A new era at Half Moon
Imagine opening a new resort only to have a global pandemic halt international travel a mere three weeks later. Guy Steuart III, Chairman of Half Moon, talks about launching Eclipse at Half Moon — twice — and what travel advisors should know about the luxurious beachfront property in Jamaica.
Eric Stein Photography
Tell us a little about the history of Half Moon and how it became such an iconic property?
Half Moon was established in 1954 when 17 investor families purchased 35 acres of land on a crescent-shaped bay on the north coast of Montego Bay. My grandparents fell in love with Jamaica and her people and my family has been able to uphold the legacy they first established.
This idyllic property lent itself to the luxury of space and privacy, which has been the ethos of our brand for nearly 70 years. With the support of leadership and the foundation of a team of employees who put their hearts into Half Moon, we have been able to hold our position as one of the most iconic resorts in the Caribbean.
I recall, as a child, being able to walk the stretch of beach right along the coast and with this new development, we have been able to engage in coastal restoration and preservation. Eclipse was designed to not encroach on the environment, but to respectfully become a part of it and the promenade brings light to this. As you walk along the beach with the Trade Winds coming in, there’s an undeniable sense of awe of the sea on one side and the hills to the other, of how beautiful and engaging Jamaica is.
Guy Steuart III
What’s it like to launch Eclipse twice, essentially, and what has the feedback been so far?
The feedback has been wonderful; we’re pleased to know that our care and due diligence are enhancing the overall Half Moon experience. We certainly did not envision launching Eclipse twice, but it is a special place within the fabric of Half Moon, which has certainly been instrumental in creating magical moments and memories for families over the years. In a way, it seems fitting to be able to once more launch Eclipse to discerning travellers – it is truly the setting for creating memories and comfortable getaways, especially during a period of time where there’s disruption because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eric Stein Photography
Eclipse at Half Moon features 57 new accommodations, an infinity-edge pool, a natural swimming cove, and seven bars and restaurants. The heart of the resort is its Great House, the property’s arrival experience.
What are some of your personal highlights of the new resort?
Personal highlights include the promenade. I recall, as a child, being able to walk the stretch of beach right along the coast and with this new development, we have been able to engage in coastal restoration and preservation. Eclipse was designed to not encroach on the environment, but to respectfully become a part of it and the promenade brings light to this. As you walk along the beach with the Trade Winds coming in, there’s an undeniable sense of awe of the sea on one side and the hills to the other, of how beautiful and engaging Jamaica is. We also built a restaurant, aptly named North Pointe – open to the breeze and overlooking the sea – because it is situated at the most northern tip of Jamaica. There’s no imagining what it’s like to have lunch there – you have to go to know. The arrival experience is like no other. Once you make it to the top of the steps (just a few of them) of the lobby, you are welcomed by the Caribbean Sea – a stunning and unimpeded view of what I like to refer to as our great park. Cities have parks, and the Caribbean Sea is Half Moon’s.
What should travel agents know about Eclipse at Half Moon?
Your clients are our valued guests. Eclipse is stunning and offers unmatched amenities from restaurants to bars – each with a story – interconnecting rooms and suites, and a world-class spa oasis to a natural swimming lagoon for the children. However, the service our team provides is anticipatory and authentic. We genuinely care about our guests, their families, and their happiness – this is our signature.
Eric Stein Photography
COVID-19 has been challenging for the whole industry. How have you had to change strategies during this time?
Half Moon is committed to the luxury of space and privacy; we have been fortunate that with 400 acres and two miles of beachfront, we have been able to uphold the health and safety requirements, in particular – the physical distancing requirement. The resort is linear in its design, stretching along the north coast of Montego Bay (no building is more than two storeys above ground); and the design is welcoming and open to the surroundings – fresh air and Trade Winds, the hills to the south and the Caribbean Sea to the north. Approximately 98 per cent of our accommodations are positioned along the coast with sea views and with 28 self-catering villas, each with dedicated staff of cook, butler and housekeeper, we are able to continue offering unique and personalized experiences that are enhanced by the level of comfort we extend through our Commitment to Well-Being protocols.
Eric Stein Photography
How are you feeling about the recovery of the industry?
I feel positive about the travel, tourism and hospitality industry’s recovery. Speaking on behalf of Half Moon specifically, I believe we will continue to welcome back many of our loyal guests who have remained dedicated to Half Moon over the years and I believe that Half Moon – Founders Cove, Eclipse and Rose Hall Villas – will continue to delight new guests who are keen on personalized and one-of-a-kind experiences in an environment that allows you to just be, and to discover. The desire to explore is innate and we will play our part in ensuring the protocols are followed as we help to preserve the industry.
Is there anything else you want to share with travel advisors?
It is easy to get to Montego Bay, Jamaica. There are many direct flight routes into Sangster International Airport and Half Moon is just 10 minutes away from the airport. Just two mins away from Half Moon, at the Half Moon Village, is the Baywest Hospital, which offers COVID-19 antibody and antigen testing as well, and is equipped to address COVID-19 cases.
What do you think makes Half Moon a special place for visitors?
The indomitable spirit of our team. They are optimistic and their positive energy is felt by our guests. Half Moon is not an over-stimulated experience, it is respectful of culture and heritage and respectful to the guest’s needs and desires. You can do as much or as little as you want.
Do you have anything to add?
Half Moon is a generational experience. I’m a third-generation chairman for example, we have team members whose parents worked at Half Moon and we have welcomed returning guests who take their children and grandchildren to Half Moon to experience its magic. Children spend year after year visiting Half Moon and then choose to get married there. It’s hard to find the words to describe something that is felt within our spirit, but one thing I know for sure is that Half Moon is a gift that when received, it becomes a treasured way of experiencing life.
