Frenchman’s Reef has officially opened Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection. The resort is a component of a $425 million reconstruction project at Frenchman’s Reef, designed to provide a tranquil island getaway and an outdoor paradise only steps from St. Thomas’s white sand beaches and azure oceans.
The hotel, which is run by Aimbridge Hospitality, has elegant designs by architects Kollin Altomare and The Johnson Studio as well as innovative culinary and public space concepts from Sixteenfifty Creative Intelligence. The new resort is the most recent addition to the Autograph Collection Hotels, a diverse group of independent hotels hand-selected for their creativity and passion in every aspect.
“Today marks an inspiring transformation here at Frenchman’s Reef as we are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection, after a meticulous and sensitive rebuild effort,” said Kurt Wiksten, Managing Director of Frenchman’s Reef. “This moment has been a long time in the making and it reflects the immense dedication of our development team, who worked diligently to craft a brand-new island experience for travelers filled with bespoke amenities, striking design, delicious culinary journeys, and plenty of adventure. We look forward for guests to discover the experience within.”
“We are delighted to introduce Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection, into our distinct and carefully crafted Caribbean resort portfolio. The property’s curated and unique offerings will inspire travelers throughout their intimate Caribbean getaway to St. Thomas, and we look forward to welcoming them to enjoy an immersive and diverse experience at Frenchman’s Reef,” said Rob Smith, Divisional President, Full Service at Aimbridge Hospitality.
Ideal for those looking for a little privacy, this seaside haven welcomes visitors into an open-air lobby where they start their adventure with free coconut water for a cooling island elixir and are encouraged to meet up, mix with others, and socialize while taking in the breathtaking views. Buoy Haus combines the greatest aspects of the marine environment into a luxuriant, relaxing hospitality experience, in classic St. Thomas fashion. The resort has 94 well-furnished guest rooms, two of which are suites, that offer a combination of modern beachfront and oceanside amenities. With luxurious, pillow-top beds, cool cotton linen, amenities thought out for the demands of the modern traveler, and easy access to Morningstar Beach, which is only a few feet away, all rooms immerse guests in the cool comfort of their own little getaway.
Culinary adventurers can embark on a mouthwatering food and drink tour that starts on the beach. Buoy Haus has created a rejuvenating beach experience, inviting visitors to pair their unhindered leisure with Salt Shack Beach Bar & Grill. The restaurant offers an Instagrammable ambiance and the ideal spot to soak in the sun with delectable, approachable cuisine, refreshing drinks, attentive service, and a soundtrack of precisely picked music to complement a day in the sun. It is situated in an affluent setting with an unpretentious vibe. An oceanfront beach and beverage experience is provided by Sandbar. Visitors may take it all in here while sipping on an island favorite like the pink “Painkiller,” sitting back and admiring a breathtaking sunset over Frenchman’s Reef.
Tide Pool Cabanas & Bar offers private cabanas and poolside service, making it a soothing, restorative location to while away a perfectly wonderful afternoon. Isla Blue gives a seaside area a tropical bohemian chic feel. Isla Blue, which boasts a Michelin-Star executive chef, offers innovative, fresh island-inspired cuisine from the Caribbean to Mexico. It also has a seductive bar that offers inventive takes on traditional cocktails made with fresh local fruits and herbs, a temperature-controlled wine room with a long list of wines, champagnes, and reserve selections, and a premium sipping tequila selection.
The Palm Court, a leisurely and enjoyable social space with a hammock court, welcoming lounging spaces with picturesque views, Caribbean-style food and beverage huts, games, and more, adds beachside activities to the Buoy Haus experience. Along with complimentary non-motorized watersports designed by RED Hospitality and Leisure, guests can make use of a range of aquatic activities. These amenities include a fleet of Hobie Cats and kayaks, an Aquabana Lounger, other beach accessories, and snorkel gear to explore the surrounding clear Caribbean seas. A fleet of private boats that can be rented for day and night trips around the nearby islands and are accessible at Frenchman’s Reef’s private dock further enhances the aquatic experience. A variety of excursions await, including the coveted member of the fleet: the Flying Frenchman, a private luxury catamaran with a capacity of up to 125 people for daytime snorkel tours, sunset cruises, and more. There are several boats available to serve groups small and large.
When The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef opens soon after Buoy Haus, guests of Buoy Haus will also have full access to all of the unique amenities offered there. In addition to the 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space at Buoy Haus, amenities include a large pool deck with three oceanview pools, a pool bar, and cabanas, a variety of destination-inspired restaurants and lounges, 13 treatment rooms at Heavenly Spa by WestinTM, a WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, a private adventure beach with plenty of programming for all ages, retail shopping establishments, and 72,000 square feet of meeting and event space. There will be a common section of Morningstar Beach that will link the two resorts.
For more information about Buoy Haus and to book a stay, please visit www.frenchmansreefstthomas.com.
