The Half Moon has been one of Jamaica’s most luxurious resorts ever since it opened in 1954 on 400 acres and two miles of private beach (it has been a part of the Colorado ski resort juggernaut RockResorts only since 2011). It is the only resort in the Caribbean to hold a four-diamond rating from AAA for 35 years running.

The Half Moon has a veddy British-in-the-Caribbean vibe, from the Georgian Colonial–style buildings to the handmade mahogany reproduction Queen Anne and Chippendale furnishings in the suites. The Sugar Mill restaurant is so good it deserves its own review.

The Royal Court complex is a hotel-within-a-hotel, offering beachfront Royal Suites and two private swimming pools. (Other Imperial and Royal suites also come with their own pool.) Villas, with four to seven bedrooms (each with its own bathroom), come with a private swimming pool and personal staff of cook, housekeeper, and butler.

Duffers book here for the championship Robert Trent Jones Sr.– designed golf course, others for the on-site horseback riding and swimming with dolphins; families appreciate the children’s village and teen activity center.


Note that there is a $30 per night “Resort Fee” covering Wi-Fi, bottled water, and use of bikes and water sports equipment.