The Westin Beach Resort. Photo Credit: AIMBRIDGE HOSPITALITY
Aimbridge Hospitality on Tuesday announced that it will open two new resorts at Frenchman’s Reef in St. Thomas, as part of an extensive $350 million rebuild project on the property.
According to the release, the two resorts, including The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef and The Seaborn at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection, are expected to open in the Fall of 2022.
Aimbridge Hospitality said it will manage the two properties under the leadership of Managing Director Kurt Wiksten, as part of a franchise agreement with Marriott International brands. According to the release, the team expressed excitement to bring back the Frenchman’s Reef charm to the U.S. Virgin Islands, showing their commitment to the community by creating new jobs and opening their doors once again to Virgin Islanders who want to enjoy the beloved amenities.
Located steps from the beautiful Morningstar Beach, and 15 minutes from Cyril E. King Airport, Frenchman’s Reef will serve as an exciting getaway destination in St. Thomas, offering two distinct, yet interconnected resort experiences, Aimbridge said. Both resorts will showcase cutting-edge design by architects Kollin Altomare and The Johnson Studio, offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and present a range of signature culinary concepts, vast array of watersport activities, island excursions and extensive conference facilities for groups and weddings.
Perched on an elevated peninsula, The Westin Beach Resort & Spa will offer 392 rooms, including 28 suites, with most accommodations offering sweeping ocean views. Amenities will include six restaurants and lounges inspired by the destination, three ocean view pools located on an expansive pool deck featuring a pool bar and cabanas, a Heavenly Spa by WestinR with 13 treatment rooms, a private dock to access a multitude of secluded islands, private adventure beach with abundant programming for all ages, retail shopping outlets and 72,000-square-feet of meeting and event space.
Set along a beautiful ¼ mile stretch of beach, The Seaborn will offer a more secluded stay experience with 94 guest rooms, including two suites. The resort will showcase an additional four destination-inspired open-air restaurants and lounges, an infinity-edge oceanfront pool with a swim-up bar, a health club, and 13,000-square-feet of meeting and event space, Aimbridge said.
The two landmark resorts will be connected by Frenchman’s Reef’s renowned beach, which will serve as an additional social and event space with year-round programming for all ages. Frenchman’s Reef will also provide guests at both resorts access to amenities including a private catamaran with a capacity of up to 75 persons for daytime snorkel trips and evening sunset sails.
“Frenchman’s Reef has served as a pivotal vacation and celebration setting for many years and we look forward to reaffirming its status as a premier luxury destination with two new exceptional resorts under our management,” said Rob Smith, executive vice president of operations at Aimbridge Hospitality. “We are excited to welcome guests to new levels of wellness travel and unique experiences.”
“We are delighted to manage the transformation and evolution of Frenchman’s Reef into an exciting new destination in the heart of the U.S.V.I. and bring two entirely new world-class resort experiences to travelers around the globe,” said Wiksten, the Aimbridge managing director. “We are committed to ushering in a new era for this beloved property and look forward to opening our doors soon to a quintessential luxury St. Thomas experience for visitors and locals alike.”
