Marriott breathes new life into a beloved Caribbean resort: A review of The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef

While the Caribbean is no stranger to stormy seas, 2017 was a particularly difficult year, bringing not one but two devastating Category 5 hurricanes to St. Thomas and both storms did serious damage to the beloved cliffside resort area long known as Frenchman's Reef.

After years of renovation, though, Marriott has finally restored the resort to and arguably far beyond its former glory, debuting two sister properties: a Westin, which sits perched high up on the cliff overlooking St. Thomas Harbor to one side and the Caribbean Sea to the other; and Morningstar Buoy Haus, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, a smaller property consisting of ocean-facing villas nestled right along the shoreline. The impressive pair even made our annual list of the best new hotel openings of 2023.

Guests at both of these Marriott outposts can float between the properties as they please since they share most amenities, which really makes it feel like your dollars (or points) are going a bit further. With comfortable, mostly water-facing rooms and plenty of both on- and off-site activities to choose from, the Westin at Frenchman's Reef feels like a paradise for families, couples and friends seeking a fun-filled, relaxing getaway in this picturesque corner of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

However, keep in mind that it's a bustling resort, especially during the high season when weddings and events are in full swing across the property. While it never felt crowded during my recent winter stayVthere is plenty of room to spread out — the restaurants and common spaces did feel very busy at times

I checked into The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef for four days this winter to experience this long-anticipated resort makeover. Read on for details about what this Marriott property offers travelers and Bonvoy loyalists searching for an idyllic Caribbean getaway.

What is The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef?

Formerly the Frenchman's Reef Marriott Resort, the property was originally built in 1973 and has, for decades, remained a beloved U.S. Virgin Islands destination, drawing new and veteran vacationers to its cliffside locale for decades. When hurricanes Irma and Maria hit St. Thomas in 2017, the property was forced to close its doors due to the damage, as was the case at nearby Morningstar Beach Resort, now named Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman's Reef, Autograph Collection (also now owned by Marriott).

So began the slow process of a five-year, $425-million-dollar renovation, resulting in these refurbished side-by-side hotels on some of St. Thomas's most prime real estate. Both resorts offer an elevated hospitality experience and fall under Marriott's premium tier of hotels, but the Westin has a particular focus on well-being, while Buoy Haus is a little quieter and targeted more toward adults and honeymooners.

Officially opened in September of 2023, the Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef consists of 392 rooms spread among a multibuilding resort. With five restaurants, a spa, three pools and many common areas, there is plenty of room to spread out across the property made even sweeter by the fact that guests can wander down to Morningstar Buoy Haus at their leisure to enjoy most of the amenities (except the infinity pool) there, too.