South Africa President Applauds Crystal Lagoons Munyaka Development

Real estate projects have traditionally sought to be located near the ocean, a lake, or a river due to the added value that a body of water provides—an increasingly scarce resource. In response to this limitation, developers worldwide are increasingly incorporating lagoons with Crystal Lagoons® technology, creating a new waterfront.

In fact, these crystalline lagoons have transformed the real estate paradigm of “location, location, location,” becoming the World’s Top Amenity. They boost the value of real estate projects and redefine what it means to own waterfront property. This innovation allows developers to raise sales prices, increase the value per square meter, and enhance project density.

The success of Crystal Lagoons worldwide is due to its crystalline lagoons perfectly recreating a piece of the Caribbean, allowing homes near them to cost less than those on a real beach. In fact, the developments of the multinational innovation company have consolidated as a commercial phenomenon, and every year, they stand out in different real estate rankings among the best-selling projects, confirming that lagoons are a driver of sales across the board.

Lagoons allow developers to sell lots to home builders at premium prices. Home builders, in turn, can charge more for the houses. Additionally, houses near lagoons sell faster than those in new neighborhoods without one.

The crystalline lagoons increase the value of the surrounding land by transforming an inland area into a resort-like space. These large bodies of water allow for creating a beach-style living experience anywhere, letting people live in a home as if they were on vacation every day.

A similar situation is happening with Public Access Lagoons® complexes, also known as PAL® developments, which are changing the lives of millions of people in cities. These projects, accessible to all through ticketed entry, have the unique appeal of bringing idyllic beach life just steps away from homes in the middle of the city while also offering event spaces with unparalleled scenic beauty, thanks to its large turquoise crystalline lagoon surrounded by white sandy beaches, which are illuminated at night, creating a magical ambiance. The infrastructure includes terraces, amphitheaters, domes, esplanades, commercial areas, and entertainment spaces.

Crystalline lagoons have become a key element in real estate and PAL® projects. Not only because they conquer homebuyers by bringing beach life and water sports, but also because they have become a social meeting point for people.

The sustainability of Crystal Lagoons® technology is also a relevant element, since these bodies of water need fewer chemicals than regular pools and 2% of the energy required for pool-filtration systems. In addition, the lagoons are filled once, consumes 40% less water than a green space of a similar surface area, 33 times less water than an 18-hole golf course and need water only to compensate the evaporation.

Once again, the projects of Crystal Lagoons in the United States have been ranked among the country’s best-selling residential developments, as compiled by RCLCO, one of the leading real estate advisory firms. This time, the developments included in the study are Sunterra, in Texas, and Mirada, in Florida, both anchored by large crystalline lagoons developed by the multinational water innovation company.

The presence of projects featuring this amenity in every edition of the ranking confirms that these large water bodies have become the leading sales attraction.

In fact, a clear example of this is Sunterra. Although the lagoon in this project has not yet been built, the amenity serves as a commercial driver, generating high sales rates, with a 16% increase compared to 2023. This placed it in 4th position nationally in the ranking, repeating the positive sales results recorded in previous reports.

Meanwhile, the Mirada complex in Florida, which features the largest crystalline lagoon in the United States, also made the ranking securing the 10th position. Its 6 hectares of turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are a key purchase driver.

The national rankings conducted by RCLCO have consistently demonstrated over the years how crystalline lagoons increase project value and sales prices like no other amenity, creating an advantage that reduces competition from nearby real estate developments.

This highlights how the Crystal Lagoons concept, patented worldwide, has shifted the real estate paradigm of “location, location, location,” becoming the World’s Top Amenity™ and how these tropical lagoons add significant value to residential projects.

The United States is the main global market for Crystal Lagoons, with more than 275 projects in different development and negotiation stages. The multinational has projects in states such as Texas, Florida, California, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.

RCLCO

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.