by Brian Major
Last updated: 6:00 PM ET, Fri February 23, 2018
The owners of Jamaica's iconic Half Moon resort in Montego Bay are spending $75 to "renew" the sprawling luxury resort as it approaches its 65 anniversary. While the resort remains in operation during the renovation, the property's "rebirth" and the full scope of enhancements will be unveiled in November, said Half Moon officials.
"Since opening our doors in 1954, Half Moon has been known for its warm Jamaican hospitality infused with superlative comfort and luxury," said Guy Steuart III, Half Moon's chairman. "It's time to build anew and to continue to express ourselves in ways that are elegant in the 21st century."
The property's upgrading comes as Jamaica enjoys surging visitor arrivals, despite some concerns regarding safety. Jamaica hosted 4.3 million visitors in 2017 according to provisional data from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), with 2,353,461 land-based, overnight visitors and 1,946,780 cruise ship arrivals, an impressive 12.1 percent year-over-year vault over Jamaica's 2016 arrivals and twice JTB's initial forecast.
The renovations will include a revamped entryway and Great House; enhancement to 57 accommodations; an expanded beachfront with a natural swimming cove; an adults-only swimming pool; two restaurants; a market café and a vegan café located at the Fern Tree Spa, plus three bars.
The Great House will also feature Lester's Bar, a "signature" facility whose centerpiece is a colorful mural from renowned artist Michael Lester. The Great House will also feature Marketplace & Café, which will offer snacks to go plus pastries, beverages and local crafts. Joining Lester's Bar as a new dining option will be a beachside bar and grill on Sunset Beach featuring traditional Jamaican cuisine served in open-air, outdoor seating.
In addition new pathways will be added to connect and enhance pedestrian access throughout the 400-acre property, including walkways from the Great House to Fern Tree Spa, which will feature a meticulously manicured new entry. The enhanced walkways will also connect to the resort's new accommodations.
"The resort is evolving so that the best of Half Moon will remain, and this constant evolution is the key to a luxury hospitality experience," said Sandro Fabris, the resort's manager.
Resort exteriors will retain the property's classic Anglo-Caribbean atmosphere, with the addition of "contemporary accents" reminiscent of Jamaica's traditions and style, say resort officials. The resort's interior and exterior design will also complement art on display throughout the property, created by local Jamaican painters and artisans.
The 57 new guest rooms and suites include Prestige Ocean Room, Estate Ocean Room and Estate Ocean Suite categories plus one Great House Ocean Suite.
In 2015, Half Moon completed the first phase of its Master Plan Renovation, which included the refurbishment of the award-winning Sugar Mill Restaurant and the resort's main lobby.
Half Moon is now in the second phase, which began with the construction of a centralized back-of-house facility that was introduced this June. The 63-year-old property features two miles of private beachfront, spacious rooms and suites and 31 villas, all featuring private pools plus a personal butler, cook and housekeeper. The resort also features the award-winning Fern Tree Spa and a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed, 18-hole championship golf course
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