DISCOVER PUERTO RICO’S MOST EXCLUSIVE SUSTAINABLE RESORT
[dropcap size=small]T[/dropcap]here aren’t too many places where you can fly under the radar and be over the moon all together. A visit to the Royal Isabela Golf Resort in Puerto Rico will take you there. Having beautiful coastal bluffs and the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop should be enough, but this luxurious resort delivers that and a special brand of world-class warmth. It is the perfect combination of quaint and captivating yielding the kind of excellence even the most distinguished traveler can appreciate. Preservation was the forethought as this pristine layout gave way to a private golf and leisure community.
Founded by brothers, Charles and Stanley Pasarell they poured plenty of zeal and experience into this 426-acre development. Former pro tennis players and business executives they had traveled the world but knew the wanted to create a dream property at home. They had a commitment to protect their homeland and meticulously put in the necessary elements for conservation. The Puerto Rican natives and developers are often on hand to insure that it is translated daily and in every detail of their passion project.
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Devoted golfers will find themselves captivated by the amazing scenery alone. A 250-yard fairway shot with a slice can put your ball in the ocean, but at the same time somehow leave you breathless at the spectacle. Then again, the challenge of this kind of golf is what makes it awe inspiring and one that keeps you longing for more. Navigating the impressive terrain on this course is just part of the pleasure. Unlike most modern day golf links …The Royal Isabela was not digitally mastered on a graphic design table. The brothers, along with famed golf course designer, David Plaff repeatedly walked the land. Preservation was essential, and they worked diligently to find the natural ebbs and flows to generate veritable options for the fairways and greens. A staunch conservationist, Charlie Pasarell’s design intentions were clear. “We wanted to construct a course without deconstructing it spirituality.” The perfect sampling of what nature and God had intended it is an ecological oasis and one phenomenal golf getaway. The Royal Isabela conservation team worked tirelessly to replant trees and preserve the natural state of the land. Each hole played with luscious green space and coastal views will have you pinching yourself to see if someone transported you to golf heaven. Number 17 seems to be a favorite for most. A picturesque par 3 that looks like it’s a scene out of a Bond movie. Rustic, green, challenging yet breathtaking the combined elements on this course have had many chasing little white balls well past sundown.
Even if golf isn’t your thing the Royal Isabela has been deemed Puerto Rico’s most exclusive resort with something for everyone. Its focus on being eco-friendly provides many comforts in this Tuscan styled boutique resort. La Casa serves as home base for many of the activities from morning yoga, to tennis, relaxing at the library lounge or making friends at the bar overlooking the ocean…each moment is picture perfect. The day might get away, but you can easily retire to one of just 20 freestanding casitas that are beautifully furnished with customized furniture, wide screen televisions along with oversized, lavish bathrooms. Each casita has a spacious patio setting and an outdoor spa that overlooks the Caribbean Sea.
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If it all makes you get lost in the night…the mornings are even better. The location of each private bungalow is strategically placed so that the sun is there to greet you. A leisurely stroll up the hill will take you to more goodness where the restaurant serves up the most amazing food choices. An authentic organic experience their daily menu is courtesy of the Royal Isabela farm located on the property as well. Cultivated by a small team of employees who hand plant and pick every piece of produce, the offerings are both appetizing and out of this world delicious. It is a true farm to table experience brought to life by Executive Chef, Jose Carles. The food’s natural flavors are complemented by his culinary creativity making every meal a spectacular event. Homemade sorbet from fresh picked berries, a savory sweet potato soup or seafood eggs benedict are just a few of the mouthwatering options. A foodie’s dream and any traveler’s new best friend the dining experience at Royal Isabela is not to be missed.
The best amenity at the Royal Isabela is no doubt the hospitality. It is plentiful and ushered in with style beginning with the owners themselves. The Pasarell brothers work hard to provide more than a resort destination, but eloquently make you feel at home. They understood just what to do with this precious plot of land and transformed it into one of the most unique properties in the world. Charles says, “We wanted to provide our own special brand of hospitality at Royal Isabela.” The charming resort is unquestionably a tribute to their efforts.
Ease of entry makes the checklist complete for this lovely terminus. A well-appointed upscale property, The Royal Isabela is located in the town of Isabela. Just 90 minutes outside of San Juan, Puerto Rico most people forget it is part of the United States so there is no passport required for U.S. travelers. They offer special packages throughout the year just in case you want to work on your tan in the winter or get tickled by tropical breezes in the spring. No matter what part of the world you’re coming from and what time of year you arrive, the Royal Isabela operates in the tranquility you need and delivers magnificent memories.
PHOTOS © JOANN DOST | FIND OUT MORE AT ROYALISABELA.COM
BY NICOLE WATSON | https://19thholemag.com
