One of Jamaica's Most Iconic Luxury Resorts Just Reopened — Six Months After the Storm That Shut It Down

Montego Bay's legendary Half Moon resort officially reopened its Eclipse wing on April 2, welcoming guests back to 57 beachfront accommodations six months after Hurricane Melissa forced the property to close last October.

The phased return also includes the newly reimagined Villas at Half Moon, a collection of multi-bedroom residences that underwent a significant redesign during the restoration period. Several signature amenities are back online as well, including restaurants Delmare, North Pointe, Hayward's, and Spice, along with the resort's beloved Hammock Bar.

Half Moon has been a fixture on Jamaica's north coast for decades, consistently earning Forbes Travel Guide recognition and drawing a loyal following for its two miles of private beachfront. The hurricane damage was extensive enough that the ownership team decided to go beyond repairs, using the closure as an opportunity to elevate the guest experience across multiple areas of the property.

The reopening also brought a leadership change. Shernette Crichton has been named managing director of Half Moon, placing her among a small group of female hospitality executives leading major Caribbean properties — and the only one at this level in Jamaica.

A second phase of the restoration is planned for later this year, which will bring back the Founders Cove section along with Hibiscus and Ocean Court accommodations. For now, the return of Eclipse and the Villas signals that the resort's recovery is firmly underway.

Half Moon's reopening is part of a broader pattern across Jamaica, where several properties damaged by Hurricane Melissa have been using the rebuilding process to accelerate upgrades. Sandals Dunn's River was among the first to reopen, while Sandals Resorts is investing $200 million to reimagine three additional Montego Bay and south coast properties with a full redesign.