The most highly-anticipated hotel opening of 2020 is here: the new Eclipse at Half Moon, Jamaica’s new standard-bearer luxury hotel, which has officially launched in the heart of Montego Bay.
The 57-room beachfront hotel is a major new addition to what has long been one of the Caribbean’s iconic places to stay, Half Moon.
“Eclipse is a distinct luxury experience, and one that honors and complements Half Moon’s legacy and character,” said Guy Steuart III, chairman of the board at Half Moon. “Guests will discover our unique spirit of character and culture amidst traditional, elegant architecture inspired by our surroundings, and dimensioned within an abundance of roamable beach and gardens.”
The new Eclipse, which was designed by renowned architecture firm Hart Howerton, is centered around a “Great House” garbed in vintage family photographs and vibrant colors, along with custom murals depicting Caribbean life.
The hotel is a mix of “Great House Open Suites,” “Estate Homes,” each with up to four bedrooms, along with 32 “prestige ocean rooms,” all of which are set in low-profile cottages with views of the sea.
In a nice touch, every ocean room has artwork from students of Jamaica’s Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts.
The culinary program is broad: there’s the North Pointe Bar and Grill, overlooking the hotel’s infinity pool and beach; the casual beach grill called Spice; the Hammock Bar, the action-station-filled Hayward’s, along with a grab-and-go cafe called Maakit.
That’s joined by a Half Moon institution, Lester’s Bar, along with the signature eatery at Eclipse, Delmare, a “refined Italian seafood culinary experience.”
Half Moon’s signature Fern Tree, A Salamander Spa, provides the centerpiece wellness destination for the hotel.
“Eclipse is a remarkable addition to Half Moon and the Caribbean’s luxury landscape,” says Sheila Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, which was tapped to manage Half Moon last year. “Its design and artwork, along with our commitment to delivering superior culinary and wellness experiences, will make this one of the Caribbean’s most appealing destinations.”
Eclipse is now part of a three-resort complex that includes the rebranded original resort, Founders Cove at Half Moon, along with the Rose Hall Villas at Half Moon, the island’s top villa resort.
The properties are all set on the massive Half Moon campus, which is accentuated by a leading Caribbean golf course, the Robert Trent Jones, Sr-designed Half Moon Golf Club, dubbed the “Caribbean Augusta.”
The new hotel takes Half Moon’s jet-set age historic charm into the 21st century, a serious infusion of energy into what is one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations.
For more, visit Eclipse at Half Moon.
— CJ