Construction started last month on Marriott Vacation Club's first resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Marriott's Frenchman's Cove on St. Thomas sits on 13 waterfront acres and will have 220 two- and three-bedroom villas. Per-week prices for fee simple deeded ownership range from $14,300 to $70,900, depending on season and floor plan. Opening is scheduled for December 2006.

Marriott says designs of the units will reflect the island's European heritage and strong Danish colonial influences. Villa amenities will include full kitchens with granite counters, washer and dryer, Sony TVs and DVD players. The resort will have three pools, spa, fitness center, pool bar and convenience store.

The property is adjacent to the 504-room Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort.