The addition of Eclipse at Half Moon creates a triumvirate of accommodation options under the Half Moon brand, which has already been voted as Jamaica’s finest resort. Guests can now also enjoy two other distinct resort choices: Founders Cove at Half Moon and Rose Hall Villas at Half Moon, which are located at opposite ends of the 400-acre property.
Framed by the glistening Caribbean Sea to the north and the lush hillsides to the south, Eclipse at Half Moon is one of the most luxurious additions to the Caribbean in a generation. The new property features 57 luxurious and spacious accommodations, two restaurants, three bars, a market café, Fern Tree – a Salamander Spa, a sweeping infinity-edge swimming pool, and private beachfront with a natural swimming cove. The resort will begin accepting reservations on December 15, 2019.
“Eclipse is a true, distinct luxury experience, and one that honours Half Moon’s legacy and character,” says Guy Steuart, III, chairman of Half Moon. “Guests will discover traditional, elegant architecture amid an abundance of beach and grounds on which to roam – all of which appeals to our loyal guests and the next generation of traveller.”
Half Moon is just 10 minutes from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, and for decades has served as a chosen retreat for royalty, presidents and celebrities. The property was founded 65 years ago, and three of the original founding families still remain as owners. Supported by the spirit and optimism of dedicated Jamaican professionals, Half Moon is renowned for providing sincere and authentic service excellence.
“Eclipse is a remarkable addition to Half Moon and the Caribbean’s luxury landscape,” says Sheila Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, which manages Half Moon. “It takes vision and foresight to create such a notable experience, and Eclipse will undoubtedly become one of the 2020s most sought-after retreats.”
Designed exclusively for the luxury traveller by the renowned design firm Hart Howerton of New York, the resort embraces the rich history of the Caribbean and Jamaica’s natural beauty. The enclave’s Great House, inspired by the island’s distinctive culture and style, features elegant shutters, vibrant colours and local artwork. A sweeping arrival experience is framed by a large Guango Tree, also known as a Rain Tree, one of over 70 trees that were carefully re-planted to ensure mature natural surroundings.
Rooms and suites offer spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and feature expansive outdoor living spaces. The resort also introduces one of the most anticipated suites in the Caribbean: the Great House Ocean Suite. Overlooking the Grand Lawn and featuring breathtaking vantage points for both sunrises and sunsets, the suite will fetch rates upward of $10,000 per night.
Eclipse features a variety of carefully curated culinary experiences, including the elegant Delmare – a refined, Italian seafood restaurant located directly overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The restaurant features fresh, delicious dinner menu items and incredible local artwork, including a specially commissioned coral reef inspired wall sculpture created by noted Jamaican artist David Pinto.
Overlooking the exquisite, infinity-edge pool and white-sand beach, North Pointe Pool Bar showcases chilled cocktails and driftwood-inspired architecture. Lester’s Bar is a sophisticated setting inspired by Michael Lester’s famous painting ‘Junkanoo,’ which is displayed above a large selection of the Caribbean’s finest rums. The Maakit Café serves takeaway snacks, pastries and beverages, while Spice offers traditional Jamaican cuisine amid coconut trees and hammocks.
For relaxation and restoration, guests can also enjoy Fern Tree, A Salamander Spa, which is the most luxurious in the Caribbean and features two dramatic overwater bungalows for massage treatments and yoga classes. Seamlessly set to blend into the resort’s abundant foliage, the spa is part of the noted Salamander Spa brand, which features acclaimed properties in Virginia and Florida.
The addition of Eclipse is part of an extensive plan to add numerous contemporary amenities to accompany the legendary Half Moon’s classic offerings, which include a Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed golf course, and the Sugar Mill restaurant – consistently rated as Jamaica’s best.
The additional two existing resort experiences found at Half Moon are distinctly different, yet characteristically Jamaican: Founders Cove incorporates the iconic sections of Half Moon that were developed by the original owners of the property. Guests can stay at a combination of classic cottages centred around Sunset Beach, including the popular Hibiscus and Ocean Court neighbourhoods.
The area also features multiple dining options, including the renowned Cedar Bar. Rose Hall Villas offers 28 villas, available as 5-, 6- and 7-bedroom accommodations, and are perfect for families, groups and golfers, with each featuring a living and dining room, outdoor living space and private pool. Each villa comes with a butler, housekeeper and a cook, while guests have a separate check-in experience.
For more information about Half Moon, visit www.HalfMoon.com or call 800-626-0592.
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