Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Beach Resort

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

After several years of restoration, reconstruction and reimagination, Frenchman’s Reef has once again opened its doors, welcoming guests to beautiful St. Thomas. Frenchman's Reef includes two state-of-the-art hotels, The Westin Beach Resort & Spa and Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort, Autograph Collection. The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry worked alongside Fortress Investment Group, Kollin Altomare Architects and 1650 to design multiple venues within the breathtaking resort, including six of the nine onsite restaurants and bars, as well as the inviting lobby space at The Westin.

The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef, which opened in May 2023, sits at the highest point on the property. Influenced by the Caribbean Sea, volcanic-formed terra and wisps of St. Thomas skies, the design of the Westin lobby has a regional, organic lens. The isle’s Night Blooming Cereus, a spectacular cactus that blooms a single bloom, is native to the area and inspired a custom, hand-made bas relief plaster sculpture behind the reception desks – the focal point of the space.

Originally settled by the Dutch, St. Thomas is a sprawling tropical island contrasted with European design aesthetics. We played on the Dutch inspiration throughout the design language, sprinkling these touches throughout each of the spaces by using white oak millwork alongside warm white tones, as well as hints of a signature Dutch blue hue layered throughout the design. The original tall, old world, white oak paneled doors were refurbished and serve as guests’ first welcome to the property.

The Cooper Carry-designed dining spaces throughout Frenchman’s Reef include Sugarfin Rum Bar, serving sushi, poke and locally distilled rum; Shorebird, a family-friendly breakfast and brunch buffet; Luna Mar, a coastal mediterranean, chef-driven dinner destination; The Edge Bar, a swim-up, full-service bar off the Frenchman’s infinity pool; Salt Shack, a beach bar and grill; and Tide Pool, the cabanas and bar at Buoy Haus.