Marriott breathes new life right into a beloved Caribbean resort: A overview of The Westin Seaside Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef

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Editor’s be aware: The Westin Seaside Resort at Frenchman’s Reef supplied TPG with a complimentary four-night keep in order that we may get an inside take a look at the lodge and its facilities. The opinions expressed beneath are completely these of the writer and weren’t topic to overview by the lodge or any exterior entity.

Whereas the Caribbean isn’t any stranger to stormy seas, 2017 was a very tough 12 months, bringing not one however two devastating Class 5 hurricanes to St. Thomas — and each storms did critical injury to the beloved cliffside resort space lengthy referred to 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 at least one 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 checklist of the finest new lodge openings of 2023. 

Company 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, principally 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 pals looking for a fun-filled, stress-free getaway on this picturesque nook of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Nonetheless, remember that it’s 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’s loads of room to unfold out — the eating places and customary areas did really feel very busy at instances

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 in-built 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 compelled 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 technique 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 provide an elevated hospitality expertise and fall beneath Marriott’s premium tier of accommodations, however the Westin has a selected deal with well-being, whereas Buoy Haus is a 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 plenty of frequent areas, there’s loads of room to unfold out throughout the property — made even sweeter by the truth that company can wander right down to Morningstar Buoy Haus at their leisure to take pleasure in a lot of the facilities (besides the infinity pool) there, too. 

The way to e-book The Westin Seaside Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef

As Frenchman’s Reef is situated throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands, drawing crowds of American vacationers, peak dates will replenish rapidly, and the costs will mirror the vacation spot’s reputation. Relying on the date, you may e-book a backyard view king visitor room at this Westin for as few as 62,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors (value round $521 based mostly on TPG valuations). The day by day obligatory vacation spot cost of $75 contains Wi-Fi, two welcome drinks per room (although I by no means acquired mine), dawn seashore yoga periods, limitless use of snorkel tools and nonmotorized sports activities leases. Sadly, Marriott doesn’t waive resort charges on award stays.

Money charges will range based mostly on the season, too. In September 2024, thought of the offseason within the Caribbean, you may e-book a garden-view king visitor room for as little as $493 an evening. Nonetheless, throughout the fashionable winter months, room charges usually begin across the $700 mark.

Since this property is a part of Marriott Bonvoy, one of the simplest ways to e-book at Frenchman’s Reef is to use one of many bank cards that earn essentially the most factors for Marriott stays, in addition to one that gives computerized Marriott Bonvoy elite standing that may yield worthwhile perks throughout your keep. Think about one in every of these:

• Marriott Bonvoy Sensible® 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 12 months 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 12 months 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 12 months 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 12 months 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 12 months 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 12 months towards a better tier.

The knowledge 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 supplied by the cardboard issuer.

An unbeatable location not too removed from city

You might 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 company have entry to each accommodations all through their keep, you gained’t really feel such as you need to depart the twin property (except it’s to enterprise into the ocean through boat, which could be organized by the lodge’s exercise companions, Pink Hospitality and Leisure, situated 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). Company can seize a cab (round $40) or organize pickup from the resort’s airport shuttle ($42 per individual).

Whereas there’s lots 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 need to go into city might need to think about renting a automotive (be aware that day by day valet parking is $35 per day on the Westin). In any other case, one of the simplest ways to get to different elements of the island might be through taxi (because of the winding roads right here and the numerous steep inclines, biking will not be frequent or beneficial).

Company have direct entry to each the seashore and the dock

While you drive up the winding highway to the Frenchman’s Reef compound, which totals 20 acres, you’ll see the Westin to the best, which is made up of three buildings (together with an ocean-facing tower), after which you may drive down the opposite aspect of the cliff to the gathering of beachfront villas that make up Morningstar Buoy Haus. Somewhat shuttle operates each 10-Quarter-hour, taking company between the 2 accommodations, however those that need to stroll can simply achieve this as the whole lot is related by ocean-facing staircases. You too can attain the seashore by strolling and utilizing an elevator — although I didn’t see an elevator resulting in the dock (simply the seashore).

From the Westin foyer, company 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, could be booked on the Pink Hospitality desk.

To succeed in the seashore, Westin company can both take the free shuttle or take the aforementioned stairs — what I’d name the scenic route — that descend the cliff to the Morningstar Buoy Haus seashore. (Professional tip: Take the steps on the best way down and the shuttle on the best way up except you desire a good uphill exercise after some seashore time!) As soon as on the shore, you’ll discover two areas with cabanas, umbrellas, chaise lounges and exercise huts the place towels, snorkel gear, kayaks and Hobie cats could be checked out.

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 individuals there.

Swim in not 1, not 2, however 3 ocean-facing swimming pools

That’s proper — glimmering swimming pools abound at this sprawling seaside resort. Westin company could 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 incorporates a full-service swim-up bar.

The principle pool is the biggest one, and is surrounded by the lodge’s signature white-and-orange umbrellas and reservable cabanas — and there are even personal, air-conditioned indoor rooms you may lease just some steps from the pool deck for an escape from the solar whenever you don’t need to go all the best way again to your visitor room. This pool is the only option for households, because it incorporates a splash zone for the kiddos.

The third pool is the adults-only Serenity Pool, situated exterior the spa and overlooking the harbor. That is the quietest pool (I hardly noticed anybody utilizing it throughout my keep) and incorporates a chilly plunge, a sizzling tub, umbrella-covered chaise lounges and a smaller cabana space.

Word that there’s an infinity pool proper on the seashore at Morningstar Buoy Haus, however this pool is reserved just for Morningstar company.

Spa-seekers might 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 among the best elements of my keep. I appreciated that the spa makes use of merchandise from an area, woman-owned model, Good T’ings.

The roughly 10,000-square-foot house, tucked right into a ground-level nook of the harbor-facing aspect of the property, has a lightweight and ethereal rest room overlooking the Serenity Pool.

Company 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 (one in every of which is a {couples} therapy room). 

Remedies embrace traditional rest massages and facials, in addition to extra cutting-edge and domestically impressed therapies like an natural enzyme peel facial or a seaweed physique therapy. Salon providers like haircuts, make-up and waxing will quickly be obtainable, however the property’s salon remains to be beneath building.

After a morning spent bobbing within the Caribbean Sea, I opted for the hourlong sizzling 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 lads’s and ladies’s locker rooms have a set).

There’s loads of house 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 many greenery (together with a dwelling plant wall), is a well-liked place for company to hang around. There’s additionally a handy hydration station the place you may replenish water bottles and a library with books, handmade pottery and native knickknacks.

Each path appears to result in a water-facing vista, so whenever you’re strolling between areas, there are nearly all the time views in a number of instructions. Whereas many company 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 cellphone name close to the foyer.

Rooms and suites function pared-back decor, stunning views and (typically) 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 non-public balcony, and that’s precisely what I received with the ocean-view suite, which incorporates a bed room with a king mattress; a separate dwelling space with a pullout couch, tv and desk; a full rest room; and — the cherry on prime — a sea-facing balcony with two separate seating areas and putting views of the yacht-dotted harbor and plush mountains of St. Thomas. 

The suite felt, like a lot of the remainder of the property, filled with pure gentle, earth tones and marine motifs. Instantly upon getting into, the toilet was to the left, after which a brief corridor led into the spacious front room, 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. 

The double-door closet in the lounge was the principle storage space of the suite. There have been cabinets and loads of house to hold clothes, however I discovered it odd that there was no folding baggage holder. This closet can be the place towels, additional rest room paper, a hair dryer, the protected and a steamer had been saved, in addition to additional robes.

Via a door to the best was the bed room with glass sliding doorways to the balcony from each the lounge and the bed room, permitting for ample gentle to pour into the suite all through the day. Suite sizes vary from a beneficiant 625 sq. ft to 820 sq. ft, and due to all of the pure gentle and the partitions of glass doorways, I’d say they really feel even larger. The balcony had a snug sofa with a cushioned chair on one aspect and a bit desk with smaller chairs on the opposite, tailored for having fun with a morning espresso or nightcap overlooking the harbor.

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 house was impartial, that includes many earth tones and ranging patterns harking back to ocean waves and sand simply past the suite. 

The mattress was extraordinarily comfy due to the signature Westin Heavenly Mattress and featured 4 fluffy pillows and a comforter, although I didn’t want it, given the 80-degree temperatures exterior.

Every bedside desk had a small lamp, and one aspect had an alarm clock console with USB-A and USB-C retailers. There have been customary energy retailers 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 ample

Given the scale of my suite — the dwelling house felt cavernous, even — I’d anticipated a big rest room, nevertheless it was truly 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 toilet had a shiny granite countertop that ran the size of a protracted mirror, which was bordered with LED strips. There have been two sinks; a basket holding vainness units, washcloths and Westin model lotion; and two water glasses. Below the counter was a set of six picket drawers, although once I tried to open one, the deal with got here off. This gave the impression to be the one drawer-style space for storing within the suite, although I didn’t use it as a result of it felt finicky. There have been customary U.S. energy retailers on both aspect of the countertop. 

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.

Various 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 the fact 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). Top-of-the-line 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 exterior or provide out of doors seating, placing you as near the seashore, or no less than views of it, as doable. 

For breakfast, I attempted Shorebird (situated on the Westin) a number of instances. This buffet-style restaurant sits in a brightly lit house overlooking the ocean and affords breakfast and brunch till 11 a.m. ($34 for the breakfast buffet, a la carte gadgets priced individually). Remember the fact that it’s one in every of two sit-down breakfast choices (the opposite, Salt Shack, being down at Morningstar Buoy Haus), so it’s fashionable with Westin company, and the road for a desk could be very lengthy — someday, I needed to wait about 20 minutes to sit down down. 

The breakfasts right here didn’t 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, recent fruit and selections of sizzling meals like eggs Benedict, bacon, sausage and waffles. Nonetheless, I observed that my picks from the new meals part weren’t precisely sizzling, extra lukewarm, however the meals nonetheless tasted good. 

My favourite meal was at Sugarfin, the sushi and rum bar. Right here, you may 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 beneath the moon, and the mountains past twinkled with lights from personal properties. 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 recent, and all of the flavors got here collectively superbly.

I extremely advocate visiting the bar at Sugarfin, which is just gorgeous — and the place to be at nighttime in the event you’re trying to socialize.

The opposite can’t-miss restaurant, in my e-book, is Luna Mar, which affords coastal Mediterranean delicacies and places company outdoor, proper above the 2 principal swimming pools and with a main view of the ocean and the sundown. On the hunt for extra seafood, I opted for the recent 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 components tasted recent.

The lodge gymnasium is value a go to

It may appear foolish to contemplate spending time inside whereas visiting this slice of Caribbean paradise however belief me once I say that the gymnasium is value a go to for individuals who need 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 almost) empty, which means that I had loads of room to unfold out and my decide of machines and weights. Plus, there’s one thing particular about understanding in a gymnasium with brand-new tools.

Simply exterior the gymnasium, you’ll see tennis and pickleball courts, which could be reserved within the foyer.

The reason 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 plenty of exercise within the frequent areas with of us milling about in all places you appeared. Vacationers in search of an expensive adults-only getaway or a quiet trip the place they don’t encounter different company typically will need to look elsewhere.

Within the foyer, wait instances for the entrance desk had been usually round 10-Quarter-hour due to the lengthy line except I went round meal time or very first thing within the morning. The 2 major swimming pools (the infinity pool and the principle pool, which features a kids’s space) had been very crowded most instances of the day. Nonetheless, an adults-only pool is situated exterior the spa for these in search of respite from the exercise.

Whereas service was typically 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 spotted 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 typically needed to flag down a waiter to verify on the standing of one thing I ordered or remind them that I’d requested for a drink or a glass of water. The timing with meal providers was a bit off — typically it will be 20 or half-hour between an appetizer and entree, after which on one event my entree got here nicely earlier than I’d 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, in the event you choose small, easy-to-navigate resorts, this Westin property might not be for you. Understanding which eating places and areas had been on which flooring took some getting used to, and because of the normal vastness of the property (which might actually be seen as an asset), company ought to anticipate a very good little bit of strolling. For instance, in the event you’re staying in a set situated within the Ocean Tower however need to get to Shorebird for breakfast, you’ll need to cross the foyer and take an elevator to the alternative aspect of the resort. Or, in the event you’re staying in a harbor-facing suite, getting all the best way 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 didn’t thoughts getting my steps in and ingesting within the views alongside the best way, although.  

Accessibility 

The Westin Seaside Resort & Spa has fairly just a few options for vacationers with accessibility wants and the grounds are typically navigable through wheelchair, apart from reaching the dock space. Spacious, wheelchair-friendly elevators are situated all through the property on each flooring, and the lodge swimming swimming pools have self-operating lifts and sloped entrances. Service animals are welcome at this resort, too. Frequent areas such because the gymnasium, enterprise heart, spa, assembly heart and eating places are accessible and may accommodate wheelchairs. 

Accessible visitor rooms function bogs 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 embrace alarm clock phone ringers, closed-caption TVs, flashing door tits, hearing-accessible kits, lowered deadbolts on doorways and lowered electrical retailers. To make sure you get lodging that meet your wants, contact the lodge on to make your reserving. 

Trying out 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 value 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’re trying to e-book a toes-in-the-sand trip with the children or a grown-up getaway with pals, the assorted forms 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’ll be able to spend the whole length of your keep, as I did, on the property and really feel like there’s lots to do (and eat!), or you may e-book taxis or a automotive to wander farther afield. These with a bigger finances ought to completely plan a ship journey through the lodge’s exercise desk, as getting out on the water is one of the simplest ways to discover the encompassing coves, islands and sweetness that St. Thomas affords. Vacationers who’ve missed Frenchman’s Reef will delight at this recent tackle a traditional 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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