Carambola Beach Resort is Becoming Club Med: What Could the Future Hold for St. Croix’s Iconic North Shore Resort?
For decades, Carambola Beach Resort has been one of St. Croix’s most recognizable and beloved destinations. Nestled between lush rainforest-covered hills and the turquoise waters of Davis Bay, the resort’s spectacular setting has long made it a favorite for visitors seeking a quieter, more natural Caribbean escape.
Today, the resort sits closed behind construction fences, but exciting changes are on the horizon.
Carambola Beach Resort is currently undergoing a major $75 million transformation and is expected to reopen in late 2027 as a brand-new Club Med resort. The project marks Club Med’s return to the United States and represents one of the largest tourism investments in St. Croix in recent years.
While many details of the finished resort have yet to be announced, the redevelopment has sparked plenty of excitement and speculation about what the future may hold for this iconic North Shore property.
A Resort with a Rich History
Originally opened in 1986, Carambola Beach Resort quickly became one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive beachfront resorts. Built on the grounds of a historic sugar plantation, the property blended tropical landscaping, open-air architecture, and villa-style accommodations with one of the most beautiful settings in the Virgin Islands.
Guests arrived to a breezy open lobby that framed views of the Caribbean Sea. Meandering pathways wound through tropical gardens toward spacious suites, restaurants, pools, and the beach beyond.
Like much of St. Croix, the resort faced significant challenges following Hurricane Maria in 2017. Although renovations allowed the property to reopen, the resort never fully returned to its former prominence. The announcement of Club Med’s acquisition and redevelopment has given many residents and past visitors reason to be optimistic about its future.
Why Carambola Is the Perfect Fit for Club Med
If Club Med was searching for a property that embodies the best of the Caribbean, it would be hard to find a better match.
The resort occupies a stunning stretch of beachfront at Davis Bay, one of St. Croix’s most scenic and secluded beaches. Unlike many Caribbean resorts built in heavily developed tourist areas, Carambola feels immersed in nature. Rainforest-covered hills rise behind the property while the Caribbean Sea stretches endlessly before it.
Guests can walk directly from the beach to hiking trails, explore nearby tide pools, dive world-famous reefs, or spend the afternoon watching sunsets paint the horizon.
The location already offers the ingredients for the type of immersive destination experience that Club Med is known for around the world.
What Might Change?
While official details remain limited, it’s fun to imagine how Club Med could reimagine the property.
We expect the resort’s greatest asset, its natural beauty, to remain front and center. The open-air architecture, tropical landscaping, and effortless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces have always been part of Carambola’s charm.
Rather than reinventing the resort completely, Club Med may choose to modernize and elevate these existing strengths.
Modernized Guest Accommodations
Carambola’s spacious villa-style suites have always offered more room than many traditional hotel rooms. Renovations could introduce updated interiors, modern amenities, refreshed bathrooms, and contemporary Caribbean-inspired design while preserving the generous layouts guests appreciated.
Expanded Dining Experiences
Club Med resorts are known for offering multiple dining options, and visitors may see a wider variety of restaurants and culinary experiences than the property previously offered.
We can imagine everything from casual beachside dining and poolside cocktails to elevated evening experiences featuring local seafood, Caribbean flavors, and internationally inspired cuisine.
Enhanced Pool and Recreation Areas
The ocean-view pool has always been one of the resort’s most photographed features. A redesigned pool complex with upgraded cabanas, expanded lounge areas, and enhanced food and beverage service would fit naturally within the Club Med model.
Additional recreational facilities, wellness programming, fitness activities, and family-friendly amenities could further transform the guest experience.
New Activities and Excursions
One of Club Med’s strengths is creating activity-rich vacations. Given Carambola’s location, guests could potentially enjoy organized snorkeling, paddleboarding, hiking excursions, cultural experiences, wellness programs, and family activities designed around the unique environment of St. Croix.
The Setting Has Always Been the Star
No matter what changes arrive with the renovation, one thing is unlikely to change: the setting.
The famous coastline at Davis Bay remains as breathtaking as ever.
The beach stretches beneath green hillsides. Trade winds keep temperatures comfortable throughout the year. Sunsets routinely stop guests in their tracks. The sounds of waves and rustling palms create the kind of atmosphere that many Caribbean destinations try to replicate but few achieve naturally.
This is the magic that has drawn visitors to Carambola for decades.
Exploring Beyond the Resort
One of Carambola’s greatest advantages is its proximity to some of St. Croix’s most popular attractions.
Nearby experiences include:
- Hiking to the Annaly Bay Tide Pools
- Diving and snorkeling at Cane Bay
- Visiting the North Shore’s scenic beaches
- Playing a round at Carambola Golf Club
- Ziplining through the rainforest
- Kayaking at Salt River Bay
- Exploring Frederiksted’s historic waterfront, restaurants, and shops
- Enjoying live music, local culture, and island events
Whether visitors choose adventure, relaxation, or a little of both, the resort serves as an ideal base for exploring the island.
Looking Ahead to the Launch
For many St. Croix residents and visitors, Carambola Beach Resort holds decades of memories. Weddings, family vacations, sunset dinners, beach days, and special celebrations have all unfolded against the backdrop of Davis Bay.
As construction continues, anticipation is growing about what Club Med’s vision will bring to this legendary property.
While we’ll have to wait until the official unveiling to see exactly what the finished resort looks like, one thing seems certain: the combination of Club Med’s global brand and Carambola’s extraordinary location has the potential to create one of the Caribbean’s most exciting resort destinations.
We’ll be following the transformation closely and sharing updates as more details become available.
A Look Back at Carambola
As you browse the photos below, take a moment to remember the Carambola Beach Resort many visitors came to know and love: the open-air lobby, the ocean-view pool, the beachfront pathways, the tropical gardens, and those unforgettable sunsets over Davis Bay.
The next chapter is being written now, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.
The resort is situated right on the beach at Davis Bay, is built on a historic sugar plantation, surrounded by rainforest, offering endless views of the Caribbean Sea and amazing sunsets. Â
It’s the famous coastline and gorgeous views of Davis Bay that people love so much. The breeze is glorious, and the sunsets are spectacular.
The property has always been special, and we are excited to see how Club Med presents the resort after the extensive renovations.
We expect it to keep the breezy, tropical landscaping and open-air architecture that welcomes you in, as you flow easily from lobby to restaurants, from pool to lounge, from land to the beach and to the sea ahead. Â
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Ocean View Pool with Cabanas
Lounge at the ocean view pool and soak up some sun, or reserve a cabana to stay cool in the shade. You can also relax in the poolside hot tub. Grab a bite or a cocktail at the casual restaurant and lounge adjacent to the pool, or head straight to the beach. Choices.
On-Site Fine Dining
Renovations will include a signature restaurant, where you can savor Continental and Caribbean fare, including the freshest local seafood.  Caribbean cocktails, and a wine selection to compliment the seasonal fare make for a memorable experience.Â
Seating will be available indoors or outdoors, al-fresco on the terrace overlooking the Caribbean Sea.Â
A fresh new aesthetic, sunset views, dramatic and intimate ambiance, when paired with your favorite company make this location very inviting. Â
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On-Site Casual Dining
Nearby to Carambola Beach Resort
Sweet Bottom Dive Center
Cane Bay BeachÂ
The Landing Beach Bar
Carambola Zip Line
Guided hikes to Annaly Bay
Salt River Kayak Tours and Rentals
Hiking, biking, live music, and fun people.
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Jennie Ogden, Editor – Last Updated: June 2026
