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| · June 11, 2003 · |
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· Half Moon Shines Brightly With Major Renovations New Rooms and Suites, Upgraded Golf Course, New Vistas, Name Change and More Under New Management at ResortMONTEGO BAY, Jamaica - Half Moon, the most complete resort in the Caribbean, is shining brightly with a new series of developments including a major renovation program to be completed between July 1 and November 30, 2003. The resort will remain open throughout this period. Less than five of the resort's 400 acres will be affected by the renovations and construction traffic will be tightly controlled for the peace and safety of Half Moon's guests. The fifty-year old blocks of Superior and Junior Suites in the main hotel buildings and east resort cottages #11 and #12 are being demolished and replaced with clusters of rooms and suites. The most westerly cluster will sit directly on the famous Sunset Beach and will contain 12 deluxe suites and four deluxe rooms. The five other clusters, located on a newly renovated beach area, will comprise 44 Superior Suites and eight deluxe rooms. Each of the deluxe rooms will connect to a suite to create a two-bedroom suite, if needed. All the air-conditioned rooms and suites will enjoy large balconies or terraces and guests on the ground floor will step out directly onto the beach. Spacious bathrooms will contain tub, separate shower stall, two washbasins, a dressing area, and lots of sunlight. The living and sleeping areas will be furnished in Caribbean Plantation style and will feature the full amenities expected of first class resort accommodation. A number of rooms in each category will be equipped to assist the physically challenged. These changes will have additional benefits as large areas now will be open to the Caribbean Sea including views from the Hibiscus and Lap pools and from the tennis courts. The Beach Bar, closed a few years ago, will reopen to overlook the crescent-shaped Half Moon Bay with its enchanting sunsets. The entrance to Half Moon and other areas have also been newly landscaped, so visitors can see immediately the natural beauty of the resort. With destination weddings becoming a major feature at Half Moon, a new interdenominational wedding chapel is being built on an island at Sunrise Beach near the Dolphin Lagoon. The chapel's open walls will allow guests to view the ceremony with the romantic backdrop of the Caribbean Sea and the lush tropical gardens of Half Moon. Other changes include the upgrading of the Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed Golf Course. Parts of fairways #3, 10, 12 and 18 will be rototilled between June 1 and September 30, 2003 and the club house will be enlarged to accommodate the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, exclusive in the Caribbean to Half Moon. The pro shop, changing rooms and bag and shoe storage areas will all be completely upgraded with new fixtures and fittings. The tournament and press offices will be refitted and wired for communication. The decision was also made to drop "Golf, Tennis and Beach Club" the tag used over the past 25 years, since the resort now offers the most complete range of sun activities. Complementing these changes, Half Moon has adopted a new advertising program, featuring the theme "feel completely" to convey the endless emotions a Half Moon vacation delivers. For the first time, full color ads are appearing in upscale lifestyle magazines throughout the year. Half Moon accommodations include rooms, suites and private villas. Rates range from $240 per room per night in low season and from $390 per room per night in high season. Rates are based on double occupancy and include taxes and gratuities. For additional information or reservations, call 1-800-626-0592. The fax number is 876-953-2731. Half Moon's web site is www.halfmoon.com.jm and e-mail is reservations@halfmoonclub.com. Media Contact: Virginia Haynes/Helen Ma BCA 212-286-9300 hma@bcany.com |
| Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association |