Although the Half Moon of Rosehall is renowned for its award-winning (four-diamond) resort, its management are never content to rest on their laurels. As part of a multi-million US dollar renovation process across the 400-acre property, the resort's children centre has been reinvented as the Anancy Children's Village.

The crafty spider Anancy, tiny star of African, and by extension Jamaican, folklore, was selected as a tribute to the warm, welcoming local staff.

Anancy the mascot, star of African folklore, gets a hug from the hotel's little guests. (Photos: Richard Saab)

"Anancy epitomises the spirit of survival, wit and ingenuity that is in all of us," said manager Aram Zerunian. "Plus he's fun, brings out the kid in all of us and his lore will resonate with children who will be visiting the Village, especially the older ones."

In addition to Anancy colouring books, the children will be able to stay in touch with the Village and playmates through its website.
A cuddly mascot, sure to be the recipient of many future hugs, was introduced at the Village's launch earlier this month. Miniature versions of Anancy and his friends will also be on sale.

This concept of embracing indigenous culture (versus importing foreign brands) enhances the high-end product of the resort already heralded as the most 'child-friendly' in the world,
by Travel and Leisure Magazine in 2005.

Although the pristine beach, fabulous restaurants, luxurious accommodations, equestrian centre, dolphin lagoon and countless activities figure in the appeal to the resort's many return visitors, it is the warmth and vivaciousness of the Jamaican staff that the hotel recognises as its core strength.

So the legendary tales of Anancy and his animal friends that have been told to countless generations of Jamaican children are now celebrated in the Village modelled after a rural community.

Bright red, green and gold cabins have been handcrafted to house the various activities children enjoy while in the care of the resort's attendants, each clad in polo shirts featuring the Village characters - Brer Tiger, Brer Rabbit and Moos Moos the Mouse. Various age groups (3-5, 5-8, 9-12 years) have their own Rasta-coloured cottages filled with toys, activities and pint-sized furniture.

The property's executive housekeeper, Joan Coore, and her on-site upholstery department used fabrics, complete with copyrighted images of Anancy and friends, to create funky, soft furnishings - mounds of pillows perfect for naps or building forts. Arts and crafts, movie and performance room complete with stage round out the other tri-coloured houses.

The rich primary colours of the houses, Juice Hut and extensive playground equipment including challenger, swings, mello-go round and rocking horses contrast with the signature white of the resort's other buildings and the magnificent Caribbean blue sky. One sandbox is filled with tiny rocking horses and Anancy's friends of course.

Marketing manager Marcia McLaughlin, who helped to formulate the concept of the Village, is like much of the Half Moon staff who are proud to share something "intrinsically our own".

The Village also allows for renewed interest in young generations locally for this well-loved character and his antics and the attendant literary resources.

The retention of Jamaican folklore through the Anancy Village allows Half Moon's littlest visitors the opportunity to share not only the beautiful environment but also a bit of the 'real Jamaica', just as any Jamaican child would in this very special space.
(Mom and Dad stay tuned as an ultra-fabulous space is already planned for adults. The Half Moon's next endeavour is an incredible garden spa facility.)

Feeding the multitude

DANGEROUS PETS

Pepper Pot