A well-established luxury resort with relatively reasonable rates (with a +2 TripValue, it’s decidedly one of the best bargains in Jamaica), tremendous overall service, and a plethora of activities, the all-inclusive Half Moon caters very well to both families and couples – especially golf, tennis, and horseback riding enthusiasts. There isn’t much in the surrounding area in terms of shopping and dining; but the property offers a PGA-caliber on-site golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr (the par-72 Half Moon Golf Course), a fairly solid beachfront (despite some jetties/boulders), a 50-meter lap pool, an on-site equestrian center with horseback riding, a first-rate tennis center with 11 floodlit courts and professional lessons, an impressive Children’s Village with various activities for ages 3-6 and 7-12, and excellent restaurants for an all-inclusive. The incredible 68,000-square-foot Fern Tree Spa boasts an outdoor yoga pavilion, a tea room, gardens, a meditation labyrinth, and 12 treatment rooms, including overwater bungalows. The upscale guest rooms, ranging from standard rooms to large villas, come with private balconies or terraces, elegant décor, and plenty of space; many have ocean views and no two accommodations are exactly alike. Other activities include a baby sea turtle release program, parasailing, water skiing, scuba diving, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, beach volleyball (on a subpar court), glass bottom boat rides, and deep sea fishing. The nearby Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, also PGA quality, was designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril; highlights include historic aqueducts and sugar mill ruins, a seasonal waterfall on the 15th hole that was featured in a James Bond movie, and a 17th hole that’s 350 feet above the Caribbean Sea.
COVID-19 antigen and PCR tests are available on-site, though neither is complimentary. Antigen tests are $100 USD per person and PCR tests are $200 USD per person. There are discounts for room stays of five nights or more ($50 USD per person) and suite and villa stays of three nights or more ($200 USD). In the event of a positive test, a guest’s stay can be extended at a 50% room discount per night. Food and beverage is also discounted 20%.