Carambola Beach Resort to Take on Renaissance Flag

Marriott International will expand its Caribbean portfolio in mid-2007 with the reflagging of the 151-room former Carambola Beach Resort on St. Croix’s north shore to Marriott’s Renaissance brand. The hotel will be operated by Ocean Properties, a Marriott franchisee.

The Renaissance Carambola Beach Resort will become the destination’s second major branded property –the Divi Carina Beach Resort & Casino is located on the island’s east end.

The Carambola (the name comes from a star-shaped fruit found in the area) opened in the mid-1960s as a Rock Resorts property, was briefly under the Westin banner in the late 1980s, had a short fling as a timeshare operation and is currently undergoing extensive megabuck renovations to its guestrooms, public spaces and restaurants.

The first stage of the renovation project will be completed shortly, while the second stage, which will add 100 new rooms, will be wrapped up in 2009.