THINGS TO KNOW

CLIMATE Jamaica’s climate is pleasant and sunny year-round with average temperatures of 89ºF during the day and 73ºF at night.

WATER The water is drinkable, but bottled water is preferred by some.

GETTING THERE Half Moon is located 15 minutes from Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport (MBJ). The resort has an airport lounge staffed with concierge team members who can help you set up round-trip transfers via a shared shuttle or private transportation; however, we suggest arranging your transportation with your Personal Vacation Advisor or Destination Concierge prior to arrival.

GETTING AROUND Renting a car isn’t necessary during your stay as Jamaica always has taxis readily available and private transportation or tour transfers can always be arranged. Additionally, you will be provided with two six-seat golf carts to explore the resort’s 400 acres. If you do decide you want to explore the island on your own, a rental car is ideal, but keep in mind they drive on the left side of the road in Jamaica.

PARKING Complimentary parking is available near the villa.

CHECK IN/ARRIVAL PROCESS Upon arrival at Sangster International Airport, you can head to Half Moon’s reception lounge and the concierge team can assist you with transportation to the resort. Once you get to Half Moon, you will be escorted to your residence, where you will check in and be introduced to your butler, cook and housekeeper. Special Note: If you plan to arrive early, please notify your Personal Vacation Advisor or Destination Concierge right away.

QUICK FACTSADDRESS Half Moon P.O. Rose Hall, Montego Bay St. James, Jamaica W.I.

CHECK IN 4 p.m.

CHECK OUT 11 a.m.

CURRENCY The local currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD); however, USD and major credit cards are widely accepted and the resort encourages you to use USD while on-property.

LANGUAGE English is universally spoken throughout Jamaica.

PASSPORT Yes, for U.S. citizens.

CONVERTER Outlets are 120V, with standard US two-prong plugs.

AIRPORT Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ)

ROSE HALL, JAMAICA

THINGS TO KNOWGROCERIES At Rose Hall, we suggest getting a few items off of the recommended grocery order form sent to you by your Destination Concierge at least 72 hours prior to arrival. Once you arrive, you will meet with your personal cook to determine your meals and anything else you may need for the week. Your cook will do your personal shopping for your throughout your stay at no additional charge and the cost of the groceries will be added to your bill to paid to Half Moon at checkout.

IN-RESIDENCE DINING OPTIONS As mentioned above, your villa comes with a personal cook available to prepare for you breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks. A recommended menu can be obtained upon your arrival to plan your in-residence meals.

STAY FIT Half Moon’s state-of-the-art fitness facility includes a variety of fitness classes and personal training services. In addition, the resort has 13 lighted tennis courts and four squash courts.

HOUSEKEEPING The personal housekeeper comes daily

TIPPING GUIDELINES While our Destination Concierge teams and housekeeping staff welcome and appreciate recognition for exceptional service, tipping is entirely up to you based on your level of satisfaction. If you would like to leave a gratuity, we suggest the following general guidelines:

+ Destination Concierge: $20-$50 per day depending on the level of service you experienced. + Villa Staff: $5-$7 per occupied room per evening is typical for luxury hospitality. + Restaurants: The customary 15-20% of your total bill is appropriate, though some restaurants might automatically add a 10-15% service charge to your bill. + Vendors: Gratuity is dependent on the complexity of the experience or service, so we suggest using your discretion.

AMENITIES

+ Two miles of private beach + Three resort pools including an olympic-sized lap pool + 18-hole Robert Trent Jones, Sr. championship golf course + The Fern Tree Spa, a 68,000 square foot spa + Swimming with dolphins in the private dolphin lagoon + Equestrian center + Anancy Children’s Village and Camp Half Moon + Hype Zone for teenagers + A spinning studio, 13 floodlit tennis courts and four squash courts + 11 on-site dining options + Bicycle rentals and motorized and non-motorized water sports + Complimentary shuttle service to the Rose Hall Shopping Centre

THINGS TO DO

SPA The Fern Tree Spa, A RockResorts Spa®, at Half Moon is a 68,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor luxury spa featuring treatments inspired by ancient remedies with native herbs, fruits and botanicals. Appointments are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and reservations are strongly recommended.

GOLF

+ The Half Moon Golf Course (located on-site) – an 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. + White Witch Golf Course (located next door) – an 18-hole acclaimed course designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril. + Cinnamon Hill Golf Course (located 5 minutes away) – an 18-hole championship course designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril.

BEACHES Half Moon is set on two miles of private, white sandy shoreline that is separated into two main beaches:

+ Sunset Beach - Think of Sunset Beach as the ideal place to sink into peaceful sunbathing and a soothing soak. This is the best area for non-motorized water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, pedal boating and a Hobi Wave or Sunfish sail. Of course, a beach float may be the simplest path to paradise. + Sunrise Beach - There's a little more activity at Sunrise Beach; it's ideal for deep-water activities and motorized water sports. Zip behind a boat on skis, tube or wakeboard, fly via parasail, or head out to sea on a charter fishing trip.

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHT Many beach destinations offer horseback rides on the beach, but this one comes with a twist: a swim in the ocean with your horse. Offered on site at the Half Moon Equestrian Centre, the tour is a memorable two hours and a favorite for kids.

FAMILY You don’t have to travel far to find the perfect activity for you and your family: Half Moon features its very own dolphin lagoon. Come face-to-face with the playful dolphins in a variety of activities, ranging from a beach encounter for little ones to a Trainer for a Day program for the more fascinated enthusiast.

MUST-DO Think of Jamaica and your thoughts are probably accompanied by steel drums and reggae beats. Music is an integral part of the island’s culture, so experience it first-hand at one of the numerous reggae, ska, dancehall, jazz, and R&B festivals held throughout the year at sites across Jamaica.

ROMANTIC The Sunset Beach Gazebo (located on-site) offers an exclusive private dining experience for two. Jutting out into the ocean, the wooden gazebo lets you dine under a starlit sky,accompanied only by the sound of waves and sea breezes..

ADVENTURE Ascend the mountain on a scenic, 15-minute ski lift through the jungle. Then, hop in a bobsled and fly 1,000 meters down and around the mountain. Finally, whisk away on a zip line through the rainforest canopy. High speeds, and high fun.

THINGS TO DO

NATURE Among the more unusual things to do in Jamaica is to climb the 600-foot Dunn River Falls. Although it might sound rigorous, the hike is actually quite moderate due to the falls’ staggered rocks that create a giant staircase. Once you arrive at the park, you can book a guided climb that will take about 1.5 to two hours.

PVA’s TIP: Be sure to bring a waterproof camera.

LOCAL The Appleton Estate, set on an old sugar plantation that was founded in 1749, is home to the world-famous Jamaican rum. Learn about the sugarcane and its many uses, enjoy an interesting tour of the distillery and end with a complimentary free-flowing tasting of 13 different rums. Did we mention the taste of fresh-squeezed sugarcane juice?

SPECIAL NOTE: Tours are offered every day except Sunday.

OTHER THINGS TO DO

+ Fishing + Hiking + Snorkeling

+ Scuba diving + Sailing + Wind surfing

+ Water skiing + Banana boat rides + Historical tours

+ Hobie Cats + Canopy tours + Swamp safaris

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTSFAMILY The Pelican Grill (located in Montego Bay) – Traditional Caribbean and American flavors collide at this beloved joint. Dine on Jamaican jerk chicken and curries before letting the kids dive into a milkshake from the old-fashioned soda fountain.

ROMANTIC The HouseBoat Grill (located in Montego Bay) – If the dinner cruise set sail without you, you’re in luck. The HouseBoat Grill is just what it sounds like: a houseboat-turned-restaurant permanently moored in the Marine Park Sanctuary, where the sounds of nature and Montego Bay’s twinkling lights accompany your bottle of wine.

DC’s TIP: Grab a seat on “the Moondeck” for happy hour from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for half-price rum punches.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTSFINE DINING Il Giardino (located on-site) – A native Italian chef heads the kitchen here, which could explain the authentic menu and ambiance.

SPECIAL NOTE: Though the mood is casually elegant, the dress code does not permit shorts, sneakers, or flip-flops for diners over age 12. Additionally, the opening times change often, so check with your Destination Concierge to make a reservation.

LOCAL Scotchie’s (located in Montego Bay) – If you’re looking for a genuine Jamaican culinary experience, head to Scotchie’s. Spicy Jamaican jerk cuisine, cooked in a traditional open-air barbecue over pimento wood, dominates, and wood tables and grass umbrellas only add to the island atmosphere.

FESTIVALS AND ACTIVITIES

+ Accompong Maroon Festival (January) + Rebel Salute - reggae festival (January) + Bob Marley’s birthday (February 6) + Negril Fat Tire Festival (February) + Hague Agricultural Show (February) + Carnival in Jamaica (February) + SKAZZ - ska and jazz festival (March) + Trelawny Yam Festival (April) + Calabash International Literary Festival (May) + Ocho Rios Jazz Festival (June) + Epicurean Escape (June) + Seville Emancipation Jubilee (July) + Cultural Extravaganza (August) + Africa Jamfest (October) + Reggae Marathon and Half Marathon (November)

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