It’s official — the above pictured resort has been renamed to “The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef”. And the next-door Morningstar Resort is now named “The Seaborn at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection.” There is great anticipation for these resorts to open. The latest update stated these properties would both open “in the fall”, but further clarification was not given. In checking, neither of these properties are listed on the Marriott.com website yet.
Both St. Thomas properties have been closed since September 2017, when they suffered extensive damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. With their opening, it will positively affect the MVC property Frenchman’s Cove. TEN more restaurants will be added, and 4 more pools — not to mention the Heavenly Spa by Westin that will by a high-end amenity. MVCI has not yet announced whether MVC Owners staying at Frenchman’s Cove will be able to use the pools with no fees. But definitely the restaurants will be open for all guests!
The rebuilding process has been complicated by a change in ownership, and construction delays blamed on Covid-related labor shortages. There have also been branding and name changes, the addition of a proposal to put in breakwaters at the mouth of the bay at Morningstar, and a price tag that has risen dramatically. Presumably, the reopening can take place as scheduled regardless of the status of the breakwater project, which will take about 4 months to complete once started. The project will establish breakwaters at the mouth of the bay at Morningstar Beach, where the water is frequently rough. Proponents intend to replace sand that was washed away by Irma and subsequent storms — a nice enhancement to the beach area for sure!
Cost estimates for the rebuild continue to rise. When the rebuild first began, the estimated cost was announced as $200 million. The latest estimated figure is anticipated to be more than $400 million!
I’ll keep you updated as I receive information about this opening! It will be SWEET for MVC Owners when staying at Frenchman’s Cove! You can read my previous post about these properties, including amazing photos here: Frenchman’s Cove Getting Better!
Will Frenchman’s Cove have access to Frenchman’s Reef as in the past with shuttle service and use of amenities?
We don’t know that yet. Marriott Vacation Club International has not made a statement on that yet. I’ll keep you updated as soon as anything more is know.
When (and how) can we book stays at the new facility for 1st quarter 2023?
They will be listed on Marriott.com when they are available to make reservations. The Autograph Collection hotel next to it is listed on the website, but still can’t be reserved. The Westin is still not listed on the website. Hopefully, it will be soon. Their FaceBook site claims it’s getting close.
From the MARRIOTT.COM site this morning, it says “Now accepting reservations May 15, 2023”:
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sttwi-the-westin-beach-resort-and-spa-at-frenchmans-reef/overview/
Here is the latest promotion website info:
https://frenchmansreefstthomas.com/
From the main page photo at the promotional site above, it looks like the Reef will have a “beach” next to the Cove timeshare. This Reef “Beach” can be seen from the Cove’s webcam:
https://www.earthcam.com/world/virginislands/stthomas/?cam=stthomas
As an owner at the Cove, I hope that Carol’s question about a shuttle from the Cove to the Reef and use of amenities there is answered YES by Marriott and all of the subsidiaries!
Thanks for the insights and links!! I will reach out to the property developer and see if he has an update on sharing amenities with the Cove. He said they were discussing it — and that was a month ago. Just the additional restaurants will be a big plus for Cove guests!!!
Shanna:
This is all about it — yes, Cove owners can use the Reef’s amenities!! And those at the Westin Resort on St. John. I am pretty sure we can also use amenities at the Ritz-Carlton resort and hotel on St. Thomas, too.
https://image.email1.marriott-vacations.com/lib/fea115737565067c73/m/2/67a5bca4-2c5c-4067-87a0-6129ef11c532.pdf
Dave:
I finally got some time to review your links — thanks so much for sharing!!! That is GREAT NEWS that we can use the Westin amenities!!! I’ll be at the Cove in March. It can’t come soon enough.