US Airways - March 2013 - (Page 48)

Adventure as common as a unicorn, and such holes are usually do or die. This hole, which plays over a deep gorge, requires a new plan of attack each day, depending on wind and pin placement. Club selection is key, and it’s often prudent to lay up well right of the green, playing for bogey. Plenty of par 3s make the knees knock, but few require this level of intellectual involvement. It’s an instant classic, simply a phenomenal golf hole. There is nothing like Royal Isabela in other parts of Puerto Rico, and little like it anywhere else. The experience is enhanced by its physical exclusivity and by its relaxed, fun vibe. There are no homes and less than 50 members. Overnight lodging is limited to 20 freestanding luxury casitas, built around a gorgeous boulder-strewn central swimming pool and connected by bridges over tumbling cascades. Each casita is a self-contained paradise with a large deck and private plunge This course design was noT abouT moving earTh, buT how The earTh moved us To Tread genTly. —charlie Pasarell pool, floor-to-ceiling sliding windows that make each unit as breezy as you like, and large and lavish bathrooms. Besides the oversize tub, there’s a separate walk-in rain shower with two sets of controls, myriad nozzles, and enough space for a party of ten. And each casita is a short walk down a path to a private beach. In-room refrigerators are stocked with complimentary snacks, soft drinks, and local beer. Other amenities at the elegant resort include a pro shop, tennis court, beautiful circular outdoor bar, and main house, La Casa, with a charming restaurant serving upscale local cuisine. And while golf is the big draw, there are plenty of optional activities, such as jungle hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing lessons, and scuba diving. All this does not come cheap; a round here runs $250, while room rates can approach $1,000 in peak season. But package deals often include golf for two, and bargains can be had with shoulder-season discounts. Nearby Aguadilla is home to many colorful beachside restaurants and bars, but the attraction on this part of the island is the one-of-a-kind course. “The project is about golf, and we really want to attract golfers,” says Stanley Pasarell. With this level of quality, his dream is fast becoming a reality. Larry Olmsted is a contributing editor to this magazine. A prolific writer on golf, skiing, travel, and cuisine, he can be found at larryolmsted.com. http://www.larryolmsted.com http://www.bondurant.com http://www.bondurant.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