During WavePoolMag’s recent trip to Lost Shore, an excited, frothing (he’s always frothing) Sebastian Jimenez shared insights into a plan to bring a wave pool to his country of origin, Uruguay. Soon after we spoke with developers about the El Nido project.
Situated along the Punta del Este coastline, the project has just broken ground. Social media images show the tell-tale foundation for the central wave-making hub of a Wavegarden Cove taking shape. The coastal surf park will feature range of high-end amenities, including gyms, event spaces and residential units.
Integration of Nature and Technology
El Nido’s backers say the project is positioned as a fusion of design, sustainability, and natural surroundings. It is being developed by the Donato Group, whose chairman, Maximiliano Schabsis, attributed the project’s ambition to its early planning phase. Schabsis said that the company wanted to “dream big” when coming up with the concept. The Donato Group has developed 500 projects over the past 50 years in Uruguay, Argentina, and the U.S.
The development is located near an ancient forest and beaches with views of the surrounding mountains. Federico Fischer, one of the project’s investors, said the project will bring together both nature and comfort.
Lux Models
The project is part on an on-going trend in Adventure Capital. These are projects, like KSM’s Praia da Grama, raise land values with a host of lux amenities, including surfing.
Praia da Grama was created a beach environment with sand, waves, “natural pools”, beach volleyball and more. The company said that practically everything that is done on a beach on the coast is possible at this kind of development.
Wellness-Oriented Urban Concept
According to Alejandro Curcio, entrepreneur and president of Curcio Capital, the development is intended to be more than a new housing development.
“It is a new way of understanding well-being and connection with nature,” Curcio said.
Promotional materials say that El Nido includes a private beach club that is marketed as suitable for both athletic training and recreational use. The facilities are designed for families and individuals alike.
Uruguay’s Position in the Global Market
The integrated concept places Uruguay in what developers describe as a growing segment of the luxury real estate market. They say the project is intended not only as a premium lifestyle destination but also as a viable real estate investment.
Company representatives state that the combination of the wave pool in Uruguay, scenic location, and curated amenities positions El Nido as a noteworthy contender in the global upscale housing sector.
More information can be found at www.elnido.uy.
