My Review Of The Half Moon Resort In Jamaica

My jaw dropped when the bellboy opened the door to my room and set down my luggage.

"But . . ." I stuttered in disbelief, "This room is bigger than one entire floor of my house! The bathroom is larger than my kitchen! This is . . . unbelievable!" 

Little did I know, I'd be saying that for much of our stay at Half Moon Resort. I don't know what I did to deserve to stay in the lap of luxury for two nights, but somehow the travel gods smiled on me and there I was, in this glorious place.

Half Moon, located in Rose Hall Jamaica, was named after the perfectly crescent-shaped, white sandy beach that the resort sits on. White colonial-style cottages and villas, up to 33 luxury villas, and 197 guest rooms dot the 400 sprawling acres of land. This isn't a resort that feels like a resort—instead, Half Moon feels more like a small village on the edge of the Caribbean sea, with luxury unmatched anywhere else. Rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated, and many of the 54 pools are attached to villas, so that guests have a great deal of privacy, as well.  In the Royal Villas, guests are even pampered with their own butler, maid, and chef. No wonder the guest list has included HRH Queen Elizabeth II and, most recently, Prince Harry!

Don't let the wide open space fool you, however, there is a lot to do at Half Moon. Rent a golf cart or a bicycle and explore the grounds, stop at the golf course, shop in the stores, swim with the dolphins, or visit the equestrian centre. The horses and donkeys were very friendly, and you can try your hand at some riding lessons.

Next stop? The award-winning Red Fern Spa. 

Half Moon's 68,000 sq foot Red Fern Spa is incredible, and completely dedicated to wellness and helping you relax. Whether you want a private session or to rent out a space for a wedding party, they can accommodate your needs. I was blown away, not just by the sheer size, but by the tranquility and beauty of the setting. One of my favourite parts of our stay was a poolside Jamaican breakfast in a Royal Villa, then Red Fern Spa came and gave us mini treatments, leaving us relaxed and rejuvenated for the day ahead! This resort just oozed with romance at every turn, and would be a very ideal place to book a destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic anniversary getaway.

All this isn't just for couples, however. There are a lot of things for kids to do while you soak up the Caribbean sun! There are programs for them at the Anancy Children's Village, where they can participate in arts, crafts, play time, and more. There are also nannies on-site for children who are too young to participate, or if you just want some couple time. Teens aren't left out either—for them there is The Hype Zone, complete with foosball, a cyber lounge, karaoke, and more. Children are also welcome in the restaurants, where you can have early seating and menus at the Seagrape Terrace.

While at the hotel, we were treated to breakfast and dinner at the Seagrape Terrace, with its twinkling lights at night and the ocean lapping close by, creating a memorable experience. I can't imagine a more beautiful spot to eat, and the food was absolutely impeccable. Half Moon has six restaurants and seven bars to choose from, serving Thai, Indian, Caribbean, Italian, and International cuisine, which range from casual to elegant, and even a weekly beach barbecue! 

I will admit, I wanted to curl up on the soft bed with crisp white linens, my belly full of lobster, and the Caribbean ocean outside, and never leave. Tranquil, elegant, and welcoming are words that can't even begin to describe Half Moon, and I believe that if one booked a vacation here, they'd feel the same way I do. 

You'd never want to go home!

Many thanks to the staff at Half Moon Resort and the Jamaican Tourist Board for inviting me to stay as a guest at their beautiful property. I had a wonderful time and my stay was one that I'll remember for years to come.