From the booming beaches of Miami to the coastline of Mexico's resort-favorite Yucatan Peninsula, residential design is centering around a new waterfront - lagoons.
Man-made or natural, lagoons are taking over at luxury properties, serving as inspiration for natural interiors and a serene vista steps from home.
With stereotypical ocean mansions scarce and only available for a mind-blowing premium, luxury properties designed around lagoons are now running hot in markets internationally, which are eagerly ushering in the new frontier of waterfront living.
Rosewood Residences Mayakoba - Riviera Maya, Mexico (pictured)
Located in the heart of the 620-acre Mayakoba enclave, Rosewood Residences Mayakoba is embraced by a labyrinth of natural emerald lagoons and mangrove jungle near the Riviera Maya's white-sand beaches. The winding lagoons serve as the waterfront vista for 33 Rosewood-branded lagoon residences, with community access to 2.5 miles of nature trails between mangrove forests and cenotes and kayaking in the Mayakoba waterways.
Mayakoba is known for its long list of amenities, including PGA championship golf course, El Camaleón, Mayakoba Dive and Water Sports Center, more than 25 restaurants and bars, and El Pueblito, a picturesque town square offering crafts, shopping, dining and entertainment.
ONE Park Tower by Turnberry at SoLé Mia - North Miami, FL
Set within the multi-billion dollar, 184-acre master-planned community of SoLé Mia in the heart of North Miami, the 32-story ONE Park Tower by Turnberry will deliver 303 bespoke residences overlooking a seven-acre Crystal Lagoons amenity. Equivalent to 21 Olympic-sized pools, the lagoon features a private island, dedicated umbrellas and loungers set up on the sandy shores of the private beach, a signature Beach Concierge available to arrange stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, plus dining available from The Lagoon Café.
This thoughtfully designed, resort-style community was envisioned by award-winning architecture firm Arquitectonica with interior design by globally recognized Meyer Davis. Additional property amenities include a 225,000 sq. ft, 10-acre world-class University of Miami UHealth Medical Center, a private swimming pool, pickleball and paddle ball courts, a state-of-the art wellness center which includes fitness, spa and massage facilities, co-working facilities, a library, private event rooms, a climate-controlled wine room, a dedicated children’s playroom, 37 acres of active and passive green space including eight miles of biking and running trails. A gated entry, 24-hour security and secured garage parking with electric charging stations complete the offering.
MahaSamutr - Hua Hin, Thailand
Aptly named “The Ocean,” MahaSamutr Country Club & Luxury Villas boasts Asia’s first and largest Crystal Lagoons amenity, sprawling nearly 18 acres with all 80 villas set on the water. Windsurfing, sailing and paddle boarding are among the year-round family water activities at the property. The country club serves as the hub for indoor sports, like squash, badminton, and aerobics, while outdoors, members can play rugby, football and tennis.
New transportation options make the enclave easily reached via a planned high-speed train from Bangkok to Hua Hin or boat ferry from Pattaya.
