A new dawn at Jamaica’s Half Moon: Eclipse & Villas reopen amid tourism rebound

In the wake of adversity, Jamaica has once again proven its resilience – and nowhere is that more evident than at the luxurious Half Moon Resort.

On April 2, the 400-acre beachfront property with three experiences – Founders Cove, Eclipse and Villas – marked a major milestone in Jamaica’s post-Hurricane Melissa recovery with the reopening of its ultra-luxury enclave, Eclipse

At the centre of the reopening, and comeback, is Shernette Crichton, a hospitality trailblazer who recently made history as the resort’s first female managing director.

Her journey – from trainee in 1990 to the helm of one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious resorts – mirrors the ethos of Half Moon itself: growth through dedication and a deep commitment to people.

Crichton was in Toronto last Monday (April 27), alongside the team from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), where she led an intimate “Lunch and Learn” for a select group of travel advisors at the InterContinental hotel downtown.

There, she shared firsthand insights into the resort’s reopening strategy, offering a compelling narrative of transformation.

“Tourism is back”

When Hurricane Melissa swept through Jamaica on October 28, 2025, it left a profound impact on the island’s tourism infrastructure.

Half Moon, with a two-mile stretch coastline, was among the properties that temporarily closed, not only to restore its physical spaces but to prioritize its people.

“The last five months have been very hectic, but tourism is back,” Crichton said. “About 55 per cent of hotels on the western side of Jamaica are closed, but they will be reopening at the end of the year, with some in 2027.”

“I am proud to say that Eclipse, our highest-rated Forbes Four-Star resort, is open.”

In the aftermath of the storm, Half Moon launched a Staff Relief Fund, raising more than $500,000 USD with support from global travel partners, she said.

The funds went directly to more than 850 team members – many of whom had lost homes, roofs, and personal belongings.

“We prioritized them first, because without them, we would not be open today,” said Crichton.

Eclipse: a modern escape

Set between lush hillsides and the Sea, Eclipse ay Half Moon represents the pinnacle of contemporary luxury in Jamaica.

Originally opened in 2020 and engineered to withstand a Category 3 hurricane, the section remarkably survived Melissa, a Category 5 storm.

“We are truly blessed,” Crichton said.

The reopening of Eclipse unveils 57 units, including ocean rooms, suites, estate homes, and the stately nine-room Great House. The latter features a 2,800-square-foot signature suite ideal for private events and executive gatherings, all overlooking the Caribbean.

“The beautiful thing about Eclipse is that we are sandwiched in between the glistening waters of the Caribbean Sea and the beautiful hillsides of Jamaica. It’s such a beautiful view,” Crichton shared.

Guests are treated to a wealth of amenities: a sweeping infinity-edge pool at Jamaica’s northernmost tip and islets where visitors can carve out their own secluded beach experience.

READ MORE: “A powerful affirmation”: Jamaica applauds Porter’s new Montego Bay service

The atmosphere is unhurried, complemented by touches like beach butler service, delivering everything from fresh smoothies to jerk delicacies to guests lounging by the sea.

Dining at Eclipse is equally elevated. Highlights include Delmare, an award-winning Italian seafood restaurant, Hayward's for all-day dining, and Spice, which celebrates authentic Jamaican jerk cuisine.

Lester’s Bar, recognized by Forbes Travel Guide, stands out as one of the Caribbean’s premier cocktail destinations.

All about the experience

Half Moon’s appeal extends far beyond its accommodations. The resort offers all kinds of activities and amenities designed to engage every type of guest.

The property’s 18-hole championship golf course has reopened, complete with what Crichton proudly describes as “the best caddy program in the world.”

Guests are encouraged to walk the course, fostering connections with knowledgeable caddies who enhance the experience with insight and expertise.

Wellness also takes a centre stage. At the Fern Tree Spa guests can indulge in treatments rooted in Jamaica’s natural healing traditions.

The spa features nine treatment rooms, overwater bungalows, and customizable in-room services. Post-treatment rituals include ginger shots or fresh coconut water, reinforcing a holistic approach to wellbeing.

“We have used the opportunity since Melissa to really think about wellness,” Crichton said.

“Half Moon is the perfect place for this because we are on 400 acres, we have a five-kilometre path. We have grab and go bicycles…that’s what a vacation is about.”

Active guests will find no shortage of options, from tennis and pickleball courts (expanding to eight each by July) to croquet, lawn bowling, basketball, and water sports ranging from parasailing to certified diving.

Villas, reimagined

Alongside Eclipse, Half Moon has unveiled newly-reimagined Villas – also called Prestige Villas – offering an elevated private-residence experience.

The infinity edge pools that once faced a road now looking out at the sea, Crichton shared.

The 11 villas feature six- and seven-bedroom layouts, infinity-edge pools, and outdoor cabanas capable of hosting up to 14 guests for private dinners. Each villa comes with a dedicated staff of three: a cook, a butler, and a room attendant.

“You don’t have to go home with dirty laundry. It’s taken care of for you,” Crichton noted.

Each villa is named after a Michael Lester painting, a nod to Jamaica’s artistic heritage.

Guests can also customize their culinary experiences, working with chefs to curate menus that range from traditional Jamaican dishes like oxtail and curried goat to international fare.

Live music options—from steel pan music to calypso—can also be arranged, making the villas ideal for celebrations of all kinds.

A phased comeback

The reopening of Half Moon is being executed in phases. While Eclipse and the Villas are now open, other parts of the resort are scheduled to return this summer and fall.

Founders Cove, known for its timeless, classic charm, sustained more damage from the hurricane (because it’s on the water) and is undergoing extensive restoration.

Its 68 Hibiscus Suites, with access to a 50-metre lap pool, are expected to reopen July 2, alongside new amenities, like a grill at the swim-up bar.

Half Moon’s one-bedroom ocean suites, and West Cottages, are slated for reopening starting in October and November (in time for U.S. Thanksgiving), ensuring a gradual yet comprehensive return to full capacity.

“We are trying to connect some of those one-bedroom suites and create two bedrooms,” said Crichton said, saying the change was driven by guest feedback.

In it together

Managed by the Salamander Collection and part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection, Half Moon – just ten minutes from Sangster International Airport – places a strong emphasis on human connection, explained Crichton.

“Beyond the beauty is a warm and welcoming embrace that is extended by every level of staff,” she told advisors. “They try to learn the idiosyncrasies of your clients to make sure that their visit is special.”

That philosophy has resulted in high guest loyalty, with repeat occupancy reaching approximately 70 per cent during the peak winter season, she said. 

“We make memories,” Crichton said. “We want to do that for your clients so they come back to you. We’re in this business together.”

Half Moon is not an all-inclusive hotel, but there are packages, starting at approximately $275 (USD) per person, per day (guests aged 12 and under are 50 per cent of the rate).

The property also includes 27,000 square feet of meeting space, with two rooms for up to 100 guests available by July 2 and full availability expected by December, said Crichton.

Half Moon’s recovery has also reinforced in commitments to sustainability and local engagement.

The resort has implemented initiatives to eliminate single-use plastics and expand its farm-to-fork program, growing produce on-site during the summer months.

Community outreach remains a cornerstone of its mission. The resort supports organizations such as SOS Children’s Village and the Granville Place of Safety for Girls, even housing and caring for eight children.

Additionally, the property continues its long-standing partnership with the Barrett Town All Age School, providing resources ranging from libraries to computer labs.

Jamaica gears up for “record winter”

Half Moon’s reopening marks a major step forward in Jamaica’s reopening following last year's hurricane.

Several other hotel brands in Jamaica – including Riu Hotels & Resorts, Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Iberostar and Bahia Principe – have resumed operations, alongside many independent and boutique properties. (To see the complete list, click here).

Two brands that are still in the process of reopening include Hyatt's Inclusive Collection, whose seven hotels are expected to return in early 2027, as well as Sandals Resorts—specifically, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast—which are set to reopen this November after a US$200 million-dollar renovation. 

“This winter, we’ll have double-digit growth,” said the JTB’s Angella Bennett, whose professional ties with Crichton go back to the early ’90s.

Bennett noted boosted capacity from Canada to Jamaica thanks to Air Canada now offering non-stop service out of Winnipeg, Edmonton, Halifax and Ottawa (in addition to Toronto and Montreal).

The big news, last week, was Porter Airlines adding Montego Bay to its winter 2026-27 schedule.

As previously reported, the new direct flights, aboard Porter's Embraer E195-E2 aircraft (which means complimentary wine and beer served in glassware, premium snacks, free W-Fi and no middle seats) will operate out of Toronto (YYZ), Ottawa (YOW) and Hamilton (YHM).  

“This was two years in the making,” said Bennett of Porter's new service, later noting that the JTB will be working with trade partners across Canada to ensure the new seats fill quickly. “It’s going to be a record winter.”

Welcome back offer

Half Moon. meanwhile, is offering guests a complimentary fourth night when reserving three. Additionally, these package feature:

• Luxurious accommodations at Eclipse at Half Moon
• Daily breakfast at the seaside restaurant, Hayward’s
• Children five and under dine complimentary throughout the entire stay

The offer is valid for stays through December 19, 2026, with reservations made by December 14, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.

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