Montego Bay, Jamaica
Half Moon
The top-notch, tried and true favorite
What it is
An iconic Jamaican resort: classic colonial Caribbean.
What it isn't
An intimate, trendy beach boutique.
What we think
Claiming 400 jungly acres and an uninterrupted two-mile stretch of Jamaica’s northern shoreline, Half Moon is one of the island’s tried and true favorites (just peek at former guest lists for a quick who's who of royalty from both the pop-singing and the crown-wearing worlds.) The resort, which opened in 1954, is in fine shape—the estate is lovingly cared for by what has to be the friendliest staff around. On the western side of the resort, small cottages, which manage to be at once charmingly quaint and elegantly stylish, house the resort's almost 210 rooms and suites. The bulk of the resort’s dining options, the top-notch spa, the separate clubs for tots and teens, as well as courts for tennis and volleyball are on this side of the property as well. Over on the eastern side of the resort, separated by the half-mile curve of Sunrise Beach, things are a bit quieter: it's just the 28 villas, each large enough to hold an extended family, and the award-winning Sugar Mill restaurant, tucked far back in the palms, but reachable by the shuttle for those who aren’t up for the trek. When (or if) guests somehow tire of lying on the perfect sugar sand beach, the list of activities that the resort hosts is unrivaled; peruse the Fern Tree Spa's offerings; head to the equestrian center and take a jumping lesson; play a round on the 18-hole golf course designed by none other than Robert Trent, Sr. or hit the squash courts. Half Moon is a huge property, but it doesn’t have the manufactured vibe of one of the mega resorts—it just feels like a beautiful, close-knit, tiny town.
You're here because
You’re looking for the place with all the trimmings. Half Moon has an activity to keep everyone occupied, the prettiest beach in Montego Bay, the best restaurant in Jamaica and a top-notch attitude.
The Moment
Watching the kids splash about in the villa’s pool, you hear your name called. Your personal butler is approaching with a smoothie for you, towels and water shoes for the kids and a gentle reminder that if everyone wants swim with the rescue horses, it’s really about time to start heading down. He brought the golf cart, just in case.
Restaurants & Bars
Seagrape Terrace - Jamaican & International
Sugar Mill - Caribbean Fusion
Il Giardino - Italian
Moonchies Beach Grill
Lester's Café
Hibiscus Swim up bar
Beach Bar
Cedar Bar19th Hole bar
Location
Located in the parish of St James on the northwestern shore of Jamaica. Though it feels a world away, it’s only a ten-minute drive from the international airport in Montego Bay.