JAPEX: properties provide updates on renos, new builds

A number of properties in Jamaica took the time to address international media attending last weekend’s JAPEX 2016, with updates and more for 2016.

Here’s what the represented resorts, inns, hotels and one airport have in store for the coming year:

Half Moon Resort

The host of JAPEX 2016’s media contingent, the Montego Bay property recently split from its partnership with A Rock Resort when the latter opted to focus on other properties, said Half Moon GM Sandro Fabris. According to Fabris, the property will now be managed independently with marketing support through the Preferred Hotels & Resorts network, where Half Moon will be marketed under the ‘Lux’ designation. New developments at the property include the reopening of the Sugar Mill restaurant and a renovated lobby, with refurbishments to the back of the house at Half Moon slated next, which will centralize the kitchen, pantry and more.

Karisma

The Azul Sensatori Jamaica will add 52 rooms next winter, said David Black, Karisma’s director of sales, while a brand-new property – the Azul Seven Mile Beach – is being constructed on the former site of Beaches Sandy Bay with 98 suites, six restaurants and three bars. According to Black, cross-exchange privileges will be available through Karisma’s Gourmet Inclusive program when the new property opens in May 2017.

Spanish Court

This new property, located on the grounds of the former Breezes Montego Bay, will feature 124 rooms located five minutes from Sangster International Airport. According to Andres Cope, reservations & revenue manager, the property is expected to open in May 2017 with features including a rooftop pool bar, spa and more.

Liguanea Club

Described by Kadiene Duncanson, sales and marketing manager, as “the best kept secret in Kingston,” this 38-room private members’ club has a focus on sports and fitness, drawing mainly a European clientele. With an athletic theme, the club has drawn the likes of Mexico’s national rugby team as well as other visiting sports clubs from around the world.

Courtleigh Group

With Kingston poised to see increased tourists due to the new North-South highway link, a new complex featuring three hotels is slated to bring a total of 1,000 rooms (728 existing, with 272 to be added) to Jamaica’s capital, said Maurice Bryan, sales manager of The Courtleigh Group. The complex will feature the Courtleigh Hotel, the Jamaica Pegasus (being rebranded as a four-star property) and Hotel 77, a new property catering to millennials to be built on the site of the former Wyndham and Hilton hotels, which was destroyed by fire. A ‘Stay at One, Play at Three’ promotion will be available to guests, Bryan said.

Jamaica Inn

This 52-suite boutique property in Ocho Rios, where TVs and radios have been purposely left out of guest rooms to maintain the relaxing environment, is increasing its focus on wellness, said Jamaica Inn’s Emmanuella Owens, with the construction of a new steam sauna at the property’s Ocean Spa. Renovations to ‘Cottage 6’ include outdoor showers and tub plus an infinity pool.

Norman Manley International Airport

Kingston’s airport is preparing for an increase in arrivals due to the new highway opening, said Grace Morrison, marketing and corporate communications manager for the airport. Describing the highway as paving the way for “an inter-island hopping experience,” travellers could potentially “eat breakfast in Montego Bay and do lunch in Kingston,” she joked.

PHOTO: Andres Cope, revenu & reservations manager, Spanish Court Hotel; Grace Morrison, marketing and corporate communications manager, Norman Manley International Airport; Emmanuella Owens, Jamaica Inn; David Black, director of sales, Karisma; Sandro Fabris, general manager, Half Moon Resort; Maurice Bryan, sales manager, The Courtleigh Group; Kadiene Duncanson, sales and marketing manager, Liguanea Club.