US Airways - March 2013 - (Page 46)

Adventure The first phase, opened last summer, is Royal Isabela. A boutique resort and membership club, Royal Isabela is unlike anything in golf-mad Puerto Rico, an island better known for its mega-resorts and global chains. An intentional throwback, Royal Isabela is part of the niche neoclassical golf trend, a soul sibling to Oregon’s Bandon Dunes, Nova Scotia’s Cabot Links, and Tasmania’s Barnbougle Dunes, where passionate golf-loving owners have built courses in the spirit of early Scottish and Irish links. As such, the Pasarells’ target market is like-minded golf lovers — with perhaps a taste for five-star luxury accommodations. “This course design was not about moving earth, but how the earth moved us to tread gently,” says Charlie. “We are not the creators of Royal Puerto Rico’s Golf Renaissance st. regis bahia beach resort 46 march 2013 usairwaysmag.com Isabella. We are its caretakers.” To this end — and to the chagrin of his maintenance staff — Stanley, who lives on-site, has taken stewardship to a personal level. No tree, plant, or shrub can be removed without his written permission. Part of the family farm is now a nursery, and the brothers are intent on restoring native species. More than 20,000 indigenous plants have been grown and nurtured, and every plant and blade of grass added to the golf course and surrounding landscape was grown on their farm. They created the El Pastillo Conservation Trust, which preserves the area’s uniquely rich ecosystem by protecting more than 100 acres of majestic coastal cliffs and beaches. With their farm an Eden of sorts, most of the produce served at the resort, from plantains to fruit juices, is grown on-site. Resort guests might not be aware of these extensive environmental efforts, but there’s no way for anyone not to notice — and love — the golf course. Occupying cliff-top highlands, the course is a visual wonder. While many such designs rest on the laurels of their dramatic scenery, Royal Isabela is also a delight to fans of golf architecture. The first six holes are sort of a “jungle links,” with the fast, firm fairways of the British Isles woven through lush tropical flora rather than dunes. The next three are more typical of the Caribbean, with water hazards and a well-executed par-3 island hole atop a gorgeous pedestal of stonework, like an ancient castle foundation. By the end of the front nine you could not be blamed for thinking Royal Isabela would be fantastic even without the stunning oceanfront terrain. But the best is yet to come. The tenth plays down to the edge of the terra firma, kicking off a stretch of oceanfront vistas. A cliff-side horseshoe green at the highest point of land affords panoramic views while putting. The eleventh is a very short, precise par 3 along the coast — Puerto Rico’s answer to the world-famous No. 7 at Pebble Beach. The next hole features an epic drive across a roiling ocean, evocative of Hawaii’s jagged Kona coast. This drama continues throughout the back nine, culminating with No. 17, simply one of the most strategic and memorable one-shotters anywhere. Truly strategic par 3s are about Inset photo couRtesy of st. RegIs bahIa beach Royal Isabela, 73 miles west of San Juan’s airport, is the best example of the island’s commitment to outstanding golf courses. But an island-wide golf renaissance is underway in Puerto Rico. Plans are in place for up to four additional courses at Costa Isabela. Other notable happenings include a renovation of the Tom Kite– designed Trump InTernaTIonal Golf club with two 18-hole courses, and the renovation of the classic Robert Trent Jones Sr.–designed DoraDo course for the newly opened Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel. An acclaimed new Robert Trent Jones Jr. course, one of the island’s best, is located at the sT. reGIs bahIa beach resorT. Royal Isabela Is paRt of the nIche neoclassIcal golf tRend, a soul sIblIng to oRegon’s bandon dunes and nova scotIa’s cabot lInks. http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - March 2013

US Airways - March 2013
Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots: Best Musical Pilgrimages
Hub Crawl: Denver Airport
Wine & Dine: Chef's Tables
Wine & Dine: Artisan Cheeses
Great Escapes: Cypress Inn
Adventure: Washington, DC by Bike
Great Escapes: The Gathering in Ireland
Adventure: Puerto Rico Golf
Charlotte EDC
Great Escapes: Barcelo Hotels and Resorts
Gear Up: The Smart Kitchen
Travel Feature: The Rome Less Traveled
US Airways Feature: Order Up!
Great Tastes: Phoenix Dining
From Philly, With Love
Route of Discovery: San Luis Obispo, California
Atlantic 10 Conference
Great Dates
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace®
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - March 2013