Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Beach Resort

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Set high above the rugged coastline and extending toward the Caribbean Sea, the iconic Frenchman’s Reef resorts overlook the picturesque Pacquereau Bay of St. Thomas. The expansive property encompasses two distinct yet connected hotels, The Westin Beach Resort & Spa and Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort, Autograph Collection, along with numerous coastal-inspired restaurants and bars.

After a six-year closure following devastating hurricane damage and the disruption of the global pandemic, the property reopened as an upgraded, comfort-forward island retreat. The reimagined resort invites guests on a wellness journey encompassing open-air gathering spaces, poolside relaxation and globally inspired dining.

Project Team

View Bio

Anita Summers

Leadership

project scope

Westin Lobby Renovation + 6 restaurants

design services

Architecture, Interior Design

Studios

Hospitality Interior Design, The Johnson Studio, Restaurants

CLient

Fortress Investment Group

Reimagining an Iconic Caribbean Resort

The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry collaborated with Fortress Investment Group, Kollin Altomare Architects and 1650 to transform multiple destinations across the resort. The team designed The Westin’s 7,500-square-foot lobby and six of the nine onsite restaurants and bars, creating connected guest experiences influenced by the island’s cultural heritage, tropical landscape and breathtaking coastal setting.

A Lobby Shaped by Land and Sea

Situated at the highest point of the property, The Westin welcomes guests with an open, inviting lobby inspired by the Caribbean Sea, volcanic terrain and wisps of the St. Thomas sky. The regional, organic design draws from the island’s diverse plant life, which ranges from thorny flowering cacti to vividly colored orchids.

A custom, handmade bas-relief plaster sculpture inspired by the native night-blooming cereus creates a dramatic focal point behind the reception desks. Organic, luminescent pendants guide guests through the lobby like jellyfish drifting through the ocean, while a living green wall formed in the likeness of the three U.S. Virgin Islands brings the local landscape indoors. On the opposite side, the lobby opens to views of the sparkling sea and the warm Caribbean breeze.

Coastal Dining Destinations

The Johnson Studio designed six food and beverage venues across the two resorts, carefully curating each as a purposeful extension of the tropical environment. Natural woods, artisan materials, rich blues and locally influenced details give every destination its own personality while creating a cohesive experience across Frenchman’s Reef.

Restaurants and Bars at Frenchman’s Reef

Sugarfin Rum Bar
Located just off The Westin lobby, Sugarfin opens onto a spacious terrace overlooking the water and mountainous island terrain. Sugarcane, molasses, and the midnight blue of the bay inspired the design palette. Dark ebony wood and warm bronze mirrors surround the rum collection, while custom glass reeds evoke growing sugarcane. Outdoor lounge groupings, tropical foliage, tiki torches, and fire tables create an inviting setting overlooking the Caribbean.

Shorebird
Designed to provide a refreshing start to the day, Shorebird is filled with natural light and soothing coastal colors. Monolithic stone buffets, handmade basket pendants, white oak, turquoise Venetian plaster, natural upholstery, and coral-inspired artwork establish a relaxed setting for breakfast and brunch.

Luna Mar
The moon and sea inspired this open-air Mediterranean restaurant and bar at The Westin. Deep navy tones contrast with lighter stone countertops, while custom lighting and hand-painted Moroccan zellige tile bring texture and artistry to the waterfront dining experience.

The Edge Bar
This full-service swim-up bar overlooks the Caribbean from The Westin’s infinity pool. A terrazzo bar top and a blue-and-white palette reflect the surrounding water and the island’s natural beauty.

Salt Shack
Located on the beach at Buoy Haus, Salt Shack pairs a relaxed bar-and-grill experience with soaring ceilings, white-painted beams, and natural wood latticework. An acacia bar top and locally made terrazzo introduce warmth and a distinctly island character.

Tide Pool
Tide Pool brings private cabanas and an intimate bar experience to the pool at Buoy Haus. Terrazzo surfaces and blue-and-white hues echo the turquoise water, creating a serene retreat beside the Caribbean.

Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Beach Resort

Reimagining an Iconic Caribbean Resort

A Lobby Shaped by Land and Sea

Coastal Dining Destinations

Restaurants and Bars at Frenchman’s Reef

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Ámbar Restaurante

La Perla

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James F. Martin Inn at Clemson University