Whereas the Caribbean is not any stranger to stormy seas, 2017 was a very tough yr, bringing not one however two devastating Class 5 hurricanes to St. Thomas — and each storms did severe injury to the beloved cliffside resort space lengthy often known as Frenchman’s Reef.
After years of renovation, although, Marriott has lastly restored the resort to — and arguably far past — its former glory, debuting two sister properties: a Westin, which sits perched excessive up on the cliff overlooking St. Thomas Harbor to 1 aspect and the Caribbean Sea to the opposite; and Morningstar Buoy Haus, a part of Marriott’s Autograph Assortment, a smaller property consisting of ocean-facing villas nestled proper alongside the shoreline. The spectacular pair even made our annual listing of the perfect new resort openings of 2023.
Friends at each of those Marriott outposts can float between the properties as they please since they share most facilities, which actually makes it really feel like your {dollars} (or factors) are going a bit additional. With comfy, largely water-facing rooms and loads of each on- and off-site actions to select from, the Westin at Frenchman’s Reef seems like a paradise for households, {couples} and associates in search of a fun-filled, stress-free getaway on this picturesque nook of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Nevertheless, take into account that it is a bustling resort, particularly throughout the excessive season when weddings and occasions are in full swing throughout the property. Whereas it by no means felt crowded throughout my current winter keep — there may be loads of room to unfold out — the eating places and customary areas did really feel very busy at occasions
I checked into The Westin Seaside Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef for 4 days this winter to expertise this long-anticipated resort makeover. Learn on for particulars about what this Marriott property affords vacationers and Bonvoy loyalists trying to find an idyllic Caribbean getaway.
What’s The Westin Seaside Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef?
Previously the Frenchman’s Reef Marriott Resort, the property was initially inbuilt 1973 and has, for many years, remained a beloved U.S. Virgin Islands vacation spot, drawing new and veteran vacationers to its cliffside locale for many years. When hurricanes Irma and Maria hit St. Thomas in 2017, the property was pressured to shut its doorways because of the injury, as was the case at close by Morningstar Seaside Resort, now named Morningstar Buoy Haus Seaside Resort at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Assortment (additionally now owned by Marriott).
So started the sluggish means of a five-year, $425-million-dollar renovation, leading to these refurbished side-by-side accommodations on a few of St. Thomas’s most prime actual property. Each resorts supply an elevated hospitality expertise and fall below Marriott’s premium tier of accommodations, however the Westin has a selected concentrate on well-being, whereas Buoy Haus is a little bit quieter and focused extra towards adults and honeymooners.
Formally opened in September of 2023, the Westin Seaside Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef consists of 392 rooms unfold amongst a multibuilding resort. With 5 eating places, a spa, three swimming pools and lots of widespread areas, there may be loads of room to unfold out throughout the property — made even sweeter by the truth that visitors can wander all the way down to Morningstar Buoy Haus at their leisure to get pleasure from many of the facilities (besides the infinity pool) there, too.
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How you can guide The Westin Seaside Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef
As Frenchman’s Reef is positioned inside the U.S. Virgin Islands, drawing crowds of American vacationers, peak dates will refill rapidly, and the costs will mirror the vacation spot’s reputation. Relying on the date, you’ll be able to guide a backyard view king visitor room at this Westin for as few as 62,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors (price round $521 based mostly on TPG valuations). The each day necessary vacation spot cost of $75 contains Wi-Fi, two welcome drinks per room (although I by no means obtained mine), dawn seashore yoga classes, limitless use of snorkel tools and nonmotorized sports activities leases. Sadly, Marriott doesn’t waive resort charges on award stays.
Money charges will fluctuate based mostly on the season, too. In September 2024, thought of the offseason within the Caribbean, you’ll be able to guide a garden-view king visitor room for as little as $493 an evening. Nevertheless, throughout the in style winter months, room charges usually begin across the $700 mark.
Since this property is a part of Marriott Bonvoy, one of the best ways to guide at Frenchman’s Reef is to make use of one of many bank cards that earn probably the most factors for Marriott stays, in addition to one that gives computerized Marriott Bonvoy elite standing that may yield invaluable perks throughout your keep. Take into account certainly one of these:
- Marriott Bonvoy Good® American Categorical® Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at accommodations collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Platinum Elite standing and 25 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Categorical® Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at accommodations collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Gold Elite standing and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at accommodations collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Gold Elite standing and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Enterprise® American Categorical® Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at accommodations collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Gold Elite standing and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit score Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at accommodations collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Silver Elite standing and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Daring Credit score Card: Earn 3 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at accommodations collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Silver Elite standing and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.
The data for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful and the Marriott Bonvoy Daring playing cards has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or offered by the cardboard issuer.
An unbeatable location not too removed from city
It’s possible you’ll be hard-pressed to discover a view higher than the one from the Westin’s infinity pool. Nicely, the view from the seashore at Morningstar Buoy Haus is fairly good, too — however contemplating visitors have entry to each accommodations in the course of their keep, you will not really feel such as you wish to depart the twin property (until it is to enterprise into the ocean through boat, which might be organized by the resort’s exercise companions, Purple Hospitality and Leisure, positioned at a desk in the principle foyer).
The resort is a fast 20-minute drive (simply 5 miles) from St. Thomas’s principal airport, Cyril E. King Worldwide Airport (STT). Friends can seize a cab (round $40) or prepare pickup from the resort’s airport shuttle ($42 per individual).
Whereas there may be a lot to do between the 2 Marriott properties, from taking out Hobie cats and snorkeling proper off the seashore to indulging in spa therapies and splashing in one of many many swimming pools, those that wish to go into city might wish to think about renting a automotive (be aware that each day valet parking is $35 per day on the Westin). In any other case, one of the best ways to get to different elements of the island can be through taxi (because of the winding roads right here and the numerous steep inclines, biking is just not widespread or really useful).
Friends have direct entry to each the seashore and the dock
If you drive up the winding street to the Frenchman’s Reef compound, which totals 20 acres, you will see the Westin to the fitting, which is made up of three buildings (together with an ocean-facing tower), after which you’ll be able to drive down the opposite aspect of the cliff to the gathering of beachfront villas that make up Morningstar Buoy Haus. Just a little shuttle operates each 10-Quarter-hour, taking visitors between the 2 accommodations, however those that wish to stroll can simply achieve this as the whole lot is related by ocean-facing staircases. You can too attain the seashore by strolling and utilizing an elevator — although I did not see an elevator resulting in the dock (simply the seashore).
From the Westin foyer, visitors can stroll down a set of stairs that lead on to a dock, the place a number of boats operated by the resort are moored. Excursions on these boats, like sundown catamaran sails and personal snorkel journey charters, might be booked on the Purple Hospitality desk.
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To achieve the seashore, Westin visitors can both take the free shuttle or take the aforementioned stairs — what I might name the scenic route — that descend the cliff to the Morningstar Buoy Haus seashore. (Professional tip: Take the steps on the way in which down and the shuttle on the way in which up until you need a good uphill exercise after some seashore time!) As soon as on the shore, you will discover two areas with cabanas, umbrellas, chaise lounges and exercise huts the place towels, snorkel gear, kayaks and Hobie cats might be checked out.
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Regardless of one of many resort’s greatest attracts being its proximity to the ocean, the seashore was comparatively uncrowded in contrast with the property’s swimming pools, particularly within the late morning and late afternoon. On my first day, I bee-lined it to the seashore round 4 p.m. and there have been solely three or 4 different folks there.
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Swim in not 1, not 2, however 3 ocean-facing swimming pools
That is proper — glimmering swimming pools abound at this sprawling seaside resort. Westin visitors may have entry to the three Westin swimming pools, and there actually is an possibility for everybody. The adults-only infinity pool, which is the smallest of the three, overlooks the ocean and includes a full-service swim-up bar.
The primary pool is the most important one, and is surrounded by the resort’s signature white-and-orange umbrellas and reservable cabanas — and there are even non-public, air-conditioned indoor rooms you’ll be able to lease just some steps from the pool deck for an escape from the solar when you do not wish to go all the way in which again to your visitor room. This pool is the only option for households, because it includes a splash zone for the kiddos.
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The third pool is the adults-only Serenity Pool, positioned outdoors the spa and overlooking the harbor. That is the quietest pool (I hardly noticed anybody utilizing it throughout my keep) and includes a chilly plunge, a scorching tub, umbrella-covered chaise lounges and a smaller cabana space.
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Word that there’s an infinity pool proper on the seashore at Morningstar Buoy Haus, however this pool is reserved just for Morningstar visitors.
Spa-seekers can be in good arms (actually)
The Westin model is thought for its signature Heavenly Spas, and my time on the one at Frenchman’s Reef was far and away probably the greatest elements of my keep. I appreciated that the spa makes use of merchandise from a neighborhood, woman-owned model, Good T’ings.
The roughly 10,000-square-foot area, tucked right into a ground-level nook of the harbor-facing aspect of the property, has a light-weight and ethereal rest room overlooking the Serenity Pool.
Friends can unwind in a floating chair or stretch out on a luxurious chaise lounge whereas having fun with a collection of natural teas or infused waters earlier than heading into one of many 14 soothing therapy rooms (certainly one of which is a {couples} therapy room).
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Therapies embody basic rest massages and facials, in addition to extra cutting-edge and regionally impressed therapies like an natural enzyme peel facial or a seaweed physique therapy. Salon providers like haircuts, make-up and waxing will quickly be out there, however the property’s salon remains to be below building.
After a morning spent bobbing within the Caribbean Sea, I opted for the hourlong scorching stone therapeutic massage, which put me right into a euphoric post-swim state of rest due to the nice and cozy basalt stones, skilled stress and soothing important oils.
Following my therapy, I wasted no time slipping into the side-by-side sauna and steam room (each the boys’s and ladies’s locker rooms have a set).
There’s loads of area to roam
Frequent areas proliferate on the Westin Seaside Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef. The expansive foyer, which options undulating couches, distinctive hanging lighting fixtures, textured partitions and plenty of greenery (together with a residing plant wall), is a well-liked place for visitors to hang around. There’s additionally a handy hydration station the place you’ll be able to refill water bottles and a library with books, handmade pottery and native knickknacks.
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Each course appears to result in a water-facing vista, so if you’re strolling between areas, there are nearly all the time views in a number of instructions. Whereas many visitors come to the property for trip, there have been additionally a number of convention and occasion areas, smaller work rooms and locations to make a telephone name close to the foyer.
Rooms and suites characteristic pared-back decor, stunning views and (generally) balconies
There are a handful of room and suite sorts on the Westin: garden-view rooms, partial ocean-view rooms, ocean-view rooms, terrace ocean-view rooms, ocean-view suites, bi-level ocean-view suites and one Governors Suite.
Earlier than my journey, I envisioned waking as much as a sweeping panorama from a personal balcony, and that’s precisely what I received with the ocean-view suite, which includes a bed room with a king mattress; a separate residing space with a pullout couch, tv and desk; a full toilet; and — the cherry on high — a sea-facing balcony with two separate seating areas and hanging views of the yacht-dotted harbor and luxurious mountains of St. Thomas.
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The suite felt, like a lot of the remainder of the property, stuffed with pure mild, earth tones and marine motifs. Instantly upon getting into, the toilet was to the left, after which a brief corridor led into the spacious lounge, which consisted of a double-door closet, a desk space, a pullout sofa with a espresso desk and two chairs and a tv set over a console which held a espresso machine and minifridge.
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The double-door closet in the lounge was the principle storage space of the suite. There have been cabinets and loads of area to hold clothes, however I discovered it odd that there was no folding baggage holder. This closet can also be the place towels, further bathroom paper, a hair dryer, the protected and a steamer had been saved, in addition to further robes.
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By way of a door to the fitting was the bed room with glass sliding doorways to the balcony from each the lounge and the bed room, permitting for ample mild to pour into the suite all through the day. Suite sizes vary from a beneficiant 625 sq. toes to 820 sq. toes, and due to all of the pure mild and the partitions of glass doorways, I might say they really feel even greater. The balcony had a snug sofa with a cushioned chair on one aspect and a little bit desk with smaller chairs on the opposite, tailored for having fun with a morning espresso or nightcap overlooking the harbor.
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The decor all through was tasteful and minimal, actually drawing the attention to the floor-to-ceiling views of the water and mountains past. Wall artwork and cute accents impressed by the pure environment included a serene seashore portray hung above the sofa, bronze floral wall sconces in the lounge and a seashell mirror within the bed room. The colour palette all through the area was impartial, that includes many earth tones and ranging patterns paying homage to ocean waves and sand simply past the suite.
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The mattress was extraordinarily comfy due to the signature Westin Heavenly Mattress and featured 4 fluffy pillows and a comforter, although I did not want it, given the 80-degree temperatures outdoors.
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Every bedside desk had a small lamp, and one aspect had an alarm clock console with USB-A and USB-C shops. There have been customary energy shops on the wall behind every bedside desk. A big 65-inch flat-screen TV (the identical because the one in the lounge) held on the wall simply in entrance of the mattress.
Bogs are easy however adequate
Given the dimensions of my suite — the residing area felt cavernous, even — I might anticipated a big toilet, however it was really fairly small. Regardless of this, it was nice for my wants, contemplating I spent most of my time within the suite ensconced in one of many balcony’s two cozy seating areas.
The lavatory had a shiny granite countertop that ran the size of an extended mirror, which was bordered with LED strips. There have been two sinks; a basket holding self-importance units, washcloths and Westin model lotion; and two water glasses. Beneath the counter was a set of six wood drawers, although once I tried to open one, the deal with got here off. This appeared to be the one drawer-style space for storing within the suite, although I did not use it as a result of it felt finicky. There have been customary U.S. energy shops on both aspect of the countertop.
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Reverse the counter was the white-tiled walk-in bathe with a rainfall-style showerhead and a detachable wand showerhead. Shampoo, conditioner and physique wash, affixed to the wall, had been Westin-branded and got here in a nice white tea perfume. Subsequent to the bathe was a small wash closet with a separate door, that includes the bathroom and a small trash can.
Numerous eating choices
Between the Westin and the Morningstar Buoy Haus, there are eight eating places: 5 on the Westin and three at Buoy Haus. Remember that some are seashore or poolside bars, not essentially sit-down eating places, and one is a grab-and-go fashion cafe and comfort retailer (Frenchman’s Roast). Among the best elements of eating at both the Westin and Morningstar Buoy Haus is the truth that a very good portion of the eateries are both completely outdoors or supply outside seating, placing you as near the seashore, or at the very least views of it, as potential.
For breakfast, I attempted Shorebird (positioned on the Westin) a number of occasions. This buffet-style restaurant sits in a brightly lit area overlooking the ocean and affords breakfast and brunch till 11 a.m. ($34 for the breakfast buffet, a la carte gadgets priced individually). Remember that it is certainly one of two sit-down breakfast choices (the opposite, Salt Shack, being down at Morningstar Buoy Haus), so it’s in style with Westin visitors, and the road for a desk might be very lengthy — in the future, I needed to wait about 20 minutes to take a seat down.
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The breakfasts right here did not blow me away, however they had been simply nice for getting the day began, and the espresso was excellent. There have been loads of pastries, contemporary fruit and decisions of scorching meals like eggs Benedict, bacon, sausage and waffles. Nevertheless, I observed that my alternatives from the new meals part weren’t precisely scorching, extra lukewarm, however the meals nonetheless tasted good.
My favourite meal was at Sugarfin, the sushi and rum bar. Right here, you’ll be able to sit indoors close to the bustling bar or out on the patio overlooking the harbor, which was an particularly beautiful place to be throughout sundown and nicely into the night when the water beneath sparkled below the moon, and the mountains past twinkled with lights from non-public houses. From the menu, I sampled yellowfin tuna poke nachos ($22), a Caribbean roll consisting of tuna, unagi and jalapeno ($22) and a scrumptious mai tai ($14). The seafood was extremely contemporary, and all of the flavors got here collectively superbly.
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I extremely advocate visiting the bar at Sugarfin, which is solely beautiful — and the place to be at nighttime should you’re trying to socialize.
The opposite can’t-miss restaurant, in my guide, is Luna Mar, which affords coastal Mediterranean delicacies and places visitors outdoor, proper above the 2 principal swimming pools and with a major view of the ocean and the sundown. On the hunt for extra seafood, I opted for the contemporary mussels ($26) as an appetizer — the broth was scrumptious and savory and got here with a garlicky toast level — adopted by a flavorful roasted native younger hen served with sauteed kale, fingerling potatoes and creme fraiche ($30). The entire elements tasted contemporary.
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The resort health club is price a go to
It might sound foolish to contemplate spending time inside whereas visiting this slice of Caribbean paradise however belief me once I say that the health club is price a go to for individuals who wish to break a sweat away from the solar. The spacious room overlooks the harbor and mountains, and every time I went, it was completely (or practically) empty, which means that I had loads of room to unfold out and my choose of machines and weights. Plus, there’s one thing particular about understanding in a health club with brand-new tools.
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Simply outdoors the health club, you will see tennis and pickleball courts, which might be reserved within the foyer.
Explanation why The Westin Seaside Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef may not be for you
Whereas this St. Thomas gem is simply that, a gem, it nonetheless may not be for each kind of traveler.
I encountered many households and huge teams throughout my keep since there have been two weddings and a enterprise convention throughout the four-day span that I used to be there — plus, it was simply earlier than Christmas, so peak season. This meant numerous exercise within the widespread areas with people milling about in every single place you regarded. Vacationers searching for an expensive adults-only getaway or a quiet trip the place they do not encounter different visitors usually will wish to look elsewhere.
Within the foyer, wait occasions for the entrance desk had been usually round 10-Quarter-hour due to the lengthy line until I went round supper time or very first thing within the morning. The 2 main swimming pools (the infinity pool and the principle pool, which features a kids’s space) had been very crowded most occasions of the day. Nonetheless, an adults-only pool is positioned outdoors the spa for these searching for respite from the exercise.
Whereas service was usually good, and the employees had been all pleasant, issues moved very slowly within the eating places. On my first day, I figured it was simply due to how busy the resort was, however I noticed all through my keep that comparatively sluggish eating service was the norm at each Morningstar Buoy Haus and the Westin, it doesn’t matter what time of day I dined.
I usually needed to flag down a waiter to verify on the standing of one thing I ordered or remind them that I might requested for a drink or a glass of water. The timing with meal providers was a bit off — generally it could be 20 or half-hour between an appetizer and entree, after which on one event my entree got here nicely earlier than I might completed my appetizer. I’d attribute this to rising pains, seeing because the resort was solely in its third month of operation and it was peak season.
Lastly, should you favor small, easy-to-navigate resorts, this Westin property will not be for you. Understanding which eating places and areas had been on which flooring took some getting used to, and because of the common vastness of the property (which may actually be seen as an asset), visitors ought to anticipate a very good little bit of strolling. For instance, should you’re staying in a set positioned within the Ocean Tower however wish to get to Shorebird for breakfast, you will must cross the foyer and take an elevator to the alternative aspect of the resort. Or, should you’re staying in a harbor-facing suite, getting all the way in which to the seashore at Morningstar Buoy Haus takes a very good Quarter-hour, relying on whether or not you stroll or watch for the shuttle. I did not thoughts getting my steps in and consuming within the views alongside the way in which, although.
Accessibility
The Westin Seaside Resort & Spa has fairly a couple of options for vacationers with accessibility wants and the grounds are usually navigable through wheelchair, excluding reaching the dock space. Spacious, wheelchair-friendly elevators are positioned all through the property on each flooring, and the resort swimming swimming pools have self-operating lifts and sloped entrances. Service animals are welcome at this resort, too. Frequent areas such because the health club, enterprise middle, spa, assembly middle and eating places are accessible and may accommodate wheelchairs.
Accessible visitor rooms characteristic loos with bathtub seize rails and bathtub seats, roll-in showers, switch showers, adjustable hand-held bathe wands and bathroom seats at wheelchair top. Different accessibility options embody alarm clock phone ringers, closed-caption TVs, flashing door titties, hearing-accessible kits, lowered deadbolts on doorways and lowered electrical shops. To make sure you get lodging that meet your wants, contact the resort on to make your reserving.
Testing of The Westin Seaside Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef
A visit to St. Thomas will solely be sweetened by reserving a room or suite at this stunning new Westin, a property price planning a visit round if you need direct seashore and ocean entry, a resort brimming with facilities and ample on- and off-site actions. Whether or not you are trying to guide a toes-in-the-sand trip with the children or a grown-up getaway with associates, the assorted varieties of room and suite choices and the entry to the close by sister property make this an interesting property for a lot of several types of vacationers and journeys.
You may spend all the period of your keep, as I did, on the property and really feel like there’s a lot to do (and eat!), or you’ll be able to guide taxis or a automotive to wander farther afield. These with a bigger finances ought to completely plan a ship journey through the resort’s exercise desk, as getting out on the water is one of the best ways to discover the encircling coves, islands and sweetness that St. Thomas affords. Vacationers who’ve missed Frenchman’s Reef will delight at this contemporary tackle a basic vacation spot, and newcomers will probably depart desirous to plan their subsequent journey again to this heavenly nook of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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