Orlando, Fla.—Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO) and Margaritaville Hospitality Group have jointly announced plans to redevelop the former Grand Beach Palace Resort, located on the northeast side of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Wyndham St. Thomas, a Margaritaville Vacation Club resort, is anticipated to open in late 2014 and will be the first resort of its kind.
“There’s no lifestyle brand in the world that better represents what happens on vacation than Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville,” said Wyndham Vacation Ownership’s president and chief executive officer, Franz Hanning. “We’re excited to partner with Jimmy in creating an experience like no other, in a place that offers the perfect setting for the ultimate vacation escape.”
The 25-acre property, situated on a thousand-foot stretch of beach, will be the flagship property of the newly announced Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham. “The lights of St. Thomas are no longer twenty miles west. I am back,” said Jimmy Buffett. “Like many sailors, I have at one time called Charlotte Amalie homeport. The Virgin Islands, and the waters that surround them, netted me many memories that became songs and stories, and those memories are still with me today. That is why I am thrilled with the vision of Franz Hanning and the people of Wyndham who have brought Margaritaville Vacation Club full circle to St. Thomas. Now I really have a great excuse to get here more often. I look forward to working with Wyndham and our friends on the island to make this project not only succeed, but be a landmark in the Virgin Islands — Let the fin begin.”
The property will undergo renovations in phases throughout the next three years, including the conversion of its 290 existing hotel rooms into 262 fully furnished condominium-style timeshare units. The décor, design, and overall vibe of the renovation will reflect the Margaritaville brand. From site amenities, activities and common areas to food and beverage options, the guests of the property will be fully immersed in the brand’s escapism and island lifestyle.
Current plans call for construction to commence this summer and is expected to create 125 full-time jobs.
