Exploring the vision, ownership, and development of one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular golf resorts
Perched atop dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Royal Isabela represents one of Puerto Rico’s most luxurious and environmentally conscious golf developments. The question of who owns Royal Isabela leads to a fascinating story of family vision, environmental stewardship, and world-class golf course design. This comprehensive guide reveals the ownership structure, development history, and unique characteristics that set this property apart from other Caribbean golf destinations. Whether you’re considering a visit, interested in Puerto Rico’s tourism industry, or simply curious about luxury resort ownership, you’ll discover the complete story behind this remarkable property.
The Pasarell Family: Visionary Owners Behind Royal Isabela
The ownership of Royal Isabela centers around the Pasarell family, particularly brothers Stanley and Charlie Pasarell, who conceived and developed this luxury resort property. Their answer to who owns Royal Isabela begins with a deep family connection to Puerto Rico and a passion for world-class golf.
Stanley Pasarell, a Harvard Business School graduate and successful businessman, partnered with his brother Charlie, a former professional tennis player who achieved a world #1 ranking in doubles and reached #18 in singles. Their vision combined business acumen with sports excellence, creating a resort that reflects both professional standards and personal passion.
The Pasarell family’s relationship with Puerto Rico spans generations. Their grandfather immigrated to the island from Spain, and their father became a prominent businessman in the pharmaceutical industry. This multi-generational connection informed their approach to developing Royal Isabela with respect for Puerto Rican culture and environment.
According to Golf Digest, the Pasarell brothers spent nearly a decade planning and developing the property before opening in 2012. Their commitment extended beyond typical resort development, focusing on environmental preservation and sustainable luxury.
Development History: From Vision to Reality
The story of who owns Royal Isabela is incomplete without understanding the property’s development journey. The Pasarell brothers acquired the land in the early 2000s, recognizing the potential of Isabela’s dramatic coastline for a world-class golf destination.
Land Acquisition and Planning Phase
The brothers purchased approximately 426 acres of coastal property in northwest Puerto Rico, featuring nearly two miles of oceanfront cliffs. The acquisition represented a strategic choice for several reasons:
- Proximity to existing tourism infrastructure while maintaining seclusion
- Unique microclimate ideal for year-round golf
- Dramatic topography offering spectacular ocean views
- Existing natural features requiring minimal alteration for golf course routing
Environmental Considerations
From the beginning, the development prioritized environmental protection. The owners implemented several conservation measures:
- Preserved 70% of the property as natural habitat
- Designed the golf course to follow natural contours, minimizing earth movement
- Used native vegetation for landscaping and erosion control
- Implemented advanced water management and conservation systems
- Created wildlife corridors to maintain ecosystem connectivity
The development team worked with environmental consultants to ensure compliance with Puerto Rico’s stringent coastal development regulations while exceeding minimum requirements for habitat protection.
Key Takeaways:
- ✓
Royal Isabela is owned by the Pasarell family, particularly brothers Stanley and Charlie Pasarell - ✓
The development represents a $100+ million private investment in Puerto Rico’s northwest coast - ✓
Environmental preservation guided the development process from inception - ✓
The property features a world-class golf course, luxury accommodations, and conservation areas - ✓
Ownership maintains active involvement in resort operations and future development plans
Property Features and Amenities
Understanding who owns Royal Isabela involves appreciating what they created. The property showcases luxury amenities while maintaining environmental sensitivity.
The Golf Course
The centerpiece of Royal Isabela is its 18-hole championship golf course, designed by the Pasarell brothers in collaboration with David Pfaff, former design associate of Tom Fazio. The course features:
- 7,700 yards from championship tees
- Multiple oceanfront holes along dramatic cliffs
- Naturalistic design following existing topography
- Wide playing corridors that maintain challenge while accommodating various skill levels
- Sustainable maintenance practices minimizing water and chemical use
Accommodations and Facilities
Beyond golf, Royal Isabela offers luxury accommodations and amenities:
- 20 casitas featuring private pools and ocean views
- La Casa restaurant serving Puerto Rican and international cuisine
- Practice facilities including driving range and short game area
- Hiking trails through preserved natural areas
- Event spaces for weddings and corporate gatherings
The design philosophy emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with structures positioned to maximize ocean breezes and minimize energy consumption.
Business Model and Ownership Structure
The question of who owns Royal Isabela involves examining the business structure behind the property. The resort operates under a unique model that balances luxury hospitality with environmental mission.
Ownership Entity
Royal Isabela operates under Isabela Development Group, LLC, with the Pasarell brothers as principal owners. The structure maintains family control while allowing for professional management. Key aspects include:
- Private ownership without external equity partners
- Family involvement in strategic decisions and daily operations
- Reinvestment of profits into property improvements and conservation
- Long-term vision prioritizing sustainability over rapid expansion
Financial Investment
The development represents a substantial private investment in Puerto Rico’s tourism infrastructure. Sources indicate total investment exceeding $100 million, including:
- Land acquisition costs
- Golf course construction and landscaping
- Infrastructure development including roads, utilities, and water management
- Construction of accommodations and facilities
- Environmental mitigation and conservation measures
According to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Royal Isabela represents one of the largest privately-funded tourism developments in northwest Puerto Rico, creating significant employment and economic benefits for the region.
Environmental Stewardship and Community Engagement
The ownership of Royal Isabela extends beyond business to encompass environmental and community responsibility. The Pasarell brothers implemented numerous initiatives that benefit both ecology and local communities.
Conservation Programs
Royal Isabela’s environmental programs include:
- Native plant restoration projects
- Wildlife monitoring and habitat enhancement
- Coastal erosion control using natural methods
- Water conservation through advanced irrigation technology
- Organic maintenance practices reducing chemical usage
Community Involvement
The ownership maintains active community engagement through:
- Employment priority for local residents
- Partnerships with local suppliers and businesses
- Educational programs for local schools and universities
- Support for cultural events and preservation initiatives
- Emergency response cooperation during natural disasters
These efforts reflect the owners’ commitment to being responsible corporate citizens while developing a world-class tourism destination.
Challenges and Future Development Plans
Like any major development, Royal Isabela faced challenges that tested the ownership’s commitment and vision. Understanding these challenges provides complete context for who owns Royal Isabela and how they operate the property.
Development Challenges
The ownership navigated several significant challenges:
- 2008 financial crisis during initial development phase
- Hurricane Maria in 2017 causing substantial property damage
- COVID-19 pandemic affecting tourism from 2020-2022
- Regulatory complexities of coastal development in Puerto Rico
- Balancing luxury development with environmental protection goals
Future Expansion Plans
Despite challenges, ownership maintains long-term development vision including:
- Additional luxury accommodations while maintaining low density
- Enhanced golf practice and learning facilities
- Expansion of conservation and research programs
- Development of additional recreational amenities
- Strategic partnerships with luxury brands and hospitality groups
All future development continues the original philosophy of environmental sensitivity and quality over quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Royal Isabela part of a hotel chain or resort group?
No, Royal Isabela remains independently owned and operated by the Pasarell family. The property maintains autonomy in decision-making and operations, allowing it to preserve its unique character and commitment to environmental standards without corporate constraints.
Can visitors meet the owners at Royal Isabela?
The Pasarell brothers maintain active involvement in the property and occasionally visit. However, they respect guests’ privacy and typically don’t conduct meet-and-greet sessions. Their presence most often focuses on operational oversight and strategic planning rather than guest interaction.
Has ownership considered selling Royal Isabela to a larger resort company?
While larger hotel groups have expressed interest, the owners remain committed to maintaining family ownership. Their vision centers on long-term stewardship rather than short-term financial gain. The emotional and family connections to both Puerto Rico and the property itself make a sale unlikely in the foreseeable future.
How does Royal Isabela’s ownership compare to other Puerto Rico golf resorts?
Unlike many Puerto Rico golf resorts owned by international corporations or investment groups, Royal Isabela maintains local family ownership. This allows for more personalized attention to detail, greater flexibility in decision-making, and stronger commitment to environmental and community values rather than purely profit-driven objectives.
Are there any public ownership or investment opportunities in Royal Isabela?
The property remains privately held with no public investment opportunities. The ownership structure focuses on maintaining control within the Pasarell family and their trusted partners. This approach ensures consistency in vision and operation without pressure from external investors.
Final Thoughts
The question of who owns Royal Isabela reveals more than just names on a deed—it uncovers a story of vision, commitment, and responsible development. The Pasarell brothers created not just a golf course, but a sustainable luxury destination that respects its natural setting and benefits local communities. Their hands-on approach to ownership ensures consistent quality and adherence to environmental principles that might be compromised under corporate ownership. As Puerto Rico’s tourism industry continues evolving, Royal Isabela stands as a model for how luxury development can coexist with environmental stewardship. The ownership’s long-term perspective suggests this remarkable property will maintain its unique character and quality for generations to come, remaining a jewel in Puerto Rico’s tourism crown.
