Frenchman's Reef redevelopment on St. Thomas takes a new turn: Travel Weekly

Hotel management firm Aimbridge Hospitality released an update on the Frenchman's Reef redevelopment plans in St. Thomas, unveiling a new name and concept for the second resort on property.

The Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort, an Autograph Collection Hotel will be the second resort, joining the Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef.

The project is a reimagining of Marriott's original Frenchman's Reef, which has been closed since 2017. Aimbridge had previously announced that there would be two resorts with Marriott International brands: the Westin Beach and the Seaborn at Frenchman's Reef, Autograph Collection.

An Aimbridge spokesperson confirmed that the Seaborn branding has been scrapped, with the new concept "a more accurate reflection of the experience being developed."

Investment in the two-resort project has increased, climbing from an estimated $350 million earlier this year to $425 million.

Slated to open next spring, the Buoy Haus will have 94 guestrooms, including two suites. The property will have a beachfront lobby, 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space and a variety of bars and restaurants, including the cocktail-focused Sandbar, the Salt Shack Beach Bar & Grill and the Tide Pool Cabanas & Bar, located at the resort's infinity-edge oceanfront pool. The Tide Pool will offer private cabanas, poolside service and a swim-up bar with in-water seating.

The Buoy Haus will be connected to the Westin by a shared stretch of Morningstar Beach. Guests at the Buoy Haus will have access to amenities at the Westin, including the pool deck, restaurants and lounges, spa, fitness center, private dock, private beach area and retail outlets.

The 392-room Westin is also expected to open this spring. It will have 72,000square feet of meeting and event space.