profile
A Total Eclipse
By JUSTINE AMODEO /Photos By KYLE MACPHERSON
Half Moon is a landmark of world class hospitality in Jamaica with three unique lodging experiences.
For nearly seven decades, Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica has served as the chosen retreat for royalty, presidents, celebrities and generations of guests seeking to escape to their private oasis Supported by the spirit and optimism of dedicated Jamaican professionals, Half Moon is rated as Jamaica's finest resort and renowned for providing sincere and authentic service excellence.
This landmark of world-class hospitality in Jamaica offers a triumvirate of distinct, unique lodging experiences. The most recent addition, Eclipse at Half Moon, has set new standards in the Caribbean and is a stunning luxury resort experience.
Guests can also enjoy two other distinct choices Founders Cove at Half Moon, which incorporates the iconic sections of Half Moon that were developed by the original owners of the property, and Rose Hall Villas which each feature multiple bedrooms, a living and dining room, outdoor living space and private pool. Each villa comes with a butler, housekeeper and a cook.
HALF MOON
Framed by the glistening Caribbean Sea to the north and the lush hillsides to the south, Eclipse at Half Moon is one of the most luxurious additions to the Caribbean. in a generation. The property features 57 spacious accommodations, two restaurants, three bars, a market café, a sweeping infinity-edge swimming pool, and private beachfront with a natural swimming cove.
HALF MOON POOL
Designed exclusively for the luxury traveler by the renowned design firm Hart Howerton, the resort embraces the rich history of the Caribbean and Jamaica's natural beauty. The enclave's Great House, inspired by the island's distinctive culture and style, features elegant shutters, vibrant colors and local artwork. A sweeping arrival experience is framed by a large Guango Tree, also known as a Rain Tree, one of over 70 trees that were carefully re-planted to ensure mature natural surroundings. For relaxation and restoration, guests can also enjoy Fern Tree, A Salamander Spa, which is the most luxurious in the Caribbean and features two draumatic overwater bungalows for massage treatments and yoga classes.
HALF MOON
The addition of Eclipse was part of an extensive plan to add numerous contemporary amenities to accompany the legendary Half Moon's clasic offerings, which include a Robert Trent Jones, St.-designed golf course, and the Sugar Mill restaurant consistently rated as Jamaica's best.
HALF MOON
For more information about Half Moon, visit HalfMoon.com.
AUTHENTIC DESIGN
SALAMANDER ASKED SUSAN WILLIAMS, PRINCIPAL DESIGNER OF SW INTERIOR DESKIN PROJECTS, ABOUT THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE HECENTLY RENOVATED HIBISCUS SUITES IN FOUNDERS COVE AT HALF MOON
SALAMANDER: What's changed from the original design?
SUSAN WILLIAMS: The newly remodeled Hibiscus Suites are part of the storied Hibiscus neighborhood of Founders Cove. While the buildings were not the original buildings built 50 years ago, they are located on the old site. The 68 suites are all on the beach with beautiful lawns that face the sea. They have been redesigned in a traditional 1960s Half Moon style with a black and white color palette and clean lines. We opened up the wall that faces the sea so that every single room has a view out onto its own veranda. The former rooms featured dark stained wood and heavy floral curtains and different multi-colored prints. Now they have uncluttered draperies and clean lines.
SALAMANDER: Can you tell us about some of the design details of the new Hibiscus Suites?
SUSAN WILLIAMS: We've decorated the suites with locally sourced straws, weaves, canings and white and ebony furniture. The straw rugs are made locally from khus khus grass, and the handles of all the furniture and the light fittings are made from local wicker. The panels in the bars and wardrobes are also made from local grasses and wickers and have replaced the old wooden panels. We've used local craftspeople in the design so that guests have a feeling of being in Jamaica and not anywhere else.
SALAMANDER: Are there specific artists you worked with?
SUSAN WILLIAMS: All of the art in the rooms was done exclusively by Jamaican artist Shane "Dready" Aquart. He does very simplistic, warm, computer-generated art.
AUTHENTIC DESIGN
AUTHENTIC DESIGN
AUTHENTIC DESIGN
STEWARDS OF THE BEACH
Through its sea turtle program, Half Moon continues to invest in the environment through sustainable practices and education, particularly with the Hawksbill sea turtle.
Hawksbill sea turtles are the most endangered sea turtle population in the world. Female Hawksbill turtles return to the same nesting grounds they were born to lay their eggs, migrating long distances to nest, where they lay anywhere from 130 to 160 eggs before covering their nest before returning to the sea. Typically, eggs will hatch in about 60 days. The most dangerous time of their lives is when hatchlings make the journey to sea, while they're prey to crabs and birds.
STEWARDS OF THE BEACH
This is where Half Moon plays an important role in the sea turtles' safety. By being present at the time of hatching, guests and staff increase the chance of survival for these tiny beings. Through a partnership with Oracabessa Marine Trust, Half Moon offers staff training in the sustainability of the environment to preserve marine life. Staff who are trained are also licensed as wardens through the National Environment Planning Agency (NEPA), which allows them. to enforce regulations under the Wildlife Protection Act, to create habitats for new life.
In 2022, Half Moon beaches held 42 nests, 6,548 eggs, and helped 5,050 hatchlings successfully make it to sea.
Contact Us
For advertising inquiries, please contact [email protected]