FACT SHEET
RESORT IN NUMBERS
1
2
3
4
5
10
12
13
17th
18
31
54
58
63
100+
197
400
850+
5000
22,000
27,000+
68,000
Imperial Suite comes with a piano
Miles of beachfront
Dolphins in our private lagoon
Diamonds by AAA
Bars to choose from
West Cottages
Royal Visits
Lit tennis Courts
Century water wheel, the heart of the Sugar Mill Restaurant
Hole Championship Robert Trent Jones Sr-designed golf course
Villas at Half Moon
Swimming Pools
Years put in by our longest serving team member
Years celebrated by Half Moon
Awards
Rooms & Suites
Acres of property
Team members
sq. ft. activity centre
sq. ft. Anancy Children’s Village
sq. ft. meeting space
Sq. Ft Fern Tree Spa
HALF MOON OFFERINGS
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Four restaurants:
Five bars:
Sugar Mill, Seagrape Terrace, Il Giardino and Pepperpot
Cedar Bar, Hibiscus Swim-Up Bar, Oleander
Bar, 19th Hole, Sugar Mill Lounge
Lester’s Café
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One café:
Spinning® studio
Equestrian Centre, offering horseback riding
Swim with the dolphins experience, offered in private lagoon
Watersports (motorized and non-motorized)
Four squash courts
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Basketball and beach volleyball
Fitness Centre
114 awards:
2015 – Best in Stay Elite (Orbitz); Hall of Fame (TripAdvisor);
Jamaica’s Best Golf Hotel (World Golf Awards); Jamaica’s
Leading Conference Hotel (2015); 2015 Favourite (Family
Vacation Critic)
HALF MOON’S UNIQUE HISTORY
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – In the early 1950s a group of American, British &
Bermudian entrepreneurs spent their winter holidays on the cool, tropical shores of
Jamaica’s idyllic North Coast. So enamored with the landscape, the climate and
the people they decided to create a permanent winter escape for their families
and friends to enjoy.
Thus began Half Moon on February 27, 1954 after a group of 17 American, British
and Bermudian businessmen purchased 35-acres of land on a crescent-shaped
bay that was once the loading dock for Rose Hall's sugar shipments.
Among Half Moon's original investors were: Donald Deskey designer of New York
City's famous Radio City Music Hall; Harvey Firestone, Jr. of the Firestone Tyre and
Rubber company; Richard Reynolds of the Reynolds Metal Company and
Jamaican bauxite company Reynolds Jamaica; oil and real estate entrepreneur
Curtis Steuart; as well as Mrs. Laurence Armour of US meat packaging giant Armour
Packing Company.
Borrowing from the bay's beach for its name, the 17 investors opened Half Moon
Hotel and Cottage Colony with 17 whitewashed cottages and 30 beachfront
rooms.
Ten of the original cottages remain today as the West Cottages, standing as a
stately reminder of the relaxed and gentile living of its ancestry. These cottages as
well as the many rooms and suites of Half Moon have been the home-away-fromhome for countless luminaries, including HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip and
Prince Charles; Prince Rainier of Monaco, Princess Caroline of Monaco and John F.
and Jacqueline Kennedy. The Kennedys spent a month at the resort prior to John F.
Kennedy’s inauguration as President of the United States and a copy of one of Mrs.
Kennedy's handwritten wills hangs in the main lobby of the hotel. Other celebrated
visitors to the legendary resort include heads of government, celebrated athletes,
celebrities and dignitaries.
Over the years, the resort has undertaken several renovations and additions, to
include the opening of the 68,000 square foot indoor/outdoor spa oasis, Fern Tree
Spa. With expansive secluded outdoor areas and pools, treatment rooms that
open to private gardens, an outdoor yoga pavilion and meditation labyrinth, Fern
Tree melds time-honoured Jamaican healing traditions with modern-day spa
techniques and treatments.
The original vision of the founders of creating an oasis where relaxation is the order
of the day shines even brighter today than it did 60 years ago.
Half Moon
continues to prosper, winning numerous awards and accolades for its service and
environmental efforts. Today three of the original families, the Steuarts, the Pearces
and William Weiss, Sr, ensure that Half Moon’s future will continue to shine as a
landmark for world-class hospitality.
From the original 17 cottages and 30 beachfront rooms, Half Moon has expanded
to cover 400 acres bordered by two miles of private beachfront.
For more information on Half Moon visit www.halfmoon.com.
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ABOUT HALF MOON:
Half Moon is 400-acre luxury resort located 10 minutes away from Montego Bay’s Sangster International
Airport. The 63-year-old resort features two miles of private beachfront and elegantly-appointed rooms
and suites. The AAA Four-Diamond resort also features 31 expansive four-, five-, six- and seven-bedroom
villas all with private pools and personal staff of butler, cook and housekeeper. In addition to spacious
accommodations, Half Moon offers guests a wide variety of amenities and activities including the multiaward winning Fern Tree Spa, a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed 18-hole golf course, Half Moon Golf
Academy, Spinning®, 13 lit tennis courts, equestrian centre, fitness centre, 54 swimming pools, a guest
activity centre, the colourful Anancy Children’s Village, water sports, dolphin lagoon and more.
#HalfMoonResort @HalfMoonJamaica
For more information visit www.halfmoon.com
HALF MOON INTRODUCES SANDRO FABRIS
General Manager of Half Moon
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA (January 12, 2016) – Sandro Fabris joined Half Moon in
2015, bringing with him more than 30 years of management experience for luxury
hotels around the world.
“For more than 60 years Half Moon has offered guests an authentically Jamaican
retreat where our service standards and product offerings reflect the best in both
Jamaica and the Caribbean,” said Guy Steuart III, chairman of Half Moon’s Board
of Directors.
“We are truly honoured to have Sandro on our team and believe his experience will
continue to enhance Half Moon’s appeal amongst our loyal and new guests alike."
Fabris, who speaks Italian, English, French, Portuguese and Spanish, started his
career with CIGA Hotels at the Hotel Excelsior in Venice-Lido and serviced as hotel
manager at the Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Italy. He was also based as general
manager at the prestigious Reid’s in Madeira, a popular year-round resort island
known for its local wine, flora and artisans.
As regional managing director of Africa for Orient Express Hotels, he was in charge
of the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, the Westcliff Hotel in Johannesburg and
three safari camps in Botswana.
The general manager, who calls Jamaica ‘home’, is committed to maintaining Half
Moon’s reputation as a luxury destination in Jamaica.
“Hospitality is foundational to Jamaican culture, so delivering authentic, high quality
service to our guests at Half Moon is easy,” Fabris said. “Our guests come on holiday
to experience local traditions and a vibrant culture; they come to Half Moon not for
formality, but for a carefree and relaxing experience where the staff is passionate,
excited and eager to share the beauty of their country.”
####
ABOUT HALF MOON:
Half Moon is 400-acre luxury resort located 10 minutes away from Montego Bay’s Sangster International
Airport. The 63-year-old resort features two miles of private beachfront and elegantly-appointed rooms
and suites. The AAA Four-Diamond resort also features 31 expansive four-, five-, six- and seven-bedroom
villas all with private pools and personal staff of butler, cook and housekeeper. In addition to spacious
accommodations, Half Moon offers guests a wide variety of amenities and activities including the multi-
award winning Fern Tree Spa, a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed 18-hole golf course, Half Moon Golf
Academy, Spinning®, 13 lit tennis courts, equestrian centre, fitness centre, 54 swimming pools, a guest
activity centre, the colourful Anancy Children’s Village, water sports, dolphin lagoon and more.
#HalfMoonResort @HalfMoonJamaica
For more information visit www.halfmoon.com
For more information visit www.halfmoon.com
HALF MOON AND ROCKRESORTS END FIVE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – Half Moon’s Board of Directors announced April 2016 that
RockResorts, a subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) will no longer manage the 62year-old world-renowned Jamaica-based property.
The change in management, effective April 15, is based on mutual decision between
Half Moon Bay Ltd, the owners of Half Moon, and RockResorts, following a five-year
partnership. Both parties agreed to terminate the contract following RockResorts’
decision to change strategy, shifting their primary focus to the company's mountain
lodge properties.
The owners, who have retained Half Moon since its inception, are excited about the
opportunity to once again manage and operate the resort independently under the
leadership of the General Manger, Sandro Fabris.
“For nearly 56 years, Half Moon operated as an independent hotel, defining itself as
unique, and one of the finest destination resorts in the Caribbean,” said Guy Steuart III,
Chairman of Half Moon’s Board of Directors.
He continued: “What makes Half Moon iconic and a desirable vacation destination
isn’t just pretty buildings and nice beaches. More importantly, it is a legacy we inherit
from the people who preceded us, teaching us what it means to be dedicated to
service and hospitality; and it is the people here today who carry on those lessons.”
Fabris joined Half Moon in April 2015 bringing with him more than 30 years of
management experience for luxury hotels around the world.
“This past year has been a dynamic and exciting one, with many changes taking place
at Half Moon. We are pleased with the recent upgrades to the property and are
looking forward to the future ones that will allow us to continue delivering the high
standards of service our guests have come to appreciate,” Fabris said.
Half Moon recently completed several renovation projects to further enhance its
reputation as one of the finest resorts in the world. The award-winning Sugar Mill
Restaurant underwent complete refurbishment and reopened with a new menu, on
which Wagyu beef is featured. Upgrades were also made to the popular Cedar Bar,
and the lobby, which now features a coffee bar, Lester’s Café.
The resort’s Ownership is also investing in upgrades to its Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed
golf course, and staffing facilities.
####
ABOUT HALF MOON:
Half Moon is 400-acre luxury resort located 10 minutes away from Montego Bay’s Sangster International
Airport. The 63-year-old resort features two miles of private beachfront and elegantly-appointed rooms
and suites. The AAA Four-Diamond resort also features 31 expansive four-, five-, six- and seven-bedroom
villas all with private pools and personal staff of butler, cook and housekeeper. In addition to spacious
accommodations, Half Moon offers guests a wide variety of amenities and activities including the multiaward winning Fern Tree Spa, a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed 18-hole golf course, Half Moon Golf
Academy, Spinning®, 13 lit tennis courts, equestrian centre, fitness centre, 54 swimming pools, a guest
activity centre, the colourful Anancy Children’s Village, water sports, dolphin lagoon and more.
#HalfMoonResort @HalfMoonJamaica
For more information visit www.halfmoon.com
HALF MOON UNVEILS THE SUGAR MILL
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA (January 12, 2016) – Following an extensive renovation,
Half Moon Resort’s iconic Sugar Mill Restaurant reopened December 2015 with new
and exciting features sure to delight the discerning guest and locals alike.
The newly introduced wagyu beef became available for the first time as a menu
option in Jamaica. The wagyu is featured on the Sugar Mill’s menu alongside
modern Jamaican dishes that tantalize the taste buds and senses of diners.
Christopher Golding, Chef De Cuisine, brings his flair and a unique twist to dishes
such as crispy fried jerk chicken rolls with cho cho slaw and dark rum chutney, by
marrying natural island flavours and spices.
“Our guests want to taste and experience our food, our cuisine,” Golding said. “My
mission is to use our local ingredients in a different way to give them a whole new
experience and take diners on a fantastic culinary journey.”
A major focus of the menu is the farm-to-table experience with fresh, seasonal
ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen. Herbs are picked daily from
the Chef’s herb garden.
The award-winning restaurant also introduced a new charcoal cooking technique
with Jamaica’s only Josper charcoal broiler oven.
Complementing the menu is an extensive beverage listing featuring wines from
across the globe as well as specialty rums including Jamaica’s own highly prized 50year old Appleton Estate rum, said to be the oldest available rum of which only 800
bottles were made.
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ABOUT SUGAR MILL:
Overlooking the Half Moon Golf Course, The Sugar Mill Restaurant enjoys a distinguished reputation for an
exquisite selection of delectable dishes. Presenting an undeniably romantic atmosphere, Sugar Mill’s
stonewalls and high ceiling set the stage for a culinary journey. Dine by indoors, on the terrace overlooking
the lush gardens, or next to the atmospheric centuries old water mill. The Sugar Mill offers private dining
experiences for those looking for a more intimate evening together. Discover the taste of quintessential
Jamaican cuisine, refined with a modern day twist. The Sugar Mill Restaurant was awarded Restaurant Of
The Year by the Jamaica Observer Food Awards in 2014 and 2016. To make a reservation, contact Half
Moon Concierge at +1 (876) 953 2211 or (800) 339 9728.
ABOUT HALF MOON:
Half Moon is 400-acre luxury resort located 10 minutes away from Montego Bay’s Sangster International
Airport. The 63-year-old resort features two miles of private beachfront and elegantly-appointed rooms
and suites. The AAA Four-Diamond resort also features 31 expansive four-, five-, six- and seven-bedroom
villas all with private pools and personal staff of butler, cook and housekeeper. In addition to spacious
accommodations, Half Moon offers guests a wide variety of amenities and activities including the multiaward winning Fern Tree Spa, a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed 18-hole golf course, Half Moon Golf
Academy, Spinning®, 13 lit tennis courts, equestrian centre, fitness centre, 54 swimming pools, a guest
activity centre, the colourful Anancy Children’s Village, water sports, dolphin lagoon and more.
#HalfMoonResort @HalfMoonJamaica
For more information visit www.halfmoon.com
TRADITIONAL JAMAICAN HEALING FUSED WITH MODERN SPA TREATMENTS
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA (January 12, 2016) – Nestled between the hills and the
Caribbean Sea, the Fern Tree Spa at Half Moon is the ideal retreat to achieve a
holistic balance of mind, body and soul.
The spa taps into Jamaica’s traditional healing remedies, which incorporate
modern healing techniques such as massages, scrubs, wraps, facials and
reflexology.
The 68,000 sq. ft. spa is set amid lush gardens filled with plants, shrubs and trees that
have been selected for their therapeutic properties and are used in many of the
treatments and therapies offered at the spa.
The extraction of oil from lemongrass leaves is a classic example of how these
ingredients are used at Fern Tree. The oil is used in therapies such as the golfer’s
massage and reflexology to ease muscle pain, while lemongrass tea is said to help
with treating colds, exhaustion and high blood pressure. Lemongrass is also the
signature fragrance for in-room amenities throughout the resort.
The gardens supply many of the fresh ingredients used in treatments such as the
Jamaican Bush Bath – where herbs and plants are steeped in hot water and added
to a soothing bath. For an added twist, the bush bath is enjoyed outdoors in a large,
stone tub.
Other natural ingredients used in treatments include coffee, rum, coconut and
sugar. A cooling rum body splash helps to gently reawaken the body at the end of
signature massage therapies.
The spa treatment rooms have private gardens allowing guests the option of having
their room enclosed or open to their own garden terrace. Couples can reserve one
of the plantation-style couples massage suites complete with private patio and
outdoor soaking tubs. Families, wedding parties and groups will enjoy the Fern Tree
Spa Cottage which has a separate living room, treatment room, garden and
plunge pool.
Additionally, two overwater spa bungalows that open out to the sea are the
ultimate in peaceful relaxation. The spa bungalows are also available for yoga at
sunrise and sunset.
The spa offers therapies to suit everyone including a golfer’s massage using heated
golf balls and a motherhood massage to improve circulation and ease hip and
back pain during pregnancy.
Fern Tree aims to provide a sanctuary for body and mind and guests are
encouraged to linger and enjoy the indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, yoga
pavilion, meditation labyrinth, lagoon swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna
and steam rooms.
####
ABOUT HALF MOON:
Half Moon is 400-acre luxury resort located 10 minutes away from Montego Bay’s Sangster International
Airport. The 63-year-old resort features two miles of private beachfront and elegantly-appointed rooms
and suites. The AAA Four-Diamond resort also features 31 expansive four-, five-, six- and seven-bedroom
villas all with private pools and personal staff of butler, cook and housekeeper. In addition to spacious
accommodations, Half Moon offers guests a wide variety of amenities and activities including the multiaward winning Fern Tree Spa, a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed 18-hole golf course, Half Moon Golf
Academy, Spinning®, 13 lit tennis courts, equestrian centre, fitness centre, 54 swimming pools, a guest
activity centre, the colourful Anancy Children’s Village, water sports, dolphin lagoon and more.
#HalfMoonResort @HalfMoonJamaica
For more information visit www.halfmoon.com