The Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort, an Autograph Collection Hotel — one of two resorts opening as part of a $425 million redevelopment of Frenchman’s Reef in St. Thomas — has officially opened its doors.
The 94-room property, which offers direct access to Morningstar Beach, makes its debut with multiple food and beverage options, including the upscale Salt Shack Beach Bar & Grill, oceanfront venue Sandbar, poolside concept Tide Pool, Cabanas & Bar and the “boho chic” Isla Blue, which showcases classic cocktails with a twist and features a temperature-controlled wine room.
Guests can opt to relax at the resort’s Palm Court social area, featuring hammocks and other seating areas, a selection of games and “Caribbean-style food and beverage huts.” Guests can take advantage of access to complimentary nonmotorized watersports equipment, including Hobie Cats and kayaks, an Aquabana Lounger, beach toys and snorkel gear.
The property also has a fleet of private boats at Frenchman’s Reef’s private dock, which are available to charter. The resort’s top-tier boat is the Flying Frenchman, a luxury catamaran with a maximum capacity of 125.
Other amenities: an infinity-edge oceanfront pool with a swim-up bar, a health club and 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
Additionally, guests at the Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort will be granted access to amenities at the neighboring 392-room Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef, which is connected to the Morningstar Buoy Haus via a shared stretch of beach.
The Westin’s facilities will include a pool deck with three oceanview pools, a variety of restaurants and lounges, a Heavenly Spa by Westin, a WestinWorkout Fitness Studio, a Westin Family Kid’s Club and 72,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef is currently on track to open in June. Both resorts will be operated by Aimbridge Hospitality.
Prior to their revamp, the two Frenchman’s Reef properties — previously known as the Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort –had been shuttered since Hurricane Irma hit in 2017.
Autograph Collection and Westin are both Marriott International brands.