Half Moon Unveils Redesigned Villas in Montego Bay
The storied resort has reimagined its luxury villa experience with new design, curated art, and immersive hospitality.
Photo: Ricardo Lee
Half Moon, the beloved Jamaican resort, has officially debuted the first phase of a sweeping transformation to its multi-bedroom villas, formerly Rose Hall Villas, unveiling a new chapter in the brand’s 70-year legacy.
Now branded Villas at Half Moon, the reimagined accommodations are designed for families and groups seeking privacy, personalization, and easy access to the resort’s amenities. Each six- or seven-bedroom villa has a private pool, expansive indoor-outdoor living areas, and a dedicated staff, including a cook, housekeeper, and butler. The villas are the only standalone accommodations fully integrated into the Half Moon experience.
The relaunch comes at a particularly encouraging time for Jamaica’s travel sector. Just last week, the U.S. State Department officially lowered Jamaica to a Level 2 travel advisory, placing the destination on par with countries like France and the U.K., after nearly a year at Level 3. The shift, which followed a diplomatic visit to Kingston earlier this spring, is expected to boost traveler confidence and demand throughout the island.
Half Moon’s redesign results from a multi-million-dollar investment by Salamander Collection and is led by Kingston-based design studio Atelier-Vidal. The refreshed spaces feature open-concept layouts, neutral palettes with tropical accents, and a thoughtful interplay between architecture and the surrounding landscape. Select villas now boast infinity-edge pools, family game rooms, outdoor showers, and modernized kitchens—creating a seamless flow between elevated living and the natural beauty of the Caribbean.
“Half Moon has remained a symbol of timeless Caribbean hospitality while continuously evolving to meet the needs of today’s discerning travelers,” said Guy Steuart III, the resort’s chairman. “Our intent is to respect the resort’s identity while curating moments that feel instinctive, restorative, and unforgettable.”
In a unique twist, each villa is named after a work by celebrated Jamaican painter Michael Lester. His expressive, color-rich art is displayed throughout the properties, anchoring the design in local culture.
The new villas join the ranks of other recent enhancements at Half Moon, including the debut of the award-winning Eclipse enclave and the renovation of its Hibiscus neighborhood. Just 10 minutes from Sangster International Airport, Half Moon now spans 400 acres with three resort experiences—Founders Cove, Eclipse, and Villas—plus amenities such as an equestrian center, Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf course, and Fern Tree Spa with overwater treatment bungalows.
