THOMAS, US Virgin Islands(January 26, 2023) – Ahead of its opening in spring 2023, Frenchman’s Reef is pleased to welcome Executive Chef Greg Smith and unveil its lineup of exciting culinary concepts that will debut with its two new resorts,The Westin Beach Resort & Spa and Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort, an Autograph Collection Hotel, which will both be operated by Aimbridge Hospitality. Guided by Smith’s leadership, the two resorts will offer a total of 9 signature restaurants and lounges, featuring concepting by Sixteenfifty Creative Intelligence. The culinary offerings will showcase a medley of experiences for guests of all ages, ranging from casual beachfront and poolside settings to open-air indulgences, fine dining restaurants and more.
Executive Chef Greg Smith
A graduate of the Art Institute of Los Angeles, Smith brings a breadth of hotel culinary experience with him, having served in various chef positions with luxury brands including Sea Island, The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan, Four Seasons Nevis, and others. Smith also draws on his extensive experience in hotel banquet operations, which he will leverage in his leadership of culinary programming for group functions at Frenchman’s Reef.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Greg Smith as our new Executive Chef at Frenchman’s Reef and lead the talented culinary team and its two new resorts,” said Kurt Wiksten, Managing Director at Frenchman’s Reef. “We are excited for Chef Greg Smith to showcase his extensive culinary knowledge on the island, where he looks forward to creating innovative culinary experiences highlighting locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients.”
New Culinary Concepts
Signature food and beverage concepts will offer strikingly designed settings, inventive menus and bold flavors inspired by the spirit of the destination. Guests can look forward to the following experiences at The Westin Beach Resort & Spa and Buoy Haus soon:
Sugarfin
The indoor-outdoor Sugarfin is a celebration of Asian flavors born from the sea. Offering guests an experience in sushi dining with artful Caribbean-Asian style cuisine and approachable sophistication, Sugarfin will serve fresh poké, hand-rolled sushi, sashimi, and a curated selection of the finest locally distilled rums. With terrace views overlooking Charlotte Amalie, Sugarfin will serve as a sweet spot for sunset sips and an intimate dinner under the stars.
Luna Mar
Luna Mar is an island restaurant with a refreshing take on Mediterranean cuisine with roots on the coast. The restaurant will offer a special full-service bar with ample indoor and outdoor seating in a clean, modern, and stylish Mediterranean inspired design and will serve steak, seafood and pastas and pizzas that are centered around authentic cooking and seasonal ingredients. Luna Mar bridges the traditional with the contemporary in a transportive, yet familiar space.
Isla Blue
The former owners of Havana Blue, siblings Steve Boswell, Prime Hospitality, and Nicole Boswell, BWMG Design, with their partner Zack Zoller, St. Thomas Restaurant Group, come together again to create an innovative dining concept. The Isla Blue experience will imbue a tropical boho chic ambiance in the newly renovated ocean front space. With their Michelin-Star Executive Chef at the helm, Isla Blue brings fresh creative island inspired cuisine from the Caribbean to Mexico. The seductive bar features twists on classic cocktails with fresh local fruits and herbs. The temperature-controlled wine room showcases an expansive wine, champagne and reserve list as well as premium sipping tequilas. The Privado Room is secretly tucked away in an air-conditioned private dining room for intimate group experiences, including a private sound system, while still enjoying expansive ocean views overlooking Morningstar Beach.
Drift in and cool down at the Sandbar, the oceanfront beach-and-beverage experience. Next to the sand, eye-level with the sea, St. Thomas works its magic. Soak it all in with a “Shipwreck” cocktail featuring pineapple-infused rum; or an island classic, like the pink “Painkiller” as you sit, sip, and watch a stunning sunset over Frenchman’s Reef.
Salt Shack
Set on a breathtaking beachfront in an upscale atmosphere and with an unpretentious vibe, Salt Shack will offer guests an Instagrammable ambiance and a genuine seaside experience. Salt Shack is the perfect place to soak up the sun with delicious, approachable cuisine, refreshing drinks, attentive service, and a soundtrack of perfectly curated music to enhance a day in the sun. The menu will range from land and sea tacos to burgers to tasty sandwiches.
Shorebird
Offering foods and flavors to suit every appetite, Shorebird is where the options are truly endless. With stunning sea views and a fresh, inviting vibe, this family-friendly venue is a no-brainer for a tasty breakfast. The restaurant will feature a daily array of exciting, chef-curated live-action stations highlighting local flavors and ingredients. Shorebird will also have a barista serving its own roasted brew.
Edge Bar
The Edge Bar invites guests to drink in stunning panoramic views high above the Caribbean while sipping an ice-cold cocktail of the very same color: a signature Edge Margarita. The stunning infinity-edge pool is a cool spot for a dip and post-worthy pics, while the swim-up bar and private cabanas elevate the experience alongside a menu of poolside libations, grilled cravings and more for lunch.
Tide Pool Cabanas & Bar
The Tide Pool Cabanas & Bar invites guests to lounge and luxuriate in an atmosphere of sophisticated serenity. With poolside service and private cabanas, Tide Pool Cabanas & Bar is a relaxing, restorative place to waste a perfectly good afternoon with signature cocktails and light bites.
Palm Court
Located adjacent to the Morningstar Beach, Palm Court was transformed into a relaxing and entertaining experience for all guests, where guests will discover a hammock court nestled between a grove of coconut palms. Travelers will also find cozy and inviting seating areas and picture-perfect views of Caribbean crystal waters. Accompanying the experience will be a variety of Caribbean-style food and beverage huts, where guests can eat, drink and relax while playing games with their families or friends, and have a casual social experience on the beach.
Frenchman’s Roast
A one-stop shop for daily island essentials. From barista-service coffee and fresh-pressed juices to grab-and-go eats, beach gear and sundries, Frenchman’s Roast will keep guests fueled up and smiling all day.
Additional details on new culinary concepts can be found here and by calling 340-249-0100. More information about Frenchman’s Reef and its two resorts will be announced soon.
