MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, March 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Half Moon, the legendary destination resort and 400-acre beachfront oasis in Jamaica, is investing $75 million to renew its legacy as the Caribbean’s most iconic resort, in celebration of its upcoming 65^th anniversary.

Enhancing the property and delivering transformative experiences for generations of discerning travelers, the rebirth of the Half Moon legacy will be realized in November 2018.

“Since opening our doors in 1954, Half Moon has been known for its warm Jamaican hospitality infused with superlative comfort and luxury, and now it is time for our legacy to be reborn,” said Guy Steuart III, Chairman of Half Moon. “It’s time to build anew and to continue to express ourselves in ways that are elegant in the 21^st century.

“We’ve attracted the world’s discerning travelers by offering the finest experience in the Caribbean as well as the utmost privacy, intimacy and distraction. The transformation of Half Moon will refresh, reposition and ready the resort for the next 60 plus years and we are thrilled to welcome future generations of guests as we extend our heritage.”

The facility has been reimagined and relocated to be completely out of sight with new backroad service routes covering the 400-acres of property, avoiding all interference with guest activities. When the fully-realized transformation debuts in November, new additions will include an elegant entry and Great House, 57 accommodations, expanded beachfront with a natural swimming cove, adults-only swimming pool, two restaurants, market café, vegan café located at the Fern Tree Spa and three bars.

“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, General Manager at Half Moon. “Half Moon’s new additions along with its architecture, landscape and design will reward a sense of discovery that elevates the resort experience and enables guests to rediscover our intimate paradise and singular hospitality.”

The new resort arrival has been reimagined to create anticipation and privacy, transporting guests on journey to the secluded Half Moon resort. The arrival path will be relocated from the west end to the middle of the property to enhance symmetry. Upon arrival, guests will enter The Great House, the new resort lobby and concierge, which unlike the existing lobby, offers guest accommodations.

The Great House will additionally feature a signature Lester’s Bar—built around a vibrant mural from renowned artist Michael Lester—and Marketplace & Café, offering takeaway snacks, pastries and beverages as well as local crafts. New pathways will be added to connect and enhance pedestrian access throughout the property, such as walkways from the focal point of The Great House to Fern Tree Spa—which will feature a meticulously manicured new entry—as well as to the new accommodations.

Design
The overall design and architecture of the transformed resort has been envisioned in partnership with Hart Howerton’s team of building and landscape architects and interior designers. Every detail has been designed to emulate the feeling of coming home for guests. The classic Anglo-Caribbeanatmosphere will remain prevalent with the addition of contemporary accents that are reminiscent of Jamaica’s traditions and style. Unique accents will be present across the new additions and include vibrant colors and prints as well as bespoke natural and woven materials seen in everything from furniture to the distinguished light fixtures. The interior and exterior design of the buildings and rooms also complement the art on display throughout the property, which is created by local Jamaican painters and artisans, and depict intricate Jamaican landscapes, villages and portraits.

Accommodations
The 57 new guest rooms and suites include Prestige Ocean Rooms, Estate Ocean Rooms, Estate Ocean Suites and a Great House Ocean Suite.

Prestige Ocean Room: These contemporary rooms with classic touches offer views of the Caribbean Sea. Some are situated on the ground or first floor of two-story cottages, while others are located on the first floor of the resort’s great house. Each room comes with an expansive and furnished private patio or balcony. King-sized or double beds available. En suite bathrooms feature double sinks and bathtubs or showers. King bedrooms interconnect with double bedrooms for more space.

Estate Ocean Rooms: Situated in one of four charming timbered Estate Houses, these spacious rooms offer views of the Caribbean Sea and feature private outdoor living spaces. Ground-floor Estate Ocean Rooms include furnished patios while first-floor rooms come with wrap-around balconies. This room type also features the resort’s largest standard rooms. All bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, which come with showers or bathtubs and double sinks. King or double beds available.

Estate Ocean Suite: These airy suites offer views of the Caribbean Sea and are ideal for guests looking for more indoor and outdoor living space. They are situated in private Estate Houses, surrounded by tropical gardens. Known for their versatility, each house provides suite-connecting capabilities for up to four bedrooms.  Perfect for entertaining, the Estate Ocean Suite features a wet bar, powder room and living area with French doors that open up to a large covered outdoor living space and dining area with seating for up to eight people. Each bedroom has a private patio, and expansive en suite bathroom with bathtubs or showers, double sinks and private outdoor showers. King-sized beds available.

Great House Ocean Suite: Considered the resort’s signature suite and the only of its kind, this accommodation is the largest and located at the heart of the resort. Situated on the first floor of the Great House, guests will enjoy the open-plan and well- appointed living area, powder room, kitchenette and dining area with seating for up to six people. Feel right at home as you step out, from the living area or the bedroom, to an expansive balcony, which overlooks the great lawn and Caribbean Sea.

The bedroom, just off to the right of the living area, comes with a King bed, walk-in closet, en suite bathroom with both shower and bathtub, and double sinks. This suite offers the capability of connecting one additional bedroom.

Food & Beverage Experiences
Half Moon will debut two new dining venues, both offering a unique atmosphere and gastronomic experience. A new three-meal restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features intimate dining areas all within one spacious setting. Attached will lie an elegant, fresh seafood restaurant featuring dramatic design and statement local artwork. The beverage and cocktail experience at Half Moon will be elevated with the introduction of three new distinctive bars. Lester’s Bar will join a new Pool Bar which features design accents such as driftwood-inspired architecture and locally-sourced, theatrical hanging lanterns that resemble fishing baskets. Half Moon will additionally introduce a beachside bar and grill with traditional Jamaican cuisine venue on Sunset Beach and offering open-air and scenic outdoor seating.

Half Moon has embarked on this journey to renew its legacy and history in a contemporary environment while still staying true to its storied heritage as a private respite for royals, dignitaries, presidents, celebrities and discerning travelers alike. When the transformation debuts, new experiences will complement the tradition upon which Half Moon was built, with surprises and delights revealed at every turn and each area of the estate imparting its own special character and charm. The new Half Moon experience will embody the best of old-world luxury and contemporary casual elegance, all with a unique sensibility.

The transformation signifies the commitment of its independent ownership to invest in the future of Half Moon now and for generations to come. In 2015, Half Moon completed the first phase of its Master Plan Renovation, which included the refurbishment of the award-winning Sugar Mill Restaurant, resort lobby, Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf course and the introduced the popular Lester’s Café. 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.

For more information, please visit www.halfmoon.com.

About Half Moon
Half Moon, a 400-acre resort in Jamaica, is considered one of the Caribbean’s most iconic destinations. Located 10 minutes away from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, the 63-year-old property features two miles of private beachfront and elegantly appointed rooms and suites. The AAA Four-Diamond resort also offers 31 expansive villas (ranging up to 7 bedrooms) all with private pools and personal staff of butler, cook and housekeeper.

Half Moon offers guests a wide variety of amenities and activities, including the multi award-winning Fern Tree Spa, the largest spa in the Caribbean, a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed 18-hole championship golf course with academy, Spinning® classes, 11 lit tennis courts, equestrian centre, fitness centre and wellness offerings, a delightful children’s village, water sports, and more. Visit www.halfmoon.com.

(PRNewsfoto/Half Moon)