Wind down to island time at Jamaica's Half Moon resort
Jamaica – it’s the ultimate tropical paradise. White sandy beaches and sapphire blue seas sit beneath the blazing Caribbean sun. The island is the jewel in the crown of tourist destinations, offering perfect weather, natural beauty and luxury and adventure.
And if it is luxury you are after then there is no better place to wind down to island time than at Montego Bay’s famous Half Moon resort, frequented over the years by senior members of the British Royal Family among other celebrities and dignitaries.
The moment you arrive at the sweeping colonial-style lobby with its elegant whitewashed pillars, palm fronds dancing in the breeze as they frame the uninterrupted view of the ocean, your blood pressure begins to drop.
Within just a few hours the staff have learned your name (and favorite drink!) and the holiday can truly begin. It’s easy to understand why Half moon is beloved by royalty and celebrity alike – there’s no need to leave the vast secluded grounds to enjoy the full delights of a Jamaican vacation.
Half Moon has a long and illustrious history. Its past guests include President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie as well as movie icons Rock Hudson and Debbie Reynolds.
It has also hosted royalty on many occasions over the years, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and their son Prince Charles with his wife Camilla.
It is a stunning space set on 400 acres of manicured grounds boasting two miles of beachfront and 197 beautifully decorated rooms and suites and 31 villas, almost all of which have views of the Caribbean Sea.
On offer is both adventure and serious relaxation: whatever you want, Half Moon has it.
If it’s activity you are after, the once in a lifetime opportunity to ride bare back in the sea on one of the many ex-racehorses in Half Moon’s stables may be just the ticket.
You deep into the water until the horse itself begins to swim. If you are brave enough, you can even gently slide down and hold its tail as it turns in circles in the warm and gentle sea.
More conventional wattersports including scuba diving are also available on the grounds - and if land sports are more your thing, there is always the 8-hole par-72 championship golf course to play a few rounds on.
But if you’ve come to escape the stresses and strains of modern life Half Moon offers the very best of relaxation in luxury surroundings. Things don’t get much better than a massage in the luxurious Fern Spa.
And there is also the opportunity to clear your mind, too. Experience dawn yoga in the charming overwater bungalow with its uninterrupted view of the ocean and watch the sun rise while doing your downward facing dog. Sheer bliss.
From a swim-up bar where you can enjoy cocktails in the pool atop stools submerged in the water, to sunbathing on the stretch of golden sand that fringes the property and swimming in the azure seas, Half Moon has everything you need to escape the stress of modern life.
And if you want to explore more of the treasures Jamaica has to offer, it makes the perfect springboard. For a truly memorable visit, a trip to the breathtaking Dunn's River Falls and a bamboo raft ride down the tranquil Martha Brae River are highly recommended.
And for the gourmands, a Jamaican cookery course in the picturesque surrounds of the former prospect Plantation, Yaaman adventure park and a tour of the Hampden Estate rum distillery are a must.
For the best fine dining experience the island has to offer, the Sugar Mill restaurant is the destination.
The eaterie, also a part of the Half Moon family, specializes in turning Jamaican favorites like oxtail and ackee into elegant and delicate dishes.
There's also the slightly less formal Italian restaurant, Il Giardino or neighboring seagrape terrace, all within the hotel grounds.
And if something less formal suits then Moonchies shack on the beach is perfect for grabbing a succulent Jerk chicken on the go.
In honor of Cyber Monday, Half Moon is offering up to 50 per cent off bookings over three nights.
Using the promotional code PROC17 guests can book the trip of a lifetime at the iconic Half Moon are greatly reduced rates starting from $244 (approx. £187) including complimentary WiFi. The offer is valid across all of the resort's suites and villas and is open for just 24 hours on Monday November 27.
Take a tranquil raft ride along a three-mile stretch of the beautiful Martha Brae River, shaded from the Jamaican sun by lush vegetation that grows along its banks. The tour is guided by an experienced raft captain, and each captain is proud to have constructed his own sturdy vessel out of bamboo. It is possible to stay dry for the entire tour, or if you're feeling a little more adevturous, take an exhilirating plunge in the waters. Find your calm and surround yourself with natiure with a relaxing three-mile raft tour down the breathtaking Martha Brae River in Montego Bay Dunn's River Falls is breathtakingly beautiful and a must-see for any visitor to