment.

Environmental Impact and Future Prospects

Crystal Lagoons® technology is a game-changer for sustainability. It reduces water consumption and chemical use and offers communities a safe, aesthetically pleasing, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional water features. 

Crystal Lagoons® technology represents a breakthrough in both real estate and environmental sustainability. By offering a visually stunning, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution, this technology has become a must-have amenity for master-planned communities. As demand for these lagoons grows, so does their potential to revolutionize how communities are built and enjoyed, all while minimizing environmental impact.

Zonda Event in Dallas

At the most recent Zonda Event in Dallas, Crystal Lagoons® technology was showcased as a leading innovation in sustainable development. This event highlights key trends and advancements in real estate and emphasizes the growing importance of eco-friendly amenities in attracting homebuyers. Crystal Lagoons presence at the event further solidified its reputation as a top-tier amenity provider, particularly in Texas, where its projects have significantly boosted home sales in various master-planned communities.

This combination of advanced sustainability, aesthetic appeal, and practical water management ensures that Crystal Lagoons continues to be a transformative force in real estate and environmental conservation.

Successful lagoons

Crystal Lagoons’ impact is evident in its extensive global footprint. With over 70 projects in operation worldwide and much more in the making, the technology has become the world’s top amenity, improving millions of lives and setting new benchmarks for advancement in sustainability. This and other reasons led the company to introduce a new project for a stunning beach-like lagoon in Solano County, California, designed to provide a beautiful coastal experience lagoon. This project exemplifies the company’s commitment to making lagoon beach-like experiences accessible in non-coastal areas.

Solano Lagoon will use just 20 acre-feet of water annually, a fraction compared to the 493 acre-feet demanded by the 11 golf courses in Solano County.

To this date, there are 11 golf courses in Solano County, with an average size of 127 acres and an estimated total water demand of 493 acre-feet per year. The Solano lagoon will use 20 acre-feet of water per year; this represents only 0.15% of the 13,700 acre-feet of water secured for the East Solano Plan, 25 times less than an 18-hole golf course. The lagoon can utilize salt, fresh, or brackish water, aligning with the East Solano Homes, Jobs, and Clean Energy Initiative’s Water Guarantee. This efficient use of water resources highlights the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

The lagoon will also offer a visually appealing beach-like setting and serve as a sustainable recreational facility. Using advanced technology, Crystal Lagoons ensures that the lagoon remains eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Contact us and discover how Crystal Lagoons can transform your city.​