Carambola Resort to Close End of May for Renovations
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Carambola Resort to Close
End of May for Renovations
M.A. Dworkin
St. Croix - What was once one of the iconic resorts in the Caribbean, the Carambola Beach Resort in St. Croix, is closing down in lieu of a reported $50 million in a sorely needed rebuild and renovation project spearheaded by an internationally known hotel chain.
Although Marriott advertises the Carambola Beach Resort as an unforgettable beachfront hotel, most locals in the know are aware the resort has left its glory days behind. Although it is perhaps one of the most breathtakingly beautiful spots on the island of St. Croix, its reputation has collapsed to the depths of Davy Jones’ locker. Its current owner Davis Bay LLC (linked to The Rubicon Company), and operated as part of the Marriott International brand, has just about forsaken the rough-hewn beauty and now is in the process of abandoning her forever. Davis Bay bought the resort from the Government Employees Retirement System (GERS) in 2019.
Although the resort has had a shaky ownership chronicle in years past, if all goes well, to the rescue is an unnamed international hotel chain with operations in Europe and Canada, that has reportedly deposited funds, and plans to sink $50 million into redeveloping the amazing, northshore, waves-crashing property. It is expected to undergo a complete year-long partial tear-down and rebuild under its new owners.
The hotel will no longer be associated with Marriott as of May 26, 2026, and will be closing down with no more reservations being taken after June 1, 2026. Despite the fact the hotel is currently heavily booked, the new ownership is initiating an expedited timeline to redevelop the property. All the restaurants are currently closed and somewhere around 100 employees will be affected by the shutdown.
‘The View From The Wing’ travel blog recently labeled the resort, Marriott’s worst resort in North America. The blog claims that guests have reported the pool as being grossly neglected, pests in the rooms, dirty common areas, broken and closed amenities and maintenance issues.
The $50 million redevelopment plan is funded in part by Bill 36-0259, currently wheedling its way through the 36th Legislature, an amendment to the Hotel Development Act, that lets developers keep hotel taxes to recoup investments of at least $25 million along with expanding room capacity by at least 25%.
An advisory has been issued that if guests have an upcoming booking past
June 1, 2026, it is highly recommended to contact the resort or their travel agent or check their email for official notifications regarding reservation cancellations.