An artist’s concept drawing shows what the new Zion Shores development will look like, with fingers of its surfing lagoon extending past the homes planned to be built. The resort community near St. George is scheduled for completion in mid-2027. (Image courtesy Zion Shores)
With apologies to ’60s recording artists Jan and Dean, Utah will soon have its own “Surf City.”
Desert Lakes LLC, a developer based in Washington County, has announced plans to build a luxury housing project in the city of Washington that it hopes will become a surfer’s paradise, bringing the amenities of beach life to the desert — with everything but the ’60s dream of “two girls for every boy.”
The new high-end community, named Zion Shores because of its proximity to the national park on the other side of the county, will come with artificial waves, a boardwalk and waterfront homes. The 30-acre development, on property formerly known as Stucki Farms just southeast of the new Red Cliffs Utah LDS temple, is scheduled to open in mid-2027.
The major drawing card of the planned community will be a man-made nine-acre lagoon — tabbed “PerfectSwell Zion” — lined with concrete and chlorinated like a swimming pool. Two wavemakers will pump out surfable swells that will travel through lagoon fingers that pass between the project’s home sites. A third wave pool at the edge of the development will offer resort-style lounging, complete with cabanas, umbrellas and a beachside boardwalk.
Developers are calling it Utah’s most luxurious “surf community” — and with homes starting at $1.5 million, it’s aimed squarely at deep-pocketed buyers and short-term rental investors.
“This will be a truly unique experience in the region,” said Cody Larkin, CEO of Desert Lakes, the company behind the project. “We’re not just building homes. We’re building a lifestyle.”
Desert Lakes LLC formed in 2019 as a partnership between Salt Lake Excavating and Immaculate Homes. The group previously built Southern Shores, a lake-based residential project in Hurricane.
Ember, a Lehi-based builder and developer that specializes in vacation home co-ownership, was recently announced as housing manager for Zion Shores. In partnership with Desert Lakes, the company will bring both co-ownership and whole-home options to the development. Whole-home ownership will be offered exclusively through Ember Real Estate Group, a licensed brokerage, while co-ownership will be provided through Ember’s co-ownership platform, Ember Stays, which will be the on-site property management company at Zion Shores, covering bookings and guest services, as well as cleaning and maintenance. Fully owned homes and select co-owned homes designated as “Ember Flex” will also be made available to rent when not in use.
“At Ember, our mission is to make luxury vacation homeownership smarter, easier and more attainable,” said Kurt Avarell, CEO of Ember. “Zion Shores is a groundbreaking resort community. From its PerfectSwell surf lagoon to its one-of-a-kind desert setting, it’s unlike anywhere else in the world. We’re thrilled to give our owners the chance to be part of it, whether through co-ownership or whole-home ownership.”
“We are excited to partner with Ember,” said Larkin. “Their proven track record in high-end co-ownership and property operations aligns perfectly with our vision for Zion Shores: maximizing value for homeowners while delivering extraordinary experiences for guests.”
American Wave Machines (AWM) of Solana Beach, California, will build the surfing venues at Zion Shores. The park will feature the latest version of AWM’s wave-making system. According to the company, Generation 6 PerfectSwell technology creates more consistent waves while using less energy. It also includes automated diagnostics and systems that control air and water temperatures. The company added that upgrades to the pneumatic system have increased the efficiency of wave generation.
Unlike most surf parks, PerfectSwell Zion will rely on brackish water — unsuitable for farming or drinking. That approach, the developers say, helps preserve fresh water and reduces overall waste.
Water use is an issue in Washington County, and some residents have voiced concerns with the planned usage. AWM also said the wave pool will also use natural materials to manage water flow, limiting the need for artificial structures.
“Water is a precious resource, especially in Southern Utah, and Zion Shores was conceived and designed with the vision of protecting that resource,” said a developer’s press release. “Our surf lagoons will be filled with non-potable brackish water not suitable for drinking or irrigation from privately owned on-site wells. Brackish water is much too costly to convert into culinary or irrigation quality, but with a little chemistry added, it is entirely safe for recreation.”
Bruce McFarland, president of American Wave Machines, said the location offers an ideal debut for the company’s latest technology.
“Gen 6 PerfectSwell is next level, and I can’t think of a better location for the debut or a better partner in the U.S. Desert Lakes brings a wealth of expertise in civil construction and community infrastructure building, essential for a successful project,” said McFarland.
“We have just about every outdoor activity you can think of in this high-desert playground except surfing. We’re stoked to partner with AWM to change that. The team behind PerfectSwell is the real deal,” Larkin said.
Construction on Zion Shores is expected to begin later this year.
A surfer rides a wave generated by the same equipment that will be installed at Zion Shores, manufactured by American Wave Machines of Solana Beach, California. (Photo courtesy American Wave Machines)