Half Moon

Half Moon mixes modern luxury and historic grandeur and counts Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Rainier of Monaco and John F. Kennedy as high-profile past guests.

Originally opened in 1954, but fresh off $75 million renovation, Half Moon oozes old-school colonial charm: expect elegant, whitewashed pillars, Georgian arches and locally handcrafted woodwork dotted throughout the resort.

The sweeping open-air lobby, with its marble floors and black-and-white photos of it’s A-list guests, opens onto a restaurant and bar overlooking the sparkling Caribbean sea. At the end of the lobby, you’ll find Half Moon’s original west cottages to the left and the newer Hibiscus suites and Half Moon villas to the right.

Set on 400 acres of manicured grounds with two miles of private beachfront, make it difficult to drag yourself away. Standouts include the Fern Tree Spa, largest in the Caribbean, swimming with horses from the Half Moon equestrian centre, a super-sized gym and an 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Bicycles (and golf carts) are available to help guests explore everything Half Moon has to offer.

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. The Anancy’s Children Village caters for kids aged 3-12 while there is a nanny service for younger children and Seagrape Terrace offers a children's menu.

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.