Half Moon

Fabulous time at Half Moon resort - Ten women all celebrating our 50th Birthday year!! Our villa was so comfortable, clean and huge, but our lovely staffed team made our stay at the villa the best. Thank you to Cecil, Janice and Joy!!! Our drinks were always full, the food was amazing prepared by Janice, our rooms were clean and comfortable thanks to Joy and Cecil kept us organized with activities and our rum punches flowing!! The resort bars and restaurants were very expensive and better value to eat at our villa and grocery shop, but we were also on holiday so you have to splurge too. Cecil booked us on a private sailing and snorkeling trip out of Montego Bay....wonderful day so we did it TWICE! Loved Half Moon resort and we will be back before our 60th birthdays!!!!!! Many thanks to our wonderful villa staff especially!

Imagine with me, you arrive at your destination with two suitcases and an over-sized tote bag on your shoulder. Immediately as you step out of the vehicle, you are greeted with a friendly smile by one of the bellmen and greeted with the words, "Your vacation starts now!" As he takes your suitcases and your tote bag, you realize that a weight has been lifted from your shoulders--literally and figuratively. That was my initial experience at Half Moon. You don't have to imagine it...That can be your experience too if it's your desire to vacation in a paradise-like environment and be served with utmost respect, professionalism and friendliness. While at Half Moon, I stayed at one of the beach front cottages. Words aren't adequate to describe the breathtaking view of the ocean as well as the melodious sound of the waves as they crash against the sand. The room was spacious and the decor was elegant. Tears of joy streamed down my face as I embraced the beauty of my surrounding. It was therapeutic and rejuvenating all at the same. I must add that my contact with staff members at Half Moon--Front Desk, the greeter at the restaurant, servers, the bellmen, the beach butlers, the lifeguards, the therapists at the spa, housekeeping staff--all played an integral role in ensuring that my time at Half Moon was the very best vacation ever. I traveled alone but there are more than enough activities and amenities for you to enjoy; and opportunities for you to connect with others. The least favorite part of my vacation was when I had to pack to return home. I waited as long as I could before I began the process of packing. But I noticed that as I packed, with me were all the wonderful experiences that the staff members engraved in my heart; thus making Half Moon a very special place for me. So, if you are undecided in what choice to make in your vacationing planning; your moment of decision can be an easy choice as I highly recommend Half Moon. A paradise-like vacation awaits you as you make Half Moon your number one choice!

We have been looking at Half Moon for the past decade and finally made it! I reached out to the hotel's General Manager, Mr. Sandro Fabris, and almost instantly received a reply indicating they are looking forward to our arrival and offering help with any questions, including suggestions on transportation from the airport as well as orienting us to the local gastronomy scene. We had many conversations prior to our arrival, and all were extremely professional, polite, helpful, and warm. We were off to a great start! Once we arrived we were warmly greeted, checked in, and escorted to our Cottage #8. The huge property is a mix of hotel rooms, cottages, and villas. Villas are excellent for larger groups, but our cottage was perfect for our small family of 2 adults and a child. The cottage was perfect! It was located right in the bay, practically on the beach, and was beautifully appointed, mixing local design with high-end, colonial luxury. We were amazed how clean the cottage was kept, especially in a climate with lots of bugs, lizards, and tropical animals. Our main house-keeper, Rubina, was a consummate professional, excellent at her craft, kind, a perfectionist and lovely human being. It was a true joy chatting with her every day and thanking her for her amazing service and attention to our comfort and stay. We had daily room service and nightly turn-down service, all impeccable. The cottage is practically on the beach, just a short walk through a semi-private front-yard shared with one other cottage. A large pool and sitting area are also shared between the two cottages. It’s very private and perfectly situated. The beach is white, with beautifully clear and clean water. The water is warm, with lots of water equipment available right from the beach. The overall setting is idyllic, relaxed, and gorgeous. There is food and beverage service at the beach. We enjoyed buffet breakfasts and lunches at the main restaurant. The food was diverse, with settings overlooking the ocean and a lovely staff (a special shout-out to our hostess, Joy, who brightened every morning). We also dined at the Italian restaurant, Il Giardino, and it was most excellent. And our dinner at The Sugar Mill, Jamaica's #1 restaurant and also part of the Half Moon property, was also amazing with exceptional service. The hotel made some excellent restaurant suggestions that were in town and just a short drive away; we particularly enjoyed Margeurite's and Mystic India. Of all dining experiences, however, our favorite was lunch at Moonchie's, an outdoor Jamaican BBQ joint right on the beach. Ask for the steamed jerk fish - so good it may bring a tear to your eye. While the hotel is rebuilding part of the property, there was absolutely no construction noise or even visibility. Days and evenings were quiet and calm without any intrusion. Finally, there is an equestrian center on the property where kids can ride horses, pet bunnies and donkeys, and play with birds for just $25. The staff is patient, unhurried, and clearly dedicated to joyful guest experiences. Again, the property is huge - take a golf cart one evening and drive around, it's quite a sight to see. This old-school hotel, exuding old-world Caribbean charm, is beautiful and extremely well managed by GM Sandro Fabris. The property is perfectly maintained, and the staff is amazing. Thank you Half Moon, Mr. Fabris, and the entire hotel staff our great trip; we can't wait to come back!

We've been visiting this resort for the past 17 years and from memory this was our fifteenth visit. Why do we keep returning? well its a fabulous location and being Brits we love the somewhat colonial laidback style. However from our perspective the major plus is the staff who quite frankly spoil us rotten from the moment we arrive to departure. There are too many to mention individually as they are all first class and whilst during a two week stay there is inevitably the odd little issue everything was sorted out quickly and efficiently and with a smile. Don't be put off by the redevelopment project which is located well away from the rest of the resort and didn't impact on our holiday one iota. When completed it will significantly enhance what is already a fabulous resort. One small gripe relates to the plans which in recent times seem to have chopped and changed quite frequently. Please bring back the old Premium Plan it was perfect for needs! Looking forward to returning next year.

Just finished a family trip celebrating my parents anniversary. We stayed in the villa on the ocean which was beautiful. I'll start off with a few things that were not great. First, the everyday prices are what they are and most people understand they are going to pay $80 for a simple lunch for 2 hamburgers. The annoying part is the resort fees they add onto everything you buy. If you buy a cheeseburger, for example, they charge you $19 plus a 15% resort fee plus additional 10% tax. I was told the resort fee is used to pay the service people behind the scenes and we can tip the server in addition. I think this is horrible and the resort charges its customers enough to pay its employees instead of essentially charging an additional consumption tax. Even if they just raised the price of the items by the 15% makes it easier to stomach than to feel you are constantly nickel and dimed these resort fees. I have just never been to a resort that charges an additional 25% to items purchased and also expects us to tip the employees and additional 20%. Because of this ridiculous charge, I dropped a star on the resort. Also, I found some areas of the resort that were not painted. For example, not having a painted bathroom door in a villa is hard to explain. If your going to charge premium prices for everything, what you deliver needs to be premium everywhere. Now, what makes this resort beautiful is not only the property but the people that work there. Everywhere we went, from the farm, to the restaurants, beach, lobby, butlers and cleaning crew, to even the people selling souveneers on the property were great. The people genuinely want the guests to be as comfortable as possible and are very appreciative and eager to help. I want to Mention a few people that really were beyond great. Robin in the dive shack was patient and great working with my son to get him dive certified. I met Diana at Lesters cafe throughout the week and really took pride in herself and the resort. She did everything possible to go above beyond what you would expect. She really had a great attitude and made our trip more enjoyable. Our butler Franklin was excellent and was always there to make sure all were happy. Our cook, Kerris was just great with everything. Everyday she worked to make every meal with care. We had a large group and did a great job preparing all our meals family style. Michelle was a Our maid and always came to the house with such a great attitude which the kids loved to play with her. She was a special person for the kids. I can't write a review without mentioning Joy who was a person that sold souveneers on the property. She was never pushy trying to sell something. All the kids loved stoping and seeing her everyday. She had a smile and attitude that was contagious to all the guests.