Orlando is a vibrant hub known for its theme parks, fine dining, live performances, and luxury accommodations, yet it lacks a beach experience. To bridge this gap, the Evermore Orlando Resort, a vacation rental and hotel development, introduced a unique feature near Walt Disney World: a man-made beach. Spanning 1,100 acres, the resort is anchored by Evermore Bay, an 8-acre artificial lagoon.
Evermore Bay boasts turquoise waters and stretches of sandy beach, totaling 20 acres. According to Dart Interests President Chris Kelsey, the lagoon experience resembles a Caribbean beach sufficiently well that some guests opt for Evermore over traditional coastal destinations. “The Evermore Bay experience captures the essence of a Caribbean beach without any of the dangers or messiness that come from the ocean,” he explained.
The lagoon goes beyond standard beach facilities by offering hot tub boats, a 12-foot-deep swimming area complete with a rope swing, and floating pickleball courts. Dart Interests reportedly invested around $2.5 million per acre for this state-of-the-art lagoon, and the financial returns validate the investment. Kelsey highlighted that Evermore Bay has positively influenced rental rates, with the 433-room Conrad Orlando hotel commanding prices higher than nearby luxury options.
Furthermore, the resort’s premium cabanas, equipped with overwater hammocks, start at $650 per reservation, often exceeding the cost of accommodations themselves.
Innovation with Crystal Lagoons
The development of Evermore Bay is a collaboration with Crystal Lagoons, a pioneering company founded by Chilean biochemist Fernando Fischmann. With over 20 years of experience, Fischmann developed a patented lagoon technology that has propelled the company to over 80 operational projects worldwide. Crystal Lagoons claims that its treatment system uses only 2% of the energy required for traditional swimming pools and significantly reduces chemical usage.
Benjamin Fischmann, U.S. Regional Director of Crystal Lagoons, explained that the lagoons operate on a closed circuit, allowing them to reuse water year-round. This method ensures efficient water management and minimizes the need for constant replenishment. Crystal Lagoons is also working on a 2-acre lagoon project at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas near San Antonio, Texas, as part of a significant renovation focused on attracting guests with appealing water features.
“Water was top of mind for us,” said King Scovell, the managing partner at Woodbine Development Corp, “and with the lagoon, we can provide that sought-after water frontage for our guests.”
This focus on innovative lagoon experiences has also driven the creation of the Okana Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City, which features a 4.5-acre lagoon with a real sand beach designed to simulate the Gulf Coast. Brian Szydloski, the waterpark general manager, stated that this amenity allows families to build sandcastles and enjoy a day at the beach without the hassle of extensive travel.
Family-Friendly Choices in Lagoons
Artificial lagoons are also gaining popularity in coastal areas. The Celebration Key private island by Carnival Cruise Line, while set on natural Grand Bahama beachfront, features two lagoons: the adults-only Calypso Lagoon and the family-centered Starfish Lagoon, together covering approximately 7 acres. This resort utilizes cutting-edge technology from Martin Aquatic that offers real-time water treatment through a smart pool system, ensuring a clean and safe atmosphere.
“Understanding ship schedules allows us to predict guest loads, optimizing our lagoon’s resources accordingly,” noted Keith Carr, a global development executive for Carnival Corp. In this way, families can enjoy the lagoon experience even when inclement weather disrupts their beach plans.
These innovative features are capturing the imagination of families looking for a beach-like experience without the entire travel logistics. “I visited Celebration Key with my young children, and we spent the majority of our time in the lagoons; they loved it,” shared Carr.
Overall, as urban and landlocked locations increasingly recognize the appeal of artificial lagoons, resorts like Evermore Orlando are redefining what a beach getaway can look like, seamlessly blending luxury, relaxation, and recreational fun.
