Half Moon Set to Complete Phased Reopening

One year after Hurricane Melissa left an historic mark on Jamaica, Half Moon, the country’s most iconic resort, has announced the schedule for the completion of its phased reopening, including the return of its classic Founders Cove accommodations and amenities.

Managed by Salamander Collection, the 400-acre resort has been welcoming guests since April, when Eclipse at Half Moon and its reimagined Villas at Half Moon reopened following Melissa’s passage. This final phase marks a significant milestone as Jamaica’s hospitality sector continues its broader recovery.

Situated along two miles of Caribbean coastline in Montego Bay, Half Moon has welcomed generations of travelers since 1954. Following the hurricane, the resort temporarily suspended operations to undertake extensive restoration work while supporting more than 850 team members, all of whom were personally affected by the storm.

“Over the past year, our team members have demonstrated remarkable dedication to bringing Half Moon back,” said Managing Director Shernette Crichton. “As we reach the end of our long journey, Half Moon comes full circle. It is a milestone that reflects not only the work undertaken across the resort, but also the people, resilience, traditions and Jamaican hospitality that have shaped Half Moon for generations.”

A Beloved Caribbean Icon Returns in Full

By Thanksgiving, Half Moon will have reopened its most historic and cherished spaces, including the Hibiscus and Ocean Court accommodations, and the property’s storied West Cottages, which date back to Half Moon’s opening in 1954. Additionally, the original lobby will reopen to guests, along with Seagrape Terrace and The Cedar Bar, a longstanding gathering place at the heart of the Half Moon experience. A couple of additional West Cottages will reopen in time for the Festive season.

The full reopening also introduces enhanced furnishings and accommodations, including newly reconfigured two-bedroom Ocean Court suites, offering greater flexibility for families and guests travelling together. The resort’s retail experience has also been elevated with the addition of Over the Moon, a signature shopping destination; and Garlandstone Gallery, showcasing Jamaican art and creativity.

With all three resort experiences available, guests can choose from Eclipse, offering contemporary beachfront luxury; Villas at Half Moon, featuring spacious private residences with dedicated staff and personalized service; and Founders Cove, reflecting the resort’s storied heritage. Together, they accommodate couples, families and multigenerational guests, each offering a different expression of the authentic Half Moon hospitality.

Championship Golf Highlights Winter Programming

Half Moon’s championship golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., will feature prominently in the resort’s winter programming following its return earlier this year. Set amid tropical surroundings, the course remains one of Jamaica’s established golf destinations.

The upcoming season will see the return of Half Moon’s Guest Instructor Series, welcoming acclaimed teaching professionals for personalized instruction and specialty golf experiences throughout fall and winter.

On December 12, the resort will welcome the return of the Half Moon Founders Cup, continuing a longstanding tradition of combining golf with philanthropy. Since its inception, the tournament has raised more than US$100,000 in support of charitable organizations in Jamaica.

Award-Winning Dining Returns and New Culinary Leadership

Half Moon’s culinary offerings are also entering a new chapter, led by the reopening of its award-winning Sugar Mill, and the appointment of Chef Omar Gabriele Bernardi at the similarly acclaimed Delmare.

Set on the grounds of a historic sugar estate, Sugar Mill, led by Chef Christopher Golding, has returned with a renewed culinary direction centered on premium cuts, expertly prepared over flame and complemented by bold flavours reflecting Jamaica’s culinary character. The evolution builds on the restaurant’s longstanding fine-dining reputation while introducing a new menu focus.

At Delmare, Half Moon’s Italian-influenced seafood restaurant, Chef Bernardi brings more than three decades of international experience across Michelin-starred restaurants, five-star hotels, private island resorts and luxury yachts. Born and raised in Milan, his career includes the two-Michelin-starred San Domenico in Italy, along with leadership positions at Mandarin Oriental Singapore, Bawah Reserve in Indonesia and luxury destinations throughout Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.

Bernardi will draw on his Italian heritage and international experience while embracing Jamaica’s local ingredients and culinary traditions, introducing a fresh perspective to Italian dining by the Caribbean Sea.

International Recognition During a Milestone Year

The resort’s recovery year has also been marked by international accolades, underscoring its standing among the Caribbean’s leading luxury destinations.

In the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Half Moon was named the No. 1 resort in Jamaica and ranked No. 13 among the best resorts in the Caribbean. The resort was also just named a winner of the Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in the Americas award in the 2026 Historic Hotels Worldwide Annual Awards of Excellence.

Half Moon received five additional distinctions across the 2026 World Travel Awards and World Travel Tech Awards:

• Caribbean’s Leading Hotel 2026
• Jamaica’s Leading Villa Resort 2026
• World’s Best Hotel Website 2026
• Caribbean’s Best Hotel Website 2026
• Caribbean’s Best Corporate Retreat Destination 2026

The recognition spans luxury hospitality, private villa accommodations, digital experiences and group travel, reflecting the breadth of Half Moon’s offering.

A Festive Homecoming

With the final phase of restoration approaching completion, Half Moon is preparing for the festive season, traditionally an important period for families and returning guests who have made the resort part of their holiday celebrations.

“We are seeing encouraging forward bookings with particular interest in the peak holiday period,” Crichton added. “The response reflects continued confidence in Jamaica as a leading Caribbean destination. We are proud of what has been accomplished and grateful to everyone who has supported us. We look forward to welcoming returning and first-time guests to experience Half Moon in its entirety this winter.”

For more information about Half Moon or to make reservations, visit www.halfmoon.com.