Westin Seashore Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef assessment

Tips on how to guide The Westin Seashore Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef

An unbeatable location not too removed from city

Swim in not 1, not 2, however 3 ocean-facing swimming pools

That is proper — glimmering swimming pools abound at this sprawling seaside resort. Westin company may have entry to the three Westin swimming pools, and there actually is an choice for everybody. The adults-only infinity pool, which is the smallest of the three, overlooks the ocean and includes a full-service swim-up bar.

The primary pool is the most important one, and is surrounded by the resort’s signature white-and-orange umbrellas and reservable cabanas — and there are even personal, air-conditioned indoor rooms you possibly can lease just some steps from the pool deck for an escape from the solar when you do not need to go all the best way again to your visitor room. This pool is the only option for households, because it includes a splash zone for the kiddos.

The third pool is the adults-only Serenity Pool, situated exterior the spa and overlooking the harbor. That is the quietest pool (I hardly noticed anybody utilizing it throughout my keep) and includes a chilly plunge, a scorching tub, umbrella-covered chaise lounges and a smaller cabana space.

Word that there’s an infinity pool proper on the seashore at Morningstar Buoy Haus, however this pool is reserved just for Morningstar company.

Spa-seekers might be in good palms (actually)

The Westin model is thought for its signature Heavenly Spas, and my time on the one at Frenchman’s Reef was far and away probably the greatest components of my keep. I appreciated that the spa makes use of merchandise from an area, woman-owned model, Good T’ings.

The roughly 10,000-square-foot area, tucked right into a ground-level nook of the harbor-facing facet of the property, has a lightweight and ethereal leisure room overlooking the Serenity Pool.

Visitors can unwind in a floating chair or stretch out on an opulent chaise lounge whereas having fun with a choice of natural teas or infused waters earlier than heading into one of many 14 soothing therapy rooms (one in every of which is a {couples} therapy room).

Remedies embrace traditional leisure massages and facials, in addition to extra cutting-edge and domestically impressed therapies like an natural enzyme peel facial or a seaweed physique therapy. Salon companies like haircuts, make-up and waxing will quickly be obtainable, however the property’s salon continues to be underneath building.

After a morning spent bobbing within the Caribbean Sea, I opted for the hourlong scorching stone therapeutic massage, which put me right into a euphoric post-swim state of leisure because of the nice and cozy basalt stones, knowledgeable strain and soothing important oils.

Following my therapy, I wasted no time slipping into the side-by-side sauna and steam room (each the lads’s and girls’s locker rooms have a set).

There’s loads of area to roam

Widespread areas proliferate on the Westin Seashore Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef. The expansive foyer, which options undulating couches, distinctive hanging lighting fixtures, textured partitions and plenty of greenery (together with a dwelling plant wall), is a well-liked place for company to hang around. There’s additionally a handy hydration station the place you possibly can replenish water bottles and a library with books, handmade pottery and native knickknacks.

Each route appears to result in a water-facing vista, so if you’re strolling between areas, there are nearly all the time views in a number of instructions. Whereas many company come to the property for trip, there have been additionally a number of convention and occasion areas, smaller work rooms and locations to make a cellphone name close to the foyer.

Rooms and suites function pared-back decor, lovely views and (typically) balconies

There are a handful of room and suite sorts on the Westin: garden-view rooms, partial ocean-view rooms, ocean-view rooms, terrace ocean-view rooms, ocean-view suites, bi-level ocean-view suites and one Governors Suite.

Earlier than my journey, I envisioned waking as much as a sweeping panorama from a non-public balcony, and that’s precisely what I received with the ocean-view suite, which includes a bed room with a king mattress; a separate dwelling space with a pullout couch, tv and desk; a full lavatory; and — the cherry on high — a sea-facing balcony with two separate seating areas and hanging views of the yacht-dotted harbor and luxurious mountains of St. Thomas.

The suite felt, like a lot of the remainder of the property, filled with pure mild, earth tones and marine motifs. Instantly upon getting into, the toilet was to the left, after which a brief corridor led into the spacious front room, which consisted of a double-door closet, a desk space, a pullout sofa with a espresso desk and two chairs and a tv set over a console which held a espresso machine and minifridge.

The double-door closet in the lounge was the primary storage space of the suite. There have been cabinets and loads of area to hold clothes, however I discovered it odd that there was no folding baggage holder. This closet can be the place towels, further rest room paper, a hair dryer, the protected and a steamer have been stored, in addition to further robes.

By way of a door to the appropriate was the bed room with glass sliding doorways to the balcony from each the lounge and the bed room, permitting for ample mild to pour into the suite all through the day. Suite sizes vary from a beneficiant 625 sq. ft to 820 sq. ft, and due to all of the pure mild and the partitions of glass doorways, I might say they really feel even larger. The balcony had a cushty sofa with a cushioned chair on one facet and a little bit desk with smaller chairs on the opposite, tailored for having fun with a morning espresso or nightcap overlooking the harbor.

The decor all through was tasteful and minimal, actually drawing the attention to the floor-to-ceiling views of the water and mountains past. Wall artwork and cute accents impressed by the pure environment included a serene seashore portray hung above the sofa, bronze floral wall sconces in the lounge and a seashell mirror within the bed room. The colour palette all through the area was impartial, that includes many earth tones and ranging patterns harking back to ocean waves and sand simply past the suite.

The mattress was extraordinarily comfy because of the signature Westin Heavenly Mattress and featured 4 fluffy pillows and a comforter, although I did not want it, given the 80-degree temperatures exterior.

Every bedside desk had a small lamp, and one facet had an alarm clock console with USB-A and USB-C shops. There have been customary energy shops on the wall behind every bedside desk. A big 65-inch flat-screen TV (the identical because the one in the lounge) held on the wall simply in entrance of the mattress.

Bogs are easy however enough

Given the scale of my suite — the dwelling area felt cavernous, even — I might anticipated a big lavatory, but it surely was really fairly small. Regardless of this, it was superb for my wants, contemplating I spent most of my time within the suite ensconced in one of many balcony’s two cozy seating areas.

The lavatory had a shiny granite countertop that ran the size of a protracted mirror, which was bordered with LED strips. There have been two sinks; a basket holding vainness units, washcloths and Westin model lotion; and two water glasses. Beneath the counter was a set of six picket drawers, although once I tried to open one, the deal with got here off. This gave the impression to be the one drawer-style cupboard space within the suite, although I did not use it as a result of it felt finicky. There have been customary U.S. energy shops on both facet of the countertop.

Reverse the counter was the white-tiled walk-in bathe with a rainfall-style showerhead and a detachable wand showerhead. Shampoo, conditioner and physique wash, affixed to the wall, have been Westin-branded and got here in a nice white tea perfume. Subsequent to the bathe was a small wash closet with a separate door, that includes the bathroom and a small trash can.

Various eating choices

Between the Westin and the Morningstar Buoy Haus, there are eight eating places: 5 on the Westin and three at Buoy Haus. Remember the fact that some are seashore or poolside bars, not essentially sit-down eating places, and one is a grab-and-go fashion cafe and comfort retailer (Frenchman’s Roast). Top-of-the-line components of eating at both the Westin and Morningstar Buoy Haus is the truth that a great portion of the eateries are both fully exterior or provide out of doors seating, placing you as near the seashore, or at the very least views of it, as doable.

For breakfast, I attempted Shorebird (situated on the Westin) a number of instances. This buffet-style restaurant sits in a brightly lit area overlooking the ocean and presents breakfast and brunch till 11 a.m. ($34 for the breakfast buffet, a la carte gadgets priced individually). Remember the fact that it is one in every of two sit-down breakfast choices (the opposite, Salt Shack, being down at Morningstar Buoy Haus), so it’s standard with Westin company, and the road for a desk could be very lengthy — at some point, I needed to wait about 20 minutes to sit down down.

The breakfasts right here did not blow me away, however they have been simply superb for getting the day began, and the espresso was excellent. There have been loads of pastries, contemporary fruit and selections of scorching meals like eggs Benedict, bacon, sausage and waffles. Nonetheless, I seen that my picks from the new meals part weren’t precisely scorching, extra lukewarm, however the meals nonetheless tasted good.

My favourite meal was at Sugarfin, the sushi and rum bar. Right here, you possibly can sit indoors close to the bustling bar or out on the patio overlooking the harbor, which was an particularly pretty place to be throughout sundown and properly into the night when the water under sparkled underneath the moon, and the mountains past twinkled with lights from personal properties. From the menu, I sampled yellowfin tuna poke nachos ($22), a Caribbean roll consisting of tuna, unagi and jalapeno ($22) and a scrumptious mai tai ($14). The seafood was extremely contemporary, and all of the flavors got here collectively superbly.

I extremely advocate visiting the bar at Sugarfin, which is just gorgeous — and the place to be at nighttime for those who’re seeking to socialize.

The opposite can’t-miss restaurant, in my guide, is Luna Mar, which presents coastal Mediterranean delicacies and places company outdoor, proper above the 2 most important swimming pools and with a main view of the ocean and the sundown. On the hunt for extra seafood, I opted for the contemporary mussels ($26) as an appetizer — the broth was scrumptious and savory and got here with a garlicky toast level — adopted by a flavorful roasted native younger hen served with sauteed kale, fingerling potatoes and creme fraiche ($30). All the components tasted contemporary.

The resort health club is value a go to

It may appear foolish to think about spending time inside whereas visiting this slice of Caribbean paradise however belief me once I say that the health club is value a go to for many who need to break a sweat away from the solar. The spacious room overlooks the harbor and mountains, and every time I went, it was fully (or almost) empty, that means that I had loads of room to unfold out and my decide of machines and weights. Plus, there’s one thing particular about understanding in a health club with brand-new tools.

Simply exterior the health club, you will see tennis and pickleball courts, which could be reserved within the foyer.

The explanation why The Westin Seashore Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef may not be for you

Whereas this St. Thomas gem is simply that, a gem, it nonetheless may not be for each kind of traveler.

Accessibility 

The Westin Seashore Resort & Spa has fairly just a few options for vacationers with accessibility wants and the grounds are typically navigable through wheelchair, apart from reaching the dock space. Spacious, wheelchair-friendly elevators are situated all through the property on each flooring, and the resort swimming swimming pools have self-operating lifts and sloped entrances. Service animals are welcome at this resort, too. Widespread areas such because the health club, enterprise heart, spa, assembly heart and eating places are accessible and may accommodate wheelchairs.

Accessible visitor rooms function bogs with bathtub seize rails and bathtub seats, roll-in showers, switch showers, adjustable hand-held bathe wands and bathroom seats at wheelchair peak. Different accessibility options embrace alarm clock phone ringers, closed-caption TVs, flashing door titties, hearing-accessible kits, lowered deadbolts on doorways and lowered electrical shops. To make sure you get lodging that meet your wants, contact the resort on to make your reserving.

Testing of The Westin Seashore Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef

A visit to St. Thomas will solely be sweetened by reserving a room or suite at this lovely new Westin, a property value planning a visit round if you would like direct seashore and ocean entry, a resort brimming with facilities and ample on- and off-site actions. Whether or not you are seeking to guide a toes-in-the-sand trip with the children or a grown-up getaway with mates, the varied kinds of room and suite choices and the entry to the close by sister property make this an interesting property for a lot of several types of vacationers and journeys.

You possibly can spend the whole period of your keep, as I did, on the property and really feel like there’s loads to do (and eat!), or you possibly can guide taxis or a automotive to wander farther afield. These with a bigger funds ought to completely plan a ship journey through the resort’s exercise desk, as getting out on the water is the easiest way to discover the encircling coves, islands and sweetness that St. Thomas presents. Vacationers who’ve missed Frenchman’s Reef will delight at this contemporary tackle a traditional vacation spot, and newcomers will possible go away desirous to plan their subsequent journey again to this heavenly nook of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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