Half Moon Sets Founders Cove Return, With More Space for Families

Half Moon plans to bring back the main historic accommodation and gathering spaces at Founders Cove by Thanksgiving, according to its October 27 reopening announcement. For guests planning a winter stay in Jamaica, the detail to watch is the room category: a couple of additional West Cottages are scheduled to follow for the festive season.

What is coming back at Founders Cove?

The announced return includes Hibiscus and Ocean Court accommodation, the original lobby, Seagrape Terrace and Cedar Bar. Most West Cottages are also part of the Thanksgiving phase. This expands the choices beyond Eclipse and the reimagined Villas at Half Moon, which reopened in April after Hurricane Melissa.

One practical change is the introduction of reconfigured two-bedroom Ocean Court suites. Families or friends who want shared accommodation should ask about that layout specifically, rather than assuming a reservation for two rooms delivers the same arrangement. The announcement does not supply individual room availability or nightly rates.

How do the three accommodation choices differ?

Eclipse offers the resort's more contemporary beachfront experience, including 57 accommodations, an infinity-edge pool and a natural swimming cove. The villas provide private residences with household staff and private pools. Founders Cove brings back the historic cottage and suite setting associated with the resort's earlier years.

Those distinctions matter when comparing a quote. A family looking for a residence with a cook and outdoor living space has different needs from a couple choosing a suite near familiar public areas. Ask the reservations team to identify the exact accommodation experience and operating facilities attached to the booking.

What should you confirm before a holiday stay?

Treat the reopening as a phased schedule. The Thanksgiving milestone does not mean every cottage returns on the same day, and the resort's general reopening FAQ still describes Founders Cove as a later-2026 phase. Travellers should request confirmation for their specific arrival date, room and preferred restaurants.

Half Moon's wider appeal includes Fern Tree spa, tennis, watersports, an equestrian centre and its Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course. Check what the chosen rate includes, then price any treatments, lessons and dining separately. For returning guests, the most useful booking conversation starts with the places they hope to revisit and whether those spaces will be ready during their stay.

Image: Founders Cove entrance photographed October 24, 2026. Credit: Ricardo Lee / Half Moon.