On the island of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands, the Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa has started renovations.
Owned by Carambola Northwest and managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, the Caribbean resort was originally constructed in 1986 by Lawrence Rockefeller. The lodge style beach retreat’s planned enhancements are designed to complement the property’s location as well as the history of Christopher Columbus who landed on the island in 1493.
The oceanfront retreat already started Phase I of the renovation and has already unveiled new landscaping throughout the 23-acre property. Phase II will start this September, with a planned completion date of December 2017, and will see the revitalization of the resort’s Great House and all of the public areas.
Dallas-based design firm Studio 11 Design is involved in the redesign of the resort—in particular, Lou Verne by Studio 11 Design was commissioned to curate local artifacts. Upon completion of the second phase of the renovation, the property will have curated artifacts from the island, including navigation equipment. The property—which will also pay tribute to local culture—will similarly have interactive artwork throughout, including a “Message in a Bottle” glass shadowbox. Landscaping will include the arrival area, which will have outdoor sculptures from local ruins and artifacts.
The lobby will have a communal check-in table and “Discover” table.
For dining, Saman will have ocean-view terrace dining, as well as an indoor area and lounge area. Saman has native Mahogany woods, along with an island palette of color, reflecting the local Flamboyan and Saman trees, a fusion of reds, oranges, yellows and pinks. The space will similarly have ceiling fans, sculptural chandeliers and lighting fixtures. Meanwhile, Rum Lounge will have rum crates and ancient rum barrels.
A redesign of the 150 villa style suites, housed throughout the island property, is slated for early 2018. The suites will use a color palette including greys and blues. These will similarly have indigenous elements to reflect island lifestyle.
Rick Carrington is the general manager of the resort.
