Salamander Hotels & Resorts has been selected to manage Half Moon, one of Jamaica’s most iconic resorts.

Specializing in independent luxury, Salamander owns and manages the Forbes Five-Star Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, VA, as well as Innisbrook Resort in Tampa, FL. The company also operates the new Hotel Bennett in Charleston, SC; The Henderson, a grand beach resort in Destin, FL; and the recently renovated Hammock Beach Resort, near St. Augustine, FL.

“With successes in operating luxury, golf and beach properties, Salamander is our chosen hospitality partner for Half Moon,” said Guy Steuart III, chairman of Half Moon.

“Since the inception of Half Moon, our team members have injected their hearts and souls into what has become a globally-recognized brand and symbol for gracious Jamaican hospitality, one of the finest experiences in the Caribbean. As we commemorate our 65th anniversary, Half Moon intends to build on its reputation of providing transformative experiences for generations of discerning travellers.”

Half Moon opened in 1954 and has served as a retreat for royalty, presidents and celebrities. Half Moon expanded with the purchase of the neighbouring Colony Hotel in 1979 and then with the construction of five- to seven-bedroom villas, which were rebranded in 2018 as Rose Hall Villas By Half Moon.

The 400-acre property offers guests a range of services and experiences. These include a spa and wellness sanctuary, the Fern Tree Spa at Half Moon; an 18-hole championship golf course; an equestrian centre; 11 flood-lit tennis courts; and the Sugar Mill, awarded as Jamaica’s best restaurant.

Salamander, founded by entrepreneur Sheila Johnson, will work closely with Half Moon’s owners and its team.

“We are delighted to have this amazing opportunity to collaborate with Half Moon and the Jamaica business and tourism communities,” said Johnson, CEO, Salamander. “The resort is renowned for its wonderful, caring employees, many of whom have been a part of the Half Moon family for generations. I look forward to introducing my business partners, colleagues and Salamander’s many loyal guests to Half Moon’s storied history and exciting future.”

Johnson is the only African-American woman to wholly own a Forbes Five-Star resort. Renowned as the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, she is also a partner in Monumental Sports & Entertainment, and the recipient of numerous awards including the Lincoln Medal, which is presented to citizens whose work and achievements exemplify the legacy of America’s 16th president.