St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – May 19, 2023 – Today, Frenchman’s Reef announces the opening of Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection, inviting travelers to enjoy a refreshing state of tropical chill. Part of an extensive $425 million rebuild project at Frenchman’s Reef, the intimate resort offers a pure island escape and open-air paradise a stone’s throw away from the sand and turquoise waters of St. Thomas. Operated by Aimbridge Hospitality, the property features sleek designs by architects Kollin Altomare and The Johnson Studio, as well as exciting culinary and public space concepting from Sixteenfifty Creative Intelligence. The new resort is the latest to join Autograph Collection Hotels – Marriott Bonvoy’s diverse and dynamic collection of independent hotels handpicked for originality and passion in their every expression.
“Today marks an inspiring transformation here at Frenchman’s Reef as we are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection, after a meticulous and sensitive rebuild effort,” said Kurt Wiksten, Managing Director of Frenchman’s Reef. “This moment has been a long time in the making and it reflects the immense dedication of our development team, who worked diligently to craft a brand-new island experience for travelers filled with bespoke amenities, striking design, delicious culinary journeys, and plenty of adventure. We look forward for guests to discover the experience within.”
“We are delighted to introduce Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection, into our distinct and carefully crafted Caribbean resort portfolio. The property’s curated and unique offerings will inspire travelers throughout their intimate Caribbean getaway to St. Thomas, and we look forward to welcoming them to enjoy an immersive and diverse experience at Frenchman’s Reef,” said Rob Smith, Divisional President, Full Service at Aimbridge Hospitality.
Ideal for those seeking a dose of seclusion, this beachfront oasis beckons guests into an open-air lobby where they begin their journey with complimentary coconut water for a refreshing island elixir as they are encouraged to meet up, mix, and mingle while surrounded by incredible views. In true St. Thomas style, Buoy Haus extracts the best of the ocean environment and channels it into a lush, restorative hospitality experience. The resort features 94 attentively appointed guest rooms, including two suites, which offer a mix of beachfront and oceanside contemporary accommodations. All accommodations immerse guests in the cool comfort of their own private retreat, featuring plush, pillow-top beds and cool cotton bedding and amenities considerate to the needs of the modern traveler, coupled with convenient access to Morningstar Beach, mere steps away.
Culinary enthusiasts can explore a delicious food and beverage journey, which begins on the beach. Guided by an ethos of “toes in the sand, a drink in hand,” Buoy Haus has curated an uplifting beach experience, inviting guests to couple their unimpeded relaxation with Salt Shack Beach Bar & Grill. Set in an upscale atmosphere with an unpretentious vibe, the restaurant offers an Instagrammable ambiance and 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. Sandbar offers an oceanfront beach-and-beverage experience. Here, guests can soak it all in with an island classic, such as the pink “Painkiller,” as they sit, sip, and watch a stunning sunset over Frenchman’s Reef.
Continuing the journey, Tide Pool, Cabanas & Bar invites guests to lounge 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. Isla Blue imbues a tropical boho chic ambiance in an oceanfront space. With a Michelin-Star Executive Chef at the helm, Isla Blue brings fresh creative island inspired cuisine from the Caribbean to Mexico, coupled with a seductive bar featuring twists on classic cocktails with fresh local fruits and herbs, as well as a temperature-controlled wine room showcasing an expansive wine, champagne, and reserve list as well as premium sipping tequilas.
The Buoy Haus experience is further accented with beachside activities at Palm Court, a relaxing and entertaining social space complete with a hammock court, cozy and inviting seating areas with picture-perfect views, Caribbean-style food and beverage huts, games, and more. Guests can also enjoy a variety of aquatic programming with complimentary non-motorized watersports curated by RED Hospitality and Leisure, offering a fleet of Hobie Cats and kayaks, an Aquabana Lounger, assorted beach toys, and snorkel gear to explore the surrounding sparkling Caribbean waters. The aquatic experience is further enhanced with a fleet of private vessels available to charter for day and night excursions around the surrounding islands, accessible at Frenchman’s Reef’s private dock. With multiple boats available to accommodate groups small and large, an array of adventures await, including the prized member of the fleet: the Flying Frenchman – a private luxury catamaran with a capacity of up to 125 persons for daytime snorkel trips, sunset sails, and more.
Guests of Buoy Haus will also enjoy full access to the distinct amenities available at its adjoining resort, The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef, opening shortly after Buoy Haus. Amenities include an expansive pool deck featuring three ocean view pools, a pool bar and cabanas, a range of destination-inspired restaurants and lounges, Heavenly Spa by Westin™ with 13 treatment rooms, WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, a private adventure beach with abundant programming for all ages, retail shopping outlets, and 72,000 square feet of meeting and event space, in addition to the 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space at Buoy Haus. The two resorts will be connected via a shared stretch of Morningstar Beach. More information about The Westin Beach Resort & Spa is coming soon.
For more information about Buoy Haus and to book a stay, please visit www.frenchmansreefstthomas.com, its page on Marriott.com here, or call +1 340-249–0123.
