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 music from the oldest mento band in Jamaica and other acts at night.
- 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 Rooms
Guest suites and cottages, originally owned by the founding families of Half Moon, are a fusion of modern luxury and classic charm. Because of this, Half Moon has been a sought-after hideaway for kings and queens, power brokers and captains of industry for decades.
- With several semi-private pools at the Montego Bay
resort, it is easy to indulge in an early-morning or late-day private swim. Many suites, including the Prestige, have swimming pools just steps from the front door.
Approximately 98 percent of the accommodations are ocean view and mere steps away from the beach.
The widely popular Prestige Ocean Junior Suites, dotting the coastline, were remodeled in 2021 and feature luxury amenities such as claw foot tubs, outdoor showers, local furnishings and art.
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.
Cedar Lounge offers spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and stunning sunsets. This bar serves light fare and a specialty cocktail, the bright, tropical Yellowbird, developed by Half Moon more than 60 years ago.
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
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