While the promise of two beautiful private beaches might coax you into visiting Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica, you’ll find other reasons to stay. At Half Moon, you will be swept away immediately by true Jamaican hospitality, which includes authentically warm smiles and greetings by name.
With the championship Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf course, a private equestrian center and the country’s top-rated chef on site, perhaps the only reason to remain idle here is to lounge on two miles of white sand beach with a cocktail in hand.
The magnificent open-air lobby is complemented by a direct view of the Caribbean Sea not far beyond. A breezy walkway entices the desire to “free up yourself,” as they say in these parts, with casual seating areas and Lester’s Café serving up world-famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee delights.
The far end of the lobby is your official arrival into paradise. Half Moon’s original west cottages are located to the left and the Hibiscus suites and Half Moon villas to the right.
With the championship Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf course, a private equestrian center and the country’s top-rated chef on site, perhaps the only reason to remain idle here is to lounge on two miles of white sand beach with a cocktail in hand.
The magnificent open-air lobby is complemented by a direct view of the Caribbean Sea not far beyond. A breezy walkway entices the desire to “free up yourself,” as they say in these parts, with casual seating areas and Lester’s Café serving up world-famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee delights.
The far end of the lobby is your official arrival into paradise. Half Moon’s original west cottages are located to the left and the Hibiscus suites and Half Moon villas to the right.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The staff at Half Moon has worked at the property for many years, and the employees clearly love being here.
- Cedar Bar is the heart of this resort, offering a beachfront gathering place with cool blender drinks by day and live jazz or reggae music by night. Bartenders take care of you like you’ve been a regular at this spot for years.
- The resort is consistent in maintaining Jamaican authenticity throughout the property, from the locally handcrafted woodwork, to the children’s village designed to look like a real Jamaican town complete with stories of Anancy, one of the most important characters in Caribbean folklore.
- Treating yourself to any of the Fern Tree Spa offerings should be a priority. The serene ambiance in this spa, and magic hands of practitioners such as Deneisha, will make you forget that you’re anywhere but heaven.
- The Half Moon equestrian center has been an integral part of the resort for nearly 30 years and provides a variety of activities, including jumping, polo, regular rides and the unique Turf and Surf, a ride that includes a swim with the horses in the Caribbean Sea. Equestrian instruction and activities are open to all through advance booking.
Things to Know
- Golf carts and bicycles are available to guests of the Jamaica hotel. Consider using one for the duration of your stay to explore all the expansive property has to offer.
- Guests lodging on the west side of the property may be tempted to stay put owing to the hub of activity and multiple restaurants located just steps away. However, it’s a great idea to venture over to the east side, where you’ll find the swim-up bar, the lap pool, fitness amenities and even more beautiful beach space.
- The manager’s cocktail party is held at the Royal Pavilion every Saturday evening. Go to enjoy a variety of complimentary hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, wines and massage teasers provided by the resort’s Fern Tree Spa. The general manager is always in attendance and makes a point of engaging with each guest.
The Rooms
- All guest suites, cottages and villas are a fusion of modern luxury and old plantation charm. Rich wood furnishings and details are coupled with ultra-sleek, gleaming bathrooms complete with Jacuzzi tubs, glass block showers and marble countertops.
- With a total of 54 pools at the Montego Bay hotel, it’s easy to indulge in an early morning or late-day private swim. Many suites, including the Imperial, have semi-private swimming pools just steps from the front door.
- Every amenity you could wish for can be found in your suite, right down to the little things, such as insect repellent and mosquito vape machines — a necessary feature in the Caribbean.
- The east side of the property features the Villas at Half Moon. These fully staffed, plantation-style villas range from three to seven bedrooms, each offering a private pool, personal catering by a chef, a housekeeper and a butler.
- Scheduled for completion in October 2018, a major expansion offering an additional 57 rooms and suites is under way. This project is being carried out in a strategic way that is not disrupting any current guests or operations at the resort.
The Restaurants
- The Sugar Mill is one of the best dining experiences in Jamaica, featuring the genius creations of top island chef Christopher Golding, who assimilates a little touch of Jamaica into every plated medley, such as the popular wagyu beef perfected by a state-of-the-art charcoal cooking technique, pan-seared escovitch snapper or even a light salad garnished with jerk cashew nuts and breadfruit croutons.
- During the day, you don’t have to leave the beach to get a traditional taste of Jamaica. Moonchies food cart parked right in the sand grills up some fiery and flavorful jerk chicken and pork.
Amenities
Babysitting services
Bar
Gym
House car
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
Rose Hall, Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica
TEL800-626-0592
TEL800-626-0592
TEL876-953-2211
TEL876-953-2211
