By Alexander Britell

Half Moon, one of the most iconic resorts in Jamaica, has appointed a leading American resort company to manage the property.

Half Moon has appointed Salamander Hotels and Resorts, which manages some of the top resorts in the the United States, to manage the Montego Bay resort.

Salamander’s portfolio includes resorts ranging from the Innisbrook Resort in Tampa, Florida (perhaps best known as the site of the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championshi) to the 340-acre Salamander Resort and Spa in Virginia to the new Hotel Bennett in Charleston.

The company’s golf expertise in particular could prove valuable, as Jamaica looks to highlight what is one of the Caribbean’s best, but still largely undiscovered, golf destinations.

“With successes in operating luxury, golf and beach properties, Salamander is our chosen hospitality partner for Half Moon,” said Guy Steuart III, chairman of Half Moon, in a statement.

It’s a natural fit for the 210-room Half Moon, whose 400-acre compound includes a Robert Trent Jones, Sr design that opened its doors in 1962.

That’s along with amenities including the renowned Fern Tree Spa; an adjacent 28-unit villa resort called the Rose Hall Villas and two miles of beachfront.

Half Moon has more than two miles of beach.

The legendary resort has hosted a who’s who of international celebrities (and royalty) in its more than six decades of operation.

It’s also in the home stretch of a dramatic reimagining and expansion of the resort.

“Since the inception of Half Moon, our team members have injected their hearts and souls into what has become a globally-recognized brand and symbol for gracious Jamaican hospitality, one of the finest experiences in the Caribbean. As we commemorate our 65th anniversary, Half Moon intends to build on its reputation of providing transformative experiences for generations of discerning travelers,” Steuart said.

Salamander’s portfolio includes the newly-debuted Hotel Bennett in Charleston.

Salamander was founded by entrepreneur Sheila Johnson, who is the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television.

“We are delighted to have this amazing opportunity to collaborate with Half Moon and the Jamaica business and tourism communities,” said Johnson, Salamander’s founder and CEO. “The resort is renowned for its wonderful, caring employees, many of whom have been a part of the Half Moon family for generations. I look forward to introducing my business partners, colleagues and Salamander’s many loyal guests to Half Moon’s storied history and exciting future.”

For more, visit Half Moon.

— CJ