TO mark its 70th anniversary, Half Moon Resort in St James is doing a more than US$15-million redesign of its Rose Hall Villas. The first phase will see 11 villas transformed between April and November 2024, concluding in time for the popular Thanksgiving and holiday periods.

The remaining eight villas will undergo similar enhancement work over the same period in 2025.

“For seven decades, Half Moon has simultaneously remained true to its roots while evolving for the discerning traveller,” said General Manager Shernette Crichton.

“We are excited to further elevate the elegantly relaxed guest experience at our popular Rose Hall Villas, while also retaining our Jamaican design inspirations. We look forward to sharing the beautiful renovation in the coming months.”

The transformation, being overseen by design firm Atelier Vidal, will retain each villa’s architectural footprint but offer a significantly improved experience, including fresh layouts that optimise viewing, expansive glass-pane doors, screened windows and open-concept living with lush surroundings.

The villas will also feature numerous finishes, including wood and stone, along with modern furnishings with tropical textures, neutral colour palettes, and subtle regional accents.

Outside, each villa will receive enhanced pool experiences, including cabanas featuring large screen TVs, grills and expanded seating for outdoor dining and entertainment. Several villas will get new infinity-edge pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea, while arrival porte-cochères will be added and new roofs, windows, doors, balconies, and lush landscaping will be installed at each accommodation.

Inside, the layouts will receive a complete makeover, including the addition of a family game room, new appliances and furniture and upgraded bathrooms.

Located at the eastern end of Half Moon’s two miles of shorefront, the Rose Hall Villas offer an independent resort experience that caters to families and groups — complete with a dedicated staff including a personal chef, housekeeper and butler.

With both seafront and garden view options, the spacious five-, six- and seven-bedroom villas include a private pool, outdoor living spaces, living and dining rooms. The renovation work will be conducted to minimise impact on the guest experience.

This project is the latest in a series of improvements at Half Moon, including the recent renovation of its Hibiscus neighbourhood and the celebrated 2020 opening of Eclipse at Half Moon, which was named as one of the finest new properties in the world by multiple publications.

Just a 10-minute drive from Sangster International Airport, Half Moon features a triumvirate of resort options across its 400 acres: Founders Cove, Eclipse and Rose Hall Villas.

Founders Cove features its own crescent-shaped beach, swimming pools, swim-up bar, and is adjacent to Half Moon’s tennis and fitness amenities, and the Anancy Children’s Village.

Eclipse at Half Moon includes 57 accommodations, a stunning infinity-edge pool, natural swimming cove, seven bars and restaurants, including the highly acclaimed Delmare.

All guests at Half Moon can also enjoy a variety of additional activities, including equestrian, watersports, tennis, pickleball and squash; and a wide range of dining options such as the legendary Cedar Bar and Half Moon’s award-winning signature restaurant Sugar Mill, known for its creative twist on Jamaican cuisine.

For relaxation and restoration, guests can also enjoy a Robert Trent Jones Sr-designed golf course, and Fern Tree, A Salamander Spa, which features two dramatic overwater bungalows for massage treatments and yoga classes.

The iconic property is part of Salamander Collection.