A Day at the Marriott Frenchmans Cove
In the recent past, the Marriott was one of the biggest and most sought-after resorts on St. Thomas. It had three tiers and options for accommodations. Whether you owned a timeshare, booked it as a regular hotel room, or wanted a more home-like stay on the beach- the Marriott had you covered. Unfortunately, since the 2017 hurricanes, things have changed. Most of Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star were severely damaged in the storms and has not been up and running since.
The Marriott Cove, which is their timeshare option, is the only available place to stay. But don’t worry, booking at the Cove leaves little to be desired. Located on the southern side of the island, a stone’s throw away from Havensite which is jam-packed with shopping bars and restaurants is the private gem that is the Marriott Frenchman’s Cove. There is no traffic around the resort, except for those staying and of course, a taxi for your transportation needs. When you arrive to be checked in, your vacation has begun. The local, friendly staff is welcoming and excited to have you. As you and your luggage are escorted via golf cart to your room, you become engulfed with pastel-colored houses. The island vibes set in and you have a view of the large pool and of course the crystal blue ocean.
As you make yourself comfortable in your Air Conditioned suite with a full kitchen and balcony. If you need a couple hours to recoup from traveling these rooms are not a bad place to do so. Bring along some DVD’s, (or you can rent some from the Marriott), a puzzle or anything to make you feel right at home. In our opinion, you won’t want to be in the room for long, there’s ALWAYS something happening at The Cove. The day you check in, the resort is buzzing with local vendors of jewelry and other treasures- here’s your opportunity to get those souvenirs done, and you don’t even have to leave the resort.
The Sunset Cove Poolside Bar and Grill is located right off the pool, so it’s the perfect place to grab a burger in your bathing suit, but separated enough that you can but on your island finest and enjoy a nice dinner. Make sure you’re first in line at the bar for Happy Hour because it’s two for one cocktails. Yes, you heard that right, because no one can drink only one Rum Punch! Monday night, make sure you hang by the resort, the welcome BBQ is in full swing and you won’t want to miss out. A full buffet of pulled pork, coleslaw, salad and amaretto bread pudding, and that’s just the beginning! Not your cup of tea? Find a table and the fantastic staff comes to you with mini sliders, YUM! Live music performed by local band Lourdes and the Switch makes for a memorable night. They play a little bit of everything, you’ll have to get up and dance.
Days at the Cove are simply the best. You have to option of amazing Infinity Edge pool or beach, right there at the resort. The pool is spacious and inviting, you can choose from an array of lounge chairs, you never have to worry you won’t get a seat. Our advice, pick one that sits in the water so you can instantly cool down from that hot Caribbean sun. By the pool, there is something for everyone. The waterslide and the kids’ activity center will keep the little ones busy all day. The pool deck is fully equipped with giant Jenga and shuffleboard- but keep up to date of the array of activities like tie-dying t-shirts!
Adults, we’ve got you covered too- there are daily pool activities like bingo, trivia, and Dive for Rum. Most games resulting in a bottle of our local Cruzan Rum. Make that day by the pool a little more fun by ordering our Voodoo Juice served in your own keepsake bucket! If you want to keep relaxing our talented bartending staff will come to you with their rum concoctions or specialty shots. Make use of our whirlpool hot tub or our 24-hour fitness center to start or end of your day.
If the beach is more your speed, it is literally just a few steps away waiting for you. Umbrellas, lounge chairs, and even floating mats are available to make your beach day comfortable and fun. The Cove also offers ocean activities day and night such as stand up paddle board yoga for you early risers, or night kayaking to see the ocean glow in the dark.
The Cove takes every measure to make you feel welcome and truly lends itself as your home for your stay. There are grills and picnic tables on the property so you can have your own cookout whenever you like. If you need a bottle of wine or coffee for your room, the Marketplace on the pool deck is fully equipped with everything you might need, or something you didn’t know you needed- shop away! It will be hard to leave the resort when you are having so much fun but you’ll have to be sure to get out and see the beautiful beaches, local shopping and restaurants and everything else beautiful St. Thomas has to offer. They are happy to make any suggestion catering to the days and nights you want to experience on the island. Even better, they will call a taxi for you to get you where you need to go. Even if island hopping isn’t in your travel plans, you might find it worthwhile to head out on The Cat, which is their own catamaran for a sunset sail or a snorkeling excursion.
As the end of the week approaches enjoy their Sunday Brunch buffet before you go. There’s no other way to finish out vacation like chicken and waffles and a mimosa. The Cove, seemingly unaffected by two category 5 hurricanes is the perfect place to spend your week’s vacation. Getting to know beautiful St. Thomas or spend a week of total relaxation, whichever you choose, the Marriott Frenchman’s Cove has you covered.
Kelsey Klos is a resident of St. Thomas, Mama, Maker and Blogger. She specializes is social media marketing with a graphic design background and passion to write and create. You can shop her handmade items on Etsy (klosandco) and see more of her blog at Klosandco.com
