about jamaica
A destination in itself, set on 400 acres of manicured grounds with two miles of beachfront.
We have individually-appointed rooms and suites, most of which have views of the Caribbean Sea. We also offer villas, Rose Hall Villas, available as 5-, 6- and 7-bedroom villas.
All of our guests, as well as those of Rose Hall Villas, can enjoy the extensive facilities of this destination, which include the largest award-winning spa oasis in Jamaica, an 18-hole par-72 championship golf course, our own equestrian centre with 28 horses and the Sugar Mill, awarded as Jamaica’s best restaurant.
As a discerning traveller, you will enjoy the luxury of space and tranquility we have to offer. Imagine your first morning taking in the panoramic view of the horizon, and watching the sunrise having just concluded yoga meditation in our overwater bungalow. Then, cycle to the Seagrape Terrace for breakfast before beginning a day of whatever you want.
Whether you choose to lounge on the beach, play a round tennis or golf, visit a local art gallery, or go horse riding along the beach, your days at Half Moon are yours to spend in any way you wish.
GARDENS & NATURE
Half Moon has many unique and special features, such as its abundant and lush gardens and varied wildlife.
Spread across 400 acres of grounds that were once part of a sugar plantation, the gardens have been meticulously cared for over the past 60 years.
Stroll along the pathways of Bougainvillaea, Oleander and Poinciana and look up at the majestic Washingtonian Palms that can grow up to 75 feet.
Explore the natural oasis of the Fern Tree Spa or visit the chefs’ garden where you’ll find lemongrass, basil and other herbs.
It is the wildlife that sets us apart, particularly the turtles that return year after year to lay their eggs. Each year, we record more than 20 nests on our beaches and release over 2,000 baby turtles into the sea.
Conservationist
"Are you the Turtle Lady?" Guests fondly ask Trudy, Half Moon's environmental coordinator, when meeting her for the first time. Trudy happily owns the title as she is responsible for increasing the number of successful turtle releases into the sea.
A fan of Animal Planet as a child, Trudy has always loved learning about wildlife. Today, she is committed to environmental conservation and sharing Half Moon's green practices with our guests.
ROMANCE
We set the tone for sophisticated romance. You can always find a quiet corner anywhere you go. From our individually designed suites to beaches and tropical gardens you have the luxury of space.
Learn More: Weddings By Half Moon
Retreat together for a couples massage in our overwater bungalows, indulge in a champagne dinner by the sea and feel the gentle touch of the Trade Winds as you watch the moon rise over the Half Moon bay.
You can be whoever you want to be at Half Moon. The choice is yours.
FAMILIES AT HALF MOON
Half Moon is designed to be a treasured family tradition. For over sixty years, we’ve celebrated marriages, births and so many other milestones with returning guests. Children grow up here, seeing the same smiling faces every year. When those children become parents, they want their own kids to experience the magic of Half Moon.
From golf to polo to tennis tournaments, Half Moon offers an assortment of multi-generation fun. You can even get PADI certified and take a family dive trip. We can customise any event to suit your family’s needs.
FAMILY DAY
Families (especially multi-generational) enjoy Half Moon's variety of offerings. Have a look at our recommendations for a perfect family day.
Babysitting
Our trained nannies will keep your children entertained and well cared for when you go for that couples massage and romantic dinner at the Sugar Mill.
ACCOMMODATION
- Complimentary breakfast for resort guests
- Interconnecting rooms
- The resort’s West Cottages with individual rooms & suites, and many with pools and ocean views
- Rose Hall Villas – villas with private pool, cook, butler and housekeeper
FOR THE KIDS
- Special check-in for young children, complete with welcome drink on arrival
- Babysitting services
- The Anancy Children’s Village, where kids can have their own adventures. This play area for ages three to twelve showcases Jamaica’s rich heritage through activities and stories
OUR HERITAGE
Our family has been involved with Half Moon since its inception in 1954. My grandparents, Curtis and Esther Steuart, first visited Jamaica in the early 1950s and fell in love with the island, its people and culture.
With 16 other families, 35 acres of beach fronting a magnificent crescent bay, used for stevedoring, were purchased from the sugar cane estate, which stretched several miles between foothills and Jamaican coastline. They built cottages by the beach so their families and friends could not only escape the cold winters of North America but also enjoy the warmth and friendly hospitality of the people of Jamaica all year-round.
Half Moon has grown into what we can proudly say is a landmark of world-class hospitality, and an authentic Jamaican experience.
We are a chosen retreat over the past 60 years for royalty, presidents, world-wide known entertainers and more importantly, generations of loyal guests seeking to escape to their private oasis and relax while enjoying the climate, culture and hospitality of this wonderful country, Jamaica.
We are an independently-managed resort and three of the original investing families remain involved – the Weiss, Pearce and Steuart families. We remain true to the guiding principles: to respect and contribute to the welfare of the community while offering discerning travelers the opportunity for remarkable vacation memories.
More than 800 team members make up our Half Moon family, some of whom have been with us for over 50 years. It is they who will make your stay here one to cherish and the reason for wanting to return year after year.
Welcome home.
Guy Steuart III, Chairman of Half Moon
TIMELINE
- 1954: Half Moon Hotel & Cottage Colony opens
- 1961: Robert Trent Jones Sr. designs golf course
- 1970: Club House Grill (now, Sugar Mill Restaurant) opens
- 1979: Half Moon purchases The Colony Hotel
- 1986: Equestrian Centre opens
- 1989: Royal Suites replace East Cottages destroyed by Hurricane Gilbert
- 2007: Fern Tree Spa opens
- 2014: Half Moon celebrates Diamond Jubilee
- 2015: Opening of renovated Sugar Mill restaurant, award-winning & considered Jamaica’s best
- 2020: Opening of Eclipse at Half Moon
Learn More: Half Moon History
Jamaica has long been the ultimate destination
for celebrating joie de vivre.
Powdery, white sand beaches, lush, tropical foliage and breathtaking vistas, along with picturesque attractions – like the awe-inspiring Dunn's River Falls, world heritage site, the Blue Mountains, Green Grotto Caves and the renowned Rose Hall Great House – make Jamaica an ideal destination for all.
The third largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica is rich in culture and has a strong global presence. With mixed ancestry from Africa, Asia and Europe, Jamaicans have a truly unique culture and personality.
The musical genres reggae, ska, mento and rock steady all originated in the island's vibrant urban recording industry. Cuisine in Jamaica is as diverse as its people, offering guests a delicious array of tastes and experiences.
Friendly and warm, the people of Jamaica create a wonderful setting for a vacation of a lifetime.
SIGNATURE TOURS
Jamaica enjoys a strong cultural heritage and breathtaking environmental wonders. Half Moon is honoured to help you discover some of the best through our curated selection of signature tours.
A day in the Blue Mountains
Coffee lovers, this is your chance to see where your favourite cup of joe comes from. This all-day voyage into the Blue Mountains starts with a scenic drive to Kingston and New Castle followed by a relaxing stop at Cafe Blue, known for its beautifully prepared Blue Mountain coffee. On the way back to Montego Bay, the tour take you to the Bob Marley Museum and through downtown Kingston, highlighting historic monuments along the way.
Stush in the Bush
This half-day tour embodies "stush" a Jamaican celebration of the art of living well. A leisurely 90-minute drive through bucolic hillside villages leads to Zionist organic farm. Here, you'll learn about the indigenous plants and even chew on a sugar cane before a lunch culled from the farm's bounty. The menu is always a seasonally-inspired feast featuring owner Lisa Binns' line of gourmet products. While you eat, she'll share the secrets behind her homemade vinaigrettes and marmalades.