Marriott Frenchman’s Reef in St. Thomas
By Tim Cotroneo
For 37 years, the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Reef Resort has delivered stunning views for guests seeking the ultimate Caribbean island experience. Sitting high on a cliff, the property delivers an expansive look at St. Thomas’ Charlotte Amalie Harbour.
Excitement is running high, for both loyal returning guests and first-time St. Thomas visitors, in anticipation of the Marriott investing $48 million in a sweeping summertime makeover of the property. An October re-opening will reveal luxurious upgrades to the Frenchman’s rooms, spa, pool, restaurants, and exercise facility.
For travelers planning on a summer time escape to St. Thomas, don’t let the Frenchman’s Reef makeover stand in your way. The Morning Star Beach Club, the Frenchman’s neighboring sister property, will welcome guests seeking a summer retreat on the doorstep of the Caribbean Sea.
Frenchman’s Reef – The Future is Now
Frenchman’s Reef renovation began on May 1 with fresh décor upgrades of their spacious rooms, major expansion for the new Reef Spa, and a complete redesign of all the pool areas. Guests will also discover a strategic relocation and upgrade of the resort’s cardiovascular and strength training facility.
The Frenchman’s Reef’s legion of admirers will be thrilled that all restaurant renovation will be pointed toward the hotel’s landmark view of Charlotte Amalie Harbour.
Indoor and Outdoor Dining on the Water
When selecting a Caribbean hotel, dining ranks second only to the beach in traveler importance. All restaurant redesigns at the Frenchman’s Reef will place a premium on what guests see, hear, taste, and feel. The renovations on the legendary Windows on the Harbour restaurant means dining with a view goes from better to best. An awe-inspiring harbor view will be part of the experience, whether you’re having breakfast and lunch.
When in the Caribbean, partaking in outdoor dining is a must. The Frenchman Reef’s Sunset Bar & Grill is a pool and harbour setting option steeped in the tropical ambiance that only island fare provides. Want more? The Rum Bar Lounge is a popular indoor/outdoor venue with a terrace view embracing the Sea. This is the perfect setting for sampling local Cruzan rum drinks or a rainbow of fruit coladas.
If a meal that is on the beach is why you came to St. Thomas in the first place, then shuttle or stroll over to Coco Joe’s at the Morning Star. Coco Joe’s is mere steps from the Caribbean Sea and is practically a toes in the sand outdoor dining option. Imagine starting your day with a panoramic ocean view along Morning Star Beach. Savor the scenery while enjoying crab cake benedict for breakfast or grilled ahi salad at lunch?
If you’re looking for the latest and greatest in island cuisine, check out Havana Blue at the Morning Star. Sipping comes easy when you try a mambo margarita, a blueberry mojito, or a tall sunset sangria. Surf and turf entrees like Miso sea bass, tuna trinity, and Chile espresso filet are all can’t miss dinner choices.
Gaga Over the Spa
The Reef Spa will expand to a luxurious 4,000 square feet. The Reef’s ultra-contemporary spa facility translates into seven treatment rooms, a couples room, massage cabanas, a eucalyptus steam room, and beauty salon.
The new treatment menu will include LaStone Therapy, Mango Indulgence Wrap, skin revitalizers, facials, manicures, and pedicures.
Excursions and Activities Beyond the Blue
When in the U.S.Virgin Islands, one tends to do what St. Thomas islanders do. This means snorkeling, scuba, fishing, boating, golf, and tennis. A continuing convenience at the Frenchman’s Reef is having all these island activities at your fingertips.
Knowledgeable excursion agents are on duty in the Frenchman’s front lobby. The resort even has its own dock facing Charlotte Amalie Harbour. If one wishes, guests can reserve any or all of these activities online, prior to arrival.
For tennis buffs, the Frenchman’s Reef tennis court is unlike any other you’ll find in the Caribbean. The backdrop to this court is perched right on the Caribbean Sea. Even if your game is off, the views and photos opportunities are spot on.
Wedding, Meetings, and More
Whatever your reason for staying in St. Thomas, you’ll find that the Frenchman’s Reef aims to please. Their outdoor wedding gazebo site is as picturesque a setting as you’ll find anywhere. The hotel also has 60,000 square feet dedicated to meeting rooms and banquet space. Frenchman’s Reef is a destination for any inclination.
October’s New Beginning
In October, guests at the Frenchman’s Reef Resort will be embraced by wall-to-wall new. “We’re so excited about what our guests will discover when we re-open our doors this fall. The rooms, the pool, the spa, the restaurants, and exercise facility will all be upgraded or redesigned. It was time for a change,” General Manager Jose Gonzalez Espinosa said.
One thing that won’t change at the Frenchman’s Reef Resort is their stunning views of St. Thomas’ scenic harbor. Some things change and others must stay the same. For nearly four decades, the Frenchman Reef Resort guests wouldn’t have it any other way.
www.frenchmansreefmarriott.com
