Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO), and Margaritaville Hospitality Group, broadly recognized as the hospitality industry leader in delivering fun and escapism, have jointly announced in a press release plans to re-develop 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 in the world.
“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, Hanning said.
The 25-acre property, situated on a thousand-foot stretch of palm-fringed white sand beaches, 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,” Buffet continued.
“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,” Buffet said.
“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!”
Photo Left: John Coblan, Margaritaville CEO, Franz Hanning, President and CEO of WVO, and Jimmy Buffet, unveil plans for the Margaritaville Vacation Club Resort on St. Thomas.
The beachfront 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 begin this summer.
Check out Wyndham Vacation Club timeshare resorts for budget-friendly timeshare rentals around the world.
About Margaritaville
Inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, whose songs evoke a cross-generational yearning for an island adventure, Margaritaville delivers a tropical experience where guests can escape and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of their favorite tropical vacation dreams.