Royal Isabela

The 20 Best Hotels in Puerto Rico

"With a stone tower rising from a cliff, Royal Isabela resembles a fortress, especially from a distance. But La Casa, the property's main building, was actually patterned after an antique sugar mill: a tribute to the island’s agricultural history. The hotel painstakingly maintains its 426 oceanfront acres as part nature preserve, part golf course, with an ethic dedicated to conservation. Rainwater is recycled, an on-site organic farm supplies the restaurant, and even the golf course is sustainably maintained. The wildlife is one of the highlights—it’s as if Animal Planet is shooting a series on the front lawn. Take advantage of humpback whale sightings (from January to April), sea turtle sightings, and a natural aviary filled with birds and butterflies." - Kathleen Squires

"Rum Punch with a View Need a break from the hot weather at the beach? Want to unwind and relax in the lap of luxury? Look no further than the beautiful cliff-side Royal Isabela resort. The fresh rum punch is delightful here. It's one of my favorites on the island (each place has a distinct version). I didn't ask for the recipe but I'd rather keep it a secret—to keep me coming back to this beautiful place. The resort has a breathtaking view, with private villas and a golf course. I come here to take in the beauty of the Caribbean away from all the crowds and parties. It's serene and lush."

Royal Isabela – Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What stands out as you first arrive? It has to be the stone tower rising from a cliff. Royal Isabela resembles a fortress, especially from a distance. But La Casa, the property's main building, was actually patterned after an antique sugar mill: a tribute to the island’s agricultural history. The hotel painstakingly maintains its 426 oceanfront acres as part nature preserve, part golf course, with an ethic dedicated to conservation. Rainwater is recycled, an on-site organic farm supplies the restaurant, and even the golf course is sustainably maintained. What's the backstory? Founded by brothers Stanley and Charlie Pasarell, tennis pros turned golf enthusiasts, the Royal Isabela opened in 2012, pioneering luxury tourism in the island's northwest. The rooms themselves: What are they like? Twenty casitas, each with 1500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, are clustered in the cliffs and surrounded by greenery. Features include tall, wood-beamed ceilings, cocoa-colored wood floors and furniture, large living rooms, private plunge pools, terraces, expansive bathrooms, and vast views. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is part of the daily resort fee (20% of the daily rate). How are the on-site dining options? The best seats at Jota restaurant are on the outdoor terrace, which overlooks the ocean and the golf course. The restaurant sources fruits and vegetables grown on the property, and secures its fish from local waters. The Croquet Bar serves cocktails and small bites. What type of traveler will you find here? Nature lovers in golf clothing. Where on the island is it located? What is there to do nearby? The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the charming, sleepy beach town of Isabela, 30 minutes from Rafael Hernandez International airport in Aguadilla, and an hour and 45 minutes from San Juan. What should we be sure to do while staying here? The wildlife is one of the highlights—it’s as if Animal Planet is shooting a series on the front lawn. Take advantage of humpback whale sightings (from January to April), sea turtle sightings, and a natural aviary filled with birds and butterflies. La Casa has a large, centralized pool; the beach is a good climb down a pathway carved into the cliff; and the grounds have a grass tennis court and croquet lawn, too. Non-golfers have other options: fishing, kite surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, and biking. Cooking classes, massages, and yoga are also available. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? Come when privacy, luxury, nature, and golf are all priorities." - Kathleen Squires

7 Eco-luxury Hotels in Puerto Rico - AFAR

"Perched on cliffs about 200 feet above the ocean and backing a 426-acre nature preserve, this cliffside property blends golf and gourmet food with sustainability. An onsite organic farm supplies the acclaimed Jota Restaurant, while local fishermen, cheesemakers, and family farms provide additional ingredients for dishes such as burrata with compressed starfruit and brioche crouton. Outdoor offerings include paddleboarding on the Guajataca River, two miles of private sandy beach, and standalone villas with private plunge pools and terraces. Health measures include contactless check-in, hand sanitizer throughout common areas, physical distancing in dining spaces, and an option to cancel in-stay housekeeping." - AFAR

Royal Isabela, a Design Boutique Hotel Isabela, Puerto Rico

"Located along Puerto Rico’s beautiful Caribbean Coast in Isabella, this hotel offers spacious cottages with excellent sea views and free Wi-Fi. Royal Isabela has an on-site golf course. Each modern suite at this property comes with gorgeous wooden décor, a flat-screen TV with premium cable channels and a comfortable seating area. Guests also enjoy air conditioning and a desk. The property’s on-site restaurant features room service and serves national and international food all day. There are other bars and restaurants within 10 km of Royal Isabela. Activities like hiking and water sports can be arranged by the hotel, and guests also enjoy an on-site fitness centre, concierge services, laundry facilities and around-the-clock security. Bosque Estatal De Guajataca park is 15 km from the property, while Rafael Hernandez Airport can be reached within a 25-minute drive." - My Boutique Hotel (en)