Royal Isabela on Postcard

"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."

The Best Bars in Puerto Rico

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"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." - Kathleen Squires

The Best Puerto Rico Hotels, From Beachfront Resorts to Jungle Villas | Condé Nast Traveler

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"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

Royal Isabela – Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler

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CARLOS N

Google

We stayed in Royal Isabela for a short Family vacation and the highlight of our stay was their Signature Complete Experience, E-Bike Trek plus Kayak / Stand Up Paddleboard through the Guajataca River including lunch & beverages. This was my second stay at Royal and I absolutely love this place, the rooms, the peacefulness, views, food, everything is amazing. But now combining the relaxing nature of this place with the outdoor experiences just makes it perfect. |The experience began with the Santa Cruz e-bikes expedition where we met our guide Jorge who makes this experience super fun and unforgettable. He's the ultimate outdoor adventure specialist and explains everything from the organic farms in the property, to different plants and birds we came across, little bit of local history, surrounding beaches and even some tips on handling this amazing e-bikes. |We rode the bikes through the property where we passed through an old railroad passage and trails that lead us straight to an amazing beach. From there we kept surrounding the Isabela coast, went through the Guajataca Tunnel and ended up by the river where the second part of the adventure began. We went paddleboarding down the river with amazing views of the mountains and surrounded by nature and ended up at the river mouth where we took a swim. Then, we paddled our way back to find out that lunch and beverages were waiting for us on a really nice picknick Jorge setups under a tree by the river. After lunch, we rode our e-bikes back to the Hotel. We really had a special day and Jorge even took some pictures and videos so it's well documented. I highly recommend this experience or any other that Royal has to offer as it kind of complements the relaxing nature of this Hotel. Take advantage of this amazing property and all that Royal has to offer. Next time I'm going out surfing with Jorge!!

Lucy Riccio

Google

I “do not” recommend the Royal Isabela. Upon our late evening check-in and long hour of air travel. We were not even offered water, which was obviously behind the Business Manager desk. Upon request, he apologized. He asked us what our plan was in visiting. We told him that we were interested in hosting my daughter wedding venue with approximately 200+ guest. The grounds look large enough and the scenic view looks beautiful. We requested a salad at the time, 9:07 pm. The salad arrived an hour late! Again, the apologize. We went to have breakfast and there were two other families already complaining about the food and service. No waiter! Finally after 45 minutes, someone came out with an attitude and said, the waiter called out! We waited over an hour for our eggs! The coffee was cold! The milk was ice cold! The service was so sloppy and slow! No coffee refills, absolutely no attention! When we returned back to our room the dirt dishes were sitting outside with bugs all over. They never pick up the dishes and left all the dirty glasses in the room! . They even left their cleaning supplies in the room! We called. Again, they were sorry. The blinds were broken, no gym, no amenities available whatsoever so ever! The said renovation was taking place! And, they’re were sorry! We gave them the benefit of the doubt, so we went back the next day for breakfast because their absolutely nothing in the room to snack on and their no shop available on the premises! You must leave the premises. We again waited an hour and 48 minutes for eggs!! Coffee cold, no bread, absolutely nothing. We asked why such a long wait because, we were the only guest at breakfast. We were told they had many deliveries!! So unacceptable! And in addition, he said that the chef was in a better mood, that’s why the presentation on the place was different! (They put the home fries in a side bowl). It was so bad, we were afraid to continue complain! It didn’t get better! We were supposed to check out by 11:00 am , but we waited over two hour to get our breakfast, my dish came out first and half hour later my daughter eggs came out! Unbelievable! And, we were afraid to complain. (You know why) Upon check out, they charge me an additional $100.00 dollars, plus tax plus hotel resort fee, because they were late in serving us! I had to paid the penalty! We expressed our disappointment, the unprofessional of the staff, the attitude thats so prevalent. I remind him, that our mission was to seek the hotel to host my daughter’s wedding. Just like the rest of the staff, it did not faze him whatsoever! He did not care nor showed any interest in rectifying or reporting the situation at hand. Again, all you kept hearing is “I’m sorry” That not acceptable! That’s the easy way out for them and making excuses! We traveled from New Jersey to stay at your resort and paid top dollars, which was supposed to offer top quality services and amenities! It did not!! I say to you now, sorry! I’m taking my business somewhere else! And I’m letting my entire business associates, family and friends know about you about your unprofessionalism, your irresponsible and disgusting behavior you displayed! You don’t care about your guests nor the way you run your resort! I do not recommend Your Resort! One can get better service from a motel and than your misleading disgraceful Resort!!

Andres R. Rolon

Google

Unfortunately I cannot give my opinion of the hotel as my visit was to the golf course. A course with spectacular views and great variations in all the holes. If you know how to manage your game I predict an excellent game. First class service in all its services.

Guillermo

Google

Excellent! We stayed 3 nights for my birthday and it was truly a time to relax and have some privacy. Recommended for couples and families that want to have a weekend to keep your mind off things!

KERL L

Google

It’s hard not to appreciate being away from home in Chicago but a getaway to Puerto Rico was just what the doctor ordered. With my partner and newborn (6 months), relaxation and minimizing efforts was key. Royal Isabela is well perched on top of the terrain with breathtaking views of the ocean and a manicured gold course to experience. The heat is to be expected with minimal time spent in the sun, where fighting for shade or the pool is a must. ||Not being a golfer was a disadvantage as I would have liked the course but much less the blazing hot sun. Our on-site resort excursion, as a result, was only limited to the long 177-step trek down to the ocean beach. Quite exhilarating to experience along with the feel for lots of foliage surrounding your descent and an amazing feeling of seclusion, like being in the deep forest. However, reaching the beach was a very desolate and seemingly uncharted zone. No chairs, or amenities to support this arrival (No water, chairs or towels) so you’re on your own to just experience the view and waves and trek back up.||However, there are some things not to be desired at Royal Isabela. At this price point (+$500 paid), one of the most expensive around, housekeeping should happen more frequently, automatically and not after 12/1pm. We would wake up, have breakfast, head to the pool and then see housekeeping knocking on our door. Our response was always, come back, you had your chance all morning, it’s time for the baby’s afternoon nap. Similar resorts in Mexico have housekeeping multiple times a day voluntarily, and with staff that is overly friendly in greeting guests. Also, bringing the room towels, refreshments and water in a large plastic clear bag was also super low-class service that are found typically in a seedy cheap motels.||Food at the Resort restaurant was very, very, tasty. My favorite was the Brioche French Toast, prepared to perfection along with the toppings for a new flavor experienced. However, the WAITING & WAITING around for service was simply absurd. While having breakfast, a coffee refill takes 15-20 minutes, and we were the only guests eating. How is that possible anywhere for a resort restaurant, and this lasted for our entire four-day stay. Even the memory of the same server to constantly ask for the same repeat request for coffee at the start. Asking and requesting everything is how they operate, nothing is proactive done on your behalf as a guest. I was told that it’s the Puerto Rican way, which in that case, save lots of money and find a decent hotel elsewhere with better service.||The porters near registration were fantastic as they were alerted of your arrival at the parking lot, to provide pickup and drive you to the room in the cart. Quite helpful usually with a sleeping infant on the hilly terrain. ||Overall, An “A” Grade for the view, grounds, accommodations and experience of being away. An “F” Grade on the service, housekeeping, and interaction with the staff. Would have wanted a better experience as a family with a toddler.

Felicidad Aveleyra

Google

The location of Royal Isabella is privileged, with the proximity to the sea and the diversity of plants and trees the body sets the relax mode. Doing an e-bike tour with Jorge Perez was the most fun experience to meet the surroundings with their beauty and the excitement of being riding a very cool bike. Jorge is such an experienced and passionate biker that he gave us detailed tips on how to ride more safely . He is also very knowledgeable in Nature and even in healthy nutrition. We enjoyed every part of the biking and kayaking with him. We want to go back!

McKenzie H

Google

We stayed here for our honeymoon and I don’t recall a time we have ever been treated better. The level of service here is unbelievable. They meet you at the gate and then personally escort you to your room while listing all of the local recommendations. Manuel and Juan Francisco were kind and helpful, going above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable. We had a couple more unexpected benefits when we arrived at our casita, including a fridge stocked with drinks and access to a private beach. incredible experience and we can’t wait to bring our family here!

Molly Louison

Google

We absolutely loved our stay at Royal Isabela. Such an amazing part of our honeymoon! The staff was incredible and attentive and though the beach is not swimmable, it’s one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen and the walk there is lovely. Just a quick drive to downtown Isabela and some other great beaches. We can’t wait to come back!!

CARLOS N

Google

We stayed in Royal Isabela for a short Family vacation and the highlight of our stay was their Signature Complete Experience, E-Bike Trek plus Kayak / Stand Up Paddleboard through the Guajataca River including lunch & beverages. This was my second stay at Royal and I absolutely love this place, the rooms, the peacefulness, views, food, everything is amazing. But now combining the relaxing nature of this place with the outdoor experiences just makes it perfect. |The experience began with the Santa Cruz e-bikes expedition where we met our guide Jorge who makes this experience super fun and unforgettable. He's the ultimate outdoor adventure specialist and explains everything from the organic farms in the property, to different plants and birds we came across, little bit of local history, surrounding beaches and even some tips on handling this amazing e-bikes. |We rode the bikes through the property where we passed through an old railroad passage and trails that lead us straight to an amazing beach. From there we kept surrounding the Isabela coast, went through the Guajataca Tunnel and ended up by the river where the second part of the adventure began. We went paddleboarding down the river with amazing views of the mountains and surrounded by nature and ended up at the river mouth where we took a swim. Then, we paddled our way back to find out that lunch and beverages were waiting for us on a really nice picknick Jorge setups under a tree by the river. After lunch, we rode our e-bikes back to the Hotel. We really had a special day and Jorge even took some pictures and videos so it's well documented. I highly recommend this experience or any other that Royal has to offer as it kind of complements the relaxing nature of this Hotel. Take advantage of this amazing property and all that Royal has to offer. Next time I'm going out surfing with Jorge!!

Lucy Riccio

Google

I “do not” recommend the Royal Isabela. Upon our late evening check-in and long hour of air travel. We were not even offered water, which was obviously behind the Business Manager desk. Upon request, he apologized. He asked us what our plan was in visiting. We told him that we were interested in hosting my daughter wedding venue with approximately 200+ guest. The grounds look large enough and the scenic view looks beautiful. We requested a salad at the time, 9:07 pm. The salad arrived an hour late! Again, the apologize. We went to have breakfast and there were two other families already complaining about the food and service. No waiter! Finally after 45 minutes, someone came out with an attitude and said, the waiter called out! We waited over an hour for our eggs! The coffee was cold! The milk was ice cold! The service was so sloppy and slow! No coffee refills, absolutely no attention! When we returned back to our room the dirt dishes were sitting outside with bugs all over. They never pick up the dishes and left all the dirty glasses in the room! . They even left their cleaning supplies in the room! We called. Again, they were sorry. The blinds were broken, no gym, no amenities available whatsoever so ever! The said renovation was taking place! And, they’re were sorry! We gave them the benefit of the doubt, so we went back the next day for breakfast because their absolutely nothing in the room to snack on and their no shop available on the premises! You must leave the premises. We again waited an hour and 48 minutes for eggs!! Coffee cold, no bread, absolutely nothing. We asked why such a long wait because, we were the only guest at breakfast. We were told they had many deliveries!! So unacceptable! And in addition, he said that the chef was in a better mood, that’s why the presentation on the place was different! (They put the home fries in a side bowl). It was so bad, we were afraid to continue complain! It didn’t get better! We were supposed to check out by 11:00 am , but we waited over two hour to get our breakfast, my dish came out first and half hour later my daughter eggs came out! Unbelievable! And, we were afraid to complain. (You know why) Upon check out, they charge me an additional $100.00 dollars, plus tax plus hotel resort fee, because they were late in serving us! I had to paid the penalty! We expressed our disappointment, the unprofessional of the staff, the attitude thats so prevalent. I remind him, that our mission was to seek the hotel to host my daughter’s wedding. Just like the rest of the staff, it did not faze him whatsoever! He did not care nor showed any interest in rectifying or reporting the situation at hand. Again, all you kept hearing is “I’m sorry” That not acceptable! That’s the easy way out for them and making excuses! We traveled from New Jersey to stay at your resort and paid top dollars, which was supposed to offer top quality services and amenities! It did not!! I say to you now, sorry! I’m taking my business somewhere else! And I’m letting my entire business associates, family and friends know about you about your unprofessionalism, your irresponsible and disgusting behavior you displayed! You don’t care about your guests nor the way you run your resort! I do not recommend Your Resort! One can get better service from a motel and than your misleading disgraceful Resort!!

Andres R. Rolon

Google

Unfortunately I cannot give my opinion of the hotel as my visit was to the golf course. A course with spectacular views and great variations in all the holes. If you know how to manage your game I predict an excellent game. First class service in all its services.

Guillermo

Google

Excellent! We stayed 3 nights for my birthday and it was truly a time to relax and have some privacy. Recommended for couples and families that want to have a weekend to keep your mind off things!

KERL L

Google

It’s hard not to appreciate being away from home in Chicago but a getaway to Puerto Rico was just what the doctor ordered. With my partner and newborn (6 months), relaxation and minimizing efforts was key. Royal Isabela is well perched on top of the terrain with breathtaking views of the ocean and a manicured gold course to experience. The heat is to be expected with minimal time spent in the sun, where fighting for shade or the pool is a must. ||Not being a golfer was a disadvantage as I would have liked the course but much less the blazing hot sun. Our on-site resort excursion, as a result, was only limited to the long 177-step trek down to the ocean beach. Quite exhilarating to experience along with the feel for lots of foliage surrounding your descent and an amazing feeling of seclusion, like being in the deep forest. However, reaching the beach was a very desolate and seemingly uncharted zone. No chairs, or amenities to support this arrival (No water, chairs or towels) so you’re on your own to just experience the view and waves and trek back up.||However, there are some things not to be desired at Royal Isabela. At this price point (+$500 paid), one of the most expensive around, housekeeping should happen more frequently, automatically and not after 12/1pm. We would wake up, have breakfast, head to the pool and then see housekeeping knocking on our door. Our response was always, come back, you had your chance all morning, it’s time for the baby’s afternoon nap. Similar resorts in Mexico have housekeeping multiple times a day voluntarily, and with staff that is overly friendly in greeting guests. Also, bringing the room towels, refreshments and water in a large plastic clear bag was also super low-class service that are found typically in a seedy cheap motels.||Food at the Resort restaurant was very, very, tasty. My favorite was the Brioche French Toast, prepared to perfection along with the toppings for a new flavor experienced. However, the WAITING & WAITING around for service was simply absurd. While having breakfast, a coffee refill takes 15-20 minutes, and we were the only guests eating. How is that possible anywhere for a resort restaurant, and this lasted for our entire four-day stay. Even the memory of the same server to constantly ask for the same repeat request for coffee at the start. Asking and requesting everything is how they operate, nothing is proactive done on your behalf as a guest. I was told that it’s the Puerto Rican way, which in that case, save lots of money and find a decent hotel elsewhere with better service.||The porters near registration were fantastic as they were alerted of your arrival at the parking lot, to provide pickup and drive you to the room in the cart. Quite helpful usually with a sleeping infant on the hilly terrain. ||Overall, An “A” Grade for the view, grounds, accommodations and experience of being away. An “F” Grade on the service, housekeeping, and interaction with the staff. Would have wanted a better experience as a family with a toddler.

Felicidad Aveleyra

Google

The location of Royal Isabella is privileged, with the proximity to the sea and the diversity of plants and trees the body sets the relax mode. Doing an e-bike tour with Jorge Perez was the most fun experience to meet the surroundings with their beauty and the excitement of being riding a very cool bike. Jorge is such an experienced and passionate biker that he gave us detailed tips on how to ride more safely . He is also very knowledgeable in Nature and even in healthy nutrition. We enjoyed every part of the biking and kayaking with him. We want to go back!

McKenzie H

Google

We stayed here for our honeymoon and I don’t recall a time we have ever been treated better. The level of service here is unbelievable. They meet you at the gate and then personally escort you to your room while listing all of the local recommendations. Manuel and Juan Francisco were kind and helpful, going above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable. We had a couple more unexpected benefits when we arrived at our casita, including a fridge stocked with drinks and access to a private beach. incredible experience and we can’t wait to bring our family here!

Molly Louison

Google

We absolutely loved our stay at Royal Isabela. Such an amazing part of our honeymoon! The staff was incredible and attentive and though the beach is not swimmable, it’s one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen and the walk there is lovely. Just a quick drive to downtown Isabela and some other great beaches. We can’t wait to come back!!

Royal Isabela

Royal Isabela

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