Rose Hall Destination Guide

ROSE HALL, JAMAICA
THINGS TO KNOW
QUICK FACTS
CLIMATE
Jamaica’s climate is pleasant and sunny year-round with average
temperatures of 89ºF during the day and 73ºF at night.
ADDRESS
Half Moon P.O.
Rose Hall, Montego Bay
St. James, Jamaica W.I.
WATER
The water is drinkable, but bottled water is preferred by some.
CHECK IN
4 p.m.
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.
CHECK OUT
11 a.m.
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.
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)
THINGS TO KNOW
GROCERIES
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 inresidence 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
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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 freshsqueezed 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 RESTAURANTS
FAMILY
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 RESTAURANTS
FINE 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
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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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