Martin Aquatic Design & Engineering, a world-class aquatic firm, has announced that it will provide its advanced Blue Mar Basins technology to Thermal Beach Club by WhiteStar Development, a planned multi-generational private residential community in Coachella Valley.
Phase I of the luxury residential development and 20-acre surf/swim amenity is set to open in December 2024, after breaking ground this summer. The project will be the first of its kind in the US, featuring a central 20-acre lake with authentic inland surfing and offering leisure water recreational activities to the residents of the 326 luxury homes surrounding it.
The simulated ocean experience was designed and engineered by Florida-based Martin Aquatic Design & Engineering using the company’s patent-pending Blue Mar Basins system.
“After years of planning, we are thrilled to announce publicly the progress we’ve made in bringing the dream of Thermal Beach Club to a reality,” says Brian Grantham, co-founder of the project. “This project will not only be a catalyst for the real estate and surfing industries, but it will also be transformative for the local community in terms of job creation, infrastructure improvements, and overall economic growth.”
Providing memorable experiences in and around the water
Thermal Beach Club, which is located on 118 acres in the greater Palm Springs area, has received unanimous approval from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. The development has also proposed enhancements for the region, like clean water, park creation, and infrastructure upgrades.
“The heart of Thermal Beach Club is an amazing surfing and water recreation amenity that we’ve envisioned together with the creative team at Martin Aquatic,” says Patrick Belous, co-founder. “We leaned heavily on their expertise to develop incredible experiences in and around the water as well as create a sustainable amenity for future generations to enjoy.”
The lake will use cutting-edge technical techniques in order to be more environmentally friendly than conventional swimming pools while offering the cleanest, most pristine water quality available. Islands, private cabanas, a kid’s splash zone, huge rock caves, and on-demand surf are just a few of the features that will appeal to visitors of any age.
“We’ve designed the basin at Thermal Beach Club with every possible water experience in mind—and then some,” says Josh Martin, president & creative director of Martin Aquatic. “Active-minded individuals can explore the entire basin by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, while those seeking a more relaxing experience can rest along the shores or in the ankle-deep water of sunshelves.
“We’ve also built in special hidden moments for members to discover like an island speakeasy bar and cliff jumps out of the rockwork.”
An authentic surfing experience
The 20-acre recreational water sports lake is the major attraction at Thermal Beach Club. One of the best wave-making systems in the business will be used to create surfing zones. This will be the first man-made, recreational water sports amenity in the United States that contains a surf lagoon within it.
“We are delivering an authentic ocean surfing experience alongside an unrivaled beach experience, combining adventure and leisure in one place—all while 150 miles from the Pacific Ocean,” says Grantham. “And with the surf lagoon integrated into the larger body of water, this will categorically change the way developers envision future projects.”
Thanks to wave technology and basin design, surfing at Thermal Beach Club will be accessible to all ability levels, from beginners to pros, at the same time. Ten simultaneous surf zones will be created by mirror image waves—both left and right breaking—based on various wave patterns, some of which can reach heights of up to seven feet and provide rides lasting up to 35 seconds. Two standalone stationary surf zones at the other end of the lake will further broaden the amenity’s surf options.
Members will have access to numerous off-site amenities too, including a spa and fitness centre, sports courts, pro shop, clubhouse pool and swim-up bar, eating facilities, and more. The Thermal Beach Club has approved an agreement granting members access to nine PGA WEST courses and their amenities, as well as equestrian facilities, quarterly car/track experiences at the BMW Performance Center, and use of the nearby Thermal Airport.
Project is on track
The Thermal Beach Club is on schedule to complete its construction after passing key development milestones. The development team initiated escrow in the summer of 2016 and by 2021, Thermal Beach Club had successfully navigated the public challenge period for the entire project, including the acquisition of the water rights for the 20-acre lake. As of 8 March 2023, the land and entitlements are free of debt, and working capital is in hand to finish the initial phase’s construction engineering and planning.
“As the project moves forward, we’re currently seeking accredited investors who share in our vision to participate in the construction capital round,” says Grantham. “Everything is on track to be pushing waves by the end of 2024.”
Last year, Martin Aquatic’s work at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort of Naples in Florida, US, was recognized with a 2022 Dream Designs Award.
