Half Moon begins phased reopening April 2
Eclipse and Villas leading return
Published:Wednesday | February 11, 2026 | 12:03 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer -
WESTERN BUREAU:
Luxury resort Half Moon will begin a phased reopening on April 2, with Eclipse at Half Moon and its newly reimagined Villas returning to service as the property continues its post–Hurricane Melissa recovery.
The reopening represents the first major operational phase for the Montego Bay landmark since it temporarily closed in October 2025 to undertake restoration works following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
The April 2 return includes Eclipse’s 57 beachfront accommodations and the multi-million-dollar reimagined Villas at Half Moon. Founders Cove — the resort’s legacy accommodation wing — will reopen at a later date to be confirmed.
Several signature amenities will also return in the first phase, including restaurants Delmare, North Pointe, Hayward’s and Spice, along with the Hammock Bar. Recreational facilities reopening include the golf course, tennis courts, equestrian centre, fitness studio, watersports operations, swimming lagoon and Fern Tree, A Salamander Spa.
Additional outlets and experiences are expected to come on stream in subsequent phases as the property advances toward full operations.
The reopening comes just ahead of the Easter travel period and is being viewed as another indicator of tourism stabilisation in western Jamaica.
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett described the development as “a powerful signal of confidence in Jamaica’s tourism sector and our national recovery,” noting that the return of the property strengthens the tourism value chain.
Half Moon employs more than 850 team members. Management said staffing levels will increase in alignment with occupancy and operational requirements as services are restored in phases, with the long-term goal of rebuilding the full operating team.
Chairman Guy Steuart III said the reopening reflects both physical restoration and a people-first approach to recovery.
“As we prepare to welcome back our team members and guests, an emphasis is on the path of recovery we walk together and the renewal opportunities that lie ahead,” he said, adding that many staff members were personally affected by the storm.
The company declined to disclose the financial value of hurricane-related damage or provide occupancy and forward booking figures, citing corporate policy. However, management indicated it is encouraged by forward demand for both the resort and the wider destination.
Managed by Salamander Collection, Half Moon spans a two-mile stretch of coastline approximately 10 minutes from Sangster International Airport. The resort is part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection and remains one of Jamaica’s highest-rated properties by Forbes Travel Guide.
Its phased reopening follows similar recovery efforts across western Jamaica, where several major properties have been restoring operations since October.