Breaking Journey Information investigates: Half Moon, Jamaica | Focus

The primary matter you discover as you arrive at Half Moon, driving by the manicured lawns and well-maintained tropical gardens, is the unimaginable ocean view. This can be a delight which can persistently meet you all through your go to to the venerable resort in Montego Bay. As you enter reception by the pavilion-style foyer, you might be granted the luxurious of checking-in whereas watching the ocean slowly welcome you not solely to the lodge, however Jamaica too. After a protracted flight, it’s all the time a pleasure to be met not solely with the views over the ocean and the humbling Blue Mountains within the background, but additionally a rum cocktail, setting the tone for a remarkably nice journey.

I stayed in one of many Ocean View rooms at Eclipse, located proper on the seashore with a panorama that I may get pleasure from from my wrap-around balcony. The decor was easy, however stylish and chic. The view from my king dimension mattress was one among palm timber overlooking the ocean, and that was all of the ornament I wanted.

The resort gives quite a lot of lodging to swimsuit a variety of teams. Rooms are cut up throughout the Eclipse at Half Moon, Founders Cove at Half Moon and Rose Corridor Villas at Half Moon. In complete there are 210 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, in addition to 27 villas, all with quick access to resort facilities alongside a non-public beachfront. The villas go as much as seven-bedrooms, and are good for households, teams and golfers, with every that includes a dwelling and eating room, outside dwelling house and personal pool. Every villa comes with a butler, housekeeper and a prepare dinner. So engaging have they been over time that Half Moon is ready to boast previous friends corresponding to HRH Queen Elizabeth II, in addition to different members of the British royal household.

One of many highlights of Half Moon, and any go to to Jamaica, is the seashore. The resort lays declare to a non-public two-mile stretch, all of which is about up on your energetic enjoyment (bikes are additionally obtainable to rent to discover the seashore, resort and environment). It was right here that I met some native distributors who’ve as a lot longevity and worth because the resort itself, having maintained a presence and relationship with their stalls on the seashore for over 17 years. Chatting will remind you of why you like Jamaica lengthy into the long run if you replicate again on the nation and your holidays right here. Half Moon additionally gives beachside service and eating at their BBQ Grill, providing conventional Jamaican fare.

For dinner and drinks I dined on the North Pointe restaurant. Right here the sundown views offer you an unimaginable vista, and, if you happen to’re fortunate, which you usually are right here in Jamaica, a breath-taking sundown. Because the countless layers of golden pink water merged with the infinity pool, you possibly can fairly simply lose your self within the view. I started with the Half Moon’s signature cocktail – the ‘Legacy 65’ – which is made with conventional Blackwell rum. It was created by the employees as an homage to Jamaica’s historical past of sugarcane manufacturing, honouring and elevating a glass to all those that labored, and proceed to work, within the many sugar cane plantations on the island. The drink itself was candy, fruity, boozy and scrumptious.

Usually at house I eat a vegan weight loss plan, so it was refreshing and surprising to see a wide selection of vegan choices on the menu (I later discovered there may be additionally a vegan cafe located within the onsite spa). Regardless of these scrumptious choices, I had beforehand determined that when in Jamaica I’d eat as Jamaicans do (sorry veganism!). As I had anticipated there have been quite a few jerk gadgets on the menu, however after many suggestions from varied members of the staff I opted for the sticky ribs as my most important dish. By no means would I think about that I may describe ribs as decadent, however the motive for his or her many suggestions grew to become clear. Falling other than the bone they had been the epitome of juicy, sticky and completely delectable. I additionally had the popcorn shrimp, served with a spicy chutney, leaving me too full for dessert.

As an alternative I retired to observe an area jazz band play on the veranda of Lester’s Bar, which missed (you guessed it) the ocean, in addition to diners within the Haywards restaurant. As I loved the music alongside the nightly sound of crickets and tree frogs, I admired the gorgeous gardens round me. Jamaica is a fruitful land which Half Moon celebrates with their onsite banana, apple, coconut and mango timber. Constantly all through the resort it’s evident they all the time attempt to emulate the sensation of being outdoors if you find yourself inside.

The next morning I ate on the Haywards restaurant the place I used to be in a position to get pleasure from a conventional breakfast of ackee saltfish and dumplings. Breakfast was served buffet model, so I additional indulged with a aspect of bacon, fried plantain, boiled inexperienced banana in addition to a aspect plate of fruit. Once I loved the choices of fruit juice, I used to be instructed by a server that “coconut water is the one juice to quench your coronary heart,” that means this was all I drank for the rest of my keep.

There are a variety of actions obtainable onsite, starting from horse driving on the seashore, golf, tennis or ocean view yoga. My chosen type of train was to easily swim within the infinity pool, which was beneficiant sufficient in dimension for lengths. For a deeper sense of full leisure and retreat, there are three further swimming pools within the resorts’ Salamander Spa to bask in. Consideration to element doesn’t go amiss right here, offering a chance to additional retreat inside a retreat. You may as well benefit from the non-public gardens, the place all herbs utilized in companies and cooking are grown on-site.

Whereas unlucky, it’s inconceivable to not point out that we live in a time of Covid-19. Half Moon went above and past my expectations; by no means as soon as did I see a employees member with no masks, whereas hand sanitizer was obtainable all through the resort and cleanliness was maintained to the very best requirements. However what impressed me probably the most was that within the midst of getting to adapt to this new way of life and dealing in hospitality, what I used to be met with by employees and locals alike was a Jamaican’s pure aptitude for heat and friendliness. The flexibility to keep up that human connection in a time like that is laudable. Once I spoke to Laura Redpath, the resort’s model and communications director, about my expertise, she mentioned: “Since we opened in 1954 our primary precedence has all the time been to make sure that our friends really feel welcomed, snug and secure. And we don’t need this to alter due to Covid-19.”

This sentiment was evident all through my time with Half Moon.

As an added bonus, the Half Moon buying village which neighbours the resort, have transformed their as soon as grocery retailer right into a hospital the place fast Covid-19 antigen and antibody testing is on the market onsite for friends. This proved to be remarkably handy, that means I may get examined simply hours earlier than my flight house. On my journey again to the airport, speaking to the motive force and already reminiscing about my quickly to be over keep, he mentioned: “You may go wherever on this planet, however you’ll by no means discover a nicer set of individuals than in Jamaica.” After my keep at Half Moon Resort I’d be inclined to agree.

Extra Data

Situated simply 15 minutes from Montego Bay airport, friends at Half Moon get pleasure from a triumvirate of lodging choices alongside two miles of personal seashore: the luxurious Eclipse, the enduring Founders Cove and personal houses at Rose Corridor Villas.

The resort is managed by Salamander Accommodations & Resorts, whereas three of the unique founding households nonetheless stay as homeowners.

Discover out extra on the official web site.

Emily Clark




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