Crystal Lagoons generates disruptive innovation in Colombian Retail

28 July, 2023 / News

Crystal Lagoons takes a significant step in its growth in the Latin American market by entering the retail industry and becoming the main attraction of the largest shopping and entertainment center in the Colombian Caribbean. In Cartagena de Indias, the Azul de Arenas project will feature an impressive 3-hectare crystal clear lagoon, developed with Crystal Lagoons® technology, perfect for water activities and swimming.

This new project that the multinational water innovation company is developing in the coffee-growing country under the Public Access Lagoons™ model, also known as PAL™ developments, will revolutionize the experience of visitors at the mall. Families will have the opportunity to enjoy the monumental body of water by purchasing a ticket, adding a distinctive appeal to this project.

The 120-hectare development will become one of the most important commercial projects, with a leasable area of 110,000 m², highlighting its sustainable design and urbanism, distinctive features of Crystal Lagoons® technology. In addition to the crystalline lagoon, Azul de Arenas also integrates stores, a 150-room hotel, offices, apartments, health centers and other spaces.

“Shopping centers today must reinvent themselves and introduce new functional and experiential offerings to the public. PAL™ projects provide an answer to this need, as they not only offer an idyllic beach life but also bring together restaurants, event centers, culture, shows, and attractive activities, factors that enhance public attraction. An example of this is Ary Laguna, one of the largest shopping centers in Pakistan, and the advanced conversations with major US retailer chains,” explains Miguel Ángel Cabañas, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of Crystal Lagoons.

Azul de Arenas is part of one of the largest agreements signed by Crystal Lagoons in Latin America, in association with AED Constructores, one of the main real estate firms in the country. The mega-contract includes 13 projects with crystalline lagoons that, in addition to the Colombian Caribbean, will also enhance another tourist icon such as the “Eje Cafetero”.

In fact, the success of Baia Kristal, Crystal Lagoons’ first real estate complex in the country, also in partnership with AED Constructores, prompted this company to sign the master agreement to develop projects in Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Pereira and Cartagena de Indias itself.

“The fact that one of Colombia’s leading developers, such as AED, partners with Crystal Lagoons to build numerous projects, including the largest shopping center in the Colombian Caribbean, shows how our concept and technology are a success in Colombia,” adds Cabañas.

The PAL™ model has piqued the interest of important players worldwide. In fact, Crystal Lagoons experienced a record global expansion with these projects. The company entered more than 15 new markets and closed mega-commercial agreements in countries such as Japan, Australia, the United States, India, Korea, Pakistan, Israel, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica, and Central America, among others.

Original content