What’s The Westin Seashore 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 as a result of harm, as was the case at close by Morningstar Seashore Resort, now named Morningstar Buoy Haus Seashore 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 motels on a few of St. Thomas’s most prime actual property. Each resorts supply an elevated hospitality expertise and fall underneath Marriott’s premium tier of motels, however the Westin has a specific concentrate on well-being, whereas Buoy Haus is a bit of quieter and focused extra towards adults and honeymooners.

Formally opened in September of 2023, the Westin Seashore 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 may be loads of room to unfold out throughout the property — made even sweeter by the truth that visitors can wander right down to Morningstar Buoy Haus at their leisure to get pleasure from a lot of the facilities (besides the infinity pool) there, too.

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How one can guide The Westin Seashore Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef

An unbeatable location not too removed from city

Visitors have direct entry to each the seaside and the dock

While you drive up the winding highway to the Frenchman’s Reef compound, which totals 20 acres, you will see the Westin to the appropriate, which is made up of three buildings (together with an ocean-facing tower), after which you possibly can drive down the opposite aspect of the cliff to the gathering of beachfront villas that make up Morningstar Buoy Haus. A little bit shuttle operates each 10-Quarter-hour, taking visitors between the 2 motels, however those that wish to stroll can simply accomplish that as every little thing is related by ocean-facing staircases. You can too attain the seaside by strolling and utilizing an elevator — although I did not see an elevator resulting in the dock (simply the seaside).

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, may be booked on the Crimson Hospitality desk.

To achieve the seaside, 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 seaside. (Professional tip: Take the steps on the way in which down and the shuttle on the way in which up except you need a good uphill exercise after some seaside 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 may be checked out.

Regardless of one of many resort’s greatest attracts being its proximity to the ocean, the seaside 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 seaside 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 is proper — glimmering swimming pools abound at this sprawling seaside resort. Westin visitors could have entry to the three Westin swimming pools, and there actually is an choice for everybody. The adults-only infinity pool, which is the smallest of the three, overlooks the ocean and contains 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 possibly can hire only a few 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 contains a splash zone for the kiddos.

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

Observe that there’s an infinity pool proper on the seaside at Morningstar Buoy Haus, however this pool is reserved just for Morningstar visitors.

Spa-seekers will probably be in good arms (actually)

The Westin model is understood for its signature Heavenly Spas, and my time on the one at Frenchman’s Reef was far and away top-of-the-line 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 area, 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.

Visitors can unwind in a floating chair or stretch out on a luxurious chaise lounge whereas having fun with a number of natural teas or infused waters earlier than heading into one of many 14 soothing therapy rooms (considered one of which is a {couples} therapy room).

Therapies embrace traditional rest massages and facials, in addition to extra cutting-edge and regionally impressed remedies like an natural enzyme peel facial or a seaweed physique therapy. Salon companies like haircuts, make-up and waxing will quickly be out there, however the property’s salon continues to be underneath 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 because of the nice and cozy basalt stones, knowledgeable strain 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 girls’s locker rooms have a set).

There’s loads of area to roam

Widespread areas proliferate on the Westin Seashore 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 residing plant wall), is a well-liked place for visitors to hang around. There’s additionally a handy hydration station the place you possibly can refill water bottles and a library with books, handmade pottery and native knickknacks.

Each route appears to result in a water-facing vista, so whenever you’re strolling between areas, there are virtually at all times 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 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 obtained with the ocean-view suite, which contains a bed room with a king mattress; a separate residing 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 luxurious 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 coming into, the lavatory 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.

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 rest room paper, a hair dryer, the protected and a steamer had been stored, in addition to further robes.

By a door to the appropriate 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. toes to 820 sq. toes, and due to all of the pure gentle 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 bit of 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 seaside 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 harking back to ocean waves and sand simply past the suite.

The mattress was extraordinarily comfy because of the signature Westin Heavenly Mattress and featured 4 fluffy pillows and a comforter, although I did not 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.

Loos are easy however ample

Given the scale of my suite — the residing area felt cavernous, even — I might anticipated a big rest room, however it was truly fairly small. Regardless of this, it was wonderful 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 a protracted 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 picket drawers, although after 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 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.

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. Take into account that some are seaside or poolside bars, not essentially sit-down eating places, and one is a grab-and-go fashion cafe and comfort retailer (Frenchman’s Roast). Probably the greatest elements of eating at both the Westin and Morningstar Buoy Haus is the truth that a very good portion of the eateries are both solely exterior or supply out of doors seating, placing you as near the seaside, or not less than views of it, as doable.

For breakfast, I attempted Shorebird (positioned on the Westin) a number of instances. This buffet-style restaurant sits in a brightly lit area overlooking the ocean and provides breakfast and brunch till 11 a.m. ($34 for the breakfast buffet, a la carte objects priced individually). Take into account that it is considered 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 may be very lengthy — at some point, I needed to wait about 20 minutes to take a seat down.

The breakfasts right here did not blow me away, however they had been simply wonderful for getting the day began, and the espresso was excellent. There have been loads of pastries, contemporary fruit and selections 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 possibly can 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 under sparkled underneath 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.

I extremely suggest visiting the bar at Sugarfin, which is just gorgeous — 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 provides coastal Mediterranean delicacies and places visitors outdoor, proper above the 2 predominant swimming pools and with a main 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 components tasted contemporary.

The resort fitness center is price a go to

It might sound foolish to think about spending time inside whereas visiting this slice of Caribbean paradise however belief me after I say that the fitness center is price a go to for many 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 solely (or almost) empty, that 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 fitness center with brand-new tools.

Simply exterior the fitness center, you will see tennis and pickleball courts, which may be reserved within the foyer.

The reason why The Westin Seashore Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef won’t be for you

Whereas this St. Thomas gem is simply that, a gem, it nonetheless won’t be for each kind of traveler.

Accessibility 

The Westin Seashore Resort & Spa has fairly a couple of options for vacationers with accessibility wants and the grounds are typically navigable by way of wheelchair, except reaching the dock space. Spacious, wheelchair-friendly elevators are positioned all through the property on each ground, and the resort swimming swimming pools have self-operating lifts and sloped entrances. Service animals are welcome at this resort, too. Widespread areas such because the fitness center, enterprise middle, spa, assembly middle and eating places are accessible and may accommodate wheelchairs.

Accessible visitor rooms function loos with bathtub seize rails and bathtub seats, roll-in showers, switch showers, adjustable hand-held bathe wands and bathroom seats at wheelchair peak. Different accessibility options embrace alarm clock phone ringers, closed-caption TVs, flashing door titties, hearing-accessible kits, lowered deadbolts on doorways and lowered electrical retailers. To make sure you get lodging that meet your wants, contact the resort on to make your reserving.

Trying out of The Westin Seashore 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 in order for you direct seaside 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 pals, the assorted sorts 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 possibly can spend your entire length of your keep, as I did, on the property and really feel like there’s loads to do (and eat!), or you possibly can guide taxis or a automobile to wander farther afield. These with a bigger finances ought to completely plan a ship journey by way of the resort’s exercise desk, as getting out on the water is one of the best ways to discover the encircling coves, islands and wonder that St. Thomas provides. Vacationers who’ve missed Frenchman’s Reef will delight at this contemporary tackle a traditional vacation spot, and newcomers will doubtless go away eager to plan their subsequent journey again to this heavenly nook of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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