Orlando is renowned for its vibrant theme parks, exquisite dining options, dynamic live entertainment, and luxurious hotels, yet it lacks a natural beach. To remedy this, the Evermore Orlando Resort, a vacation rental and hospitality complex established near Walt Disney World, has taken an innovative step by creating its own beach experience.
Spanning an expansive 1,100 acres, this resort features an impressive 8-acre artificial lagoon dubbed Evermore Bay, developed by Dart Interests. With crystal-clear turquoise waters and 20 acres of imported sandy beach, Evermore Bay has proven to be a compelling alternative for guests who might otherwise gravitate towards traditional beach destinations. According to Chris Kelsey, president of Dart Interests, "The Evermore Bay experience is a pretty darn good facsimile of what it’s like at a Caribbean beach," highlighting its appeal as a clean, wave-free environment.
Evermore Bay offers more than just a picturesque beach. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities including cabanas, kayaks, hot tub boats, and even floating pickleball courts. Kelsey notes that the financial commitment for this luxurious lagoon was substantial, with an investment of approximately $2.5 million per acre. That investment appears to be paying off, as the presence of Evermore Bay has contributed to increased rental rates across the resort’s accommodations. A recent inquiry for early November rates revealed that the Conrad Orlando hotel was commanding prices higher than its neighboring Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
Evermore Bay also features lavish cabanas equipped with overwater hammocks, which often have rates exceeding those of the hotel’s accommodations, starting at around $650 per reservation.
In establishing its lagoon, the Evermore resort collaborated with Crystal Lagoons, a leader in the artificial lagoon sector. Founded by Chilean biochemist Fernando Fischmann, Crystal Lagoons has developed patented technology that has been successfully implemented in over 80 projects worldwide since its inception in 2008. Benjamin Fischmann, the company’s U.S. regional director, emphasizes the efficiency of their lagoon technology, stating that it uses only 2% of the energy needed by typical swimming pools and requires roughly 100 times fewer chemicals. This system allows for continuous water reuse, enhancing the eco-friendliness of the project.
Among Crystal Lagoons’ latest endeavors is a new 2-acre lagoon at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas in Texas, integrating water features into the resort’s redesign. "We knew we couldn’t move the resort to water, but with the lagoon, we could bring water frontage to the resort," remarked King Scovell, managing partner at Woodbine Development Corp.
The concept of artificial lagoons isn’t limited to landlocked areas; it’s gaining traction in coastal environments as well. The Celebration Key private island by Carnival Cruise Line features two lagoons: the adults-only Calypso Lagoon and the family-friendly Starfish Lagoon, collectively covering nearly 7 acres. Developed in partnership with Martin Aquatic, this expansive space utilizes advanced technology to ensure the water is treated in real-time while adjusting to guest demand based on cruise schedules.
For families, these lagoons often serve as the focal point of their experience. As Keith Carr, a global development executive for Carnival Corp., shared about his recent visit to Celebration Key with his family, “They absolutely loved it. We spent the whole time in the lagoon.” This sentiment reflects how such amenities resonate with guests of all ages, offering a serene beach-like experience without the hassle of traveling to traditional coastal destinations.
In summary, Orlando continues to enhance its tourism landscape, offering visitors a variety of innovative amenities that replicate the beach experience, elevating the city beyond theme parks to become a sought-after vacation destination. Whether through the Evermore Orlando Resort, the Okana Resort & Indoor Waterpark, or attractions like Celebration Key, these artificial lagoons are redefining leisure and relaxation for families and solo travelers alike.
