El Nido is a private gated residential development between Manantiales and José Ignacio, near Punta del Este in Maldonado, Uruguay, led by Maximiliano Schabsis, chairman of the Donato Group. Its centrepiece is a Wavegarden surf pool, and in September 2026 its commercial manager, Mery Dotti, told DUKE that about 75 percent of roughly 430 lots had been sold and that prices had doubled since launch. The plan has about 400 to 430 lots of 1,000 to 1,500 square metres; iProfesional reported in August 2025 that lots were averaging about USD 280,000, up from about USD 180,000 at the December 2024 launch, with a 25 percent deposit and up to 48 monthly payments.
Planned amenities include a gym, a spa, a skate park, tennis, padel and football courts, elevated walkways through the tree canopy, organic gardens, and a beach club with sea views. The development is under construction: in July 2026 partner Federico Fischer told DUKE that after two years of work about 10 percent remained, with the first houses being built and waves expected in late October or early November 2026.
The community is anchored by a Wavegarden wave lagoon. It shares its surf with El Nido.
Read our El Nido review →Home Types
El Nido is located in Punta del Este, Uruguay.
View on map →Developed by Donato Group.
Status
Under Construction
Estimated Completion
Wavegarden ready, per El Nido's 21 October 2026 post; opening date not yet announced; first houses under construction
