Montego Bay
The first part of our trip was spent at the Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay. A beautiful and vast resort nestled on a two-mile, crescent-shaped beach on Jamaica’s northern coast. Set amongst 400 acres of intricately landscaped gardens, pristine cottages and surrounded by a breathtaking view of white sands and infinite crystal Caribbean seas. It truly was the most idyllic setting for a romantic honeymoon haven.
Half Moon boasts an extensive range of cosy cottages, intimate private villas and lavish seven bedroom suites, all elaborately designed and in keeping with the resorts’ traditional colonial style décor. For those honeymooners wanting ultimate seclusion and privacy try Half Moon’s private Royal Villas. Each villa features an en-suite bathroom, private swimming pool, plus personal butlers, cooks and housekeepers to tend to your every need. You needn’t leave your little haven, just watch the sun set over the Caribbean seas, sip on ice cold champagne and nestle into your newly weds’ arms.
For those wanting a slightly more active honeymoon experience you will be spoilt for choice with the substantial range of activities at Half Moon. With horseback riding, a natural dolphin lagoon, an impressive 18-hole championship golf course, swimming pools, fitness centre, tennis courts and water sports on offer, there is always something to keep you on your feet.
A honeymoon just wouldn’t be complete without a relaxing spa treatment would it girls? While your hubby enjoys a game of golf, the Fern Tree Spa is the perfect indulgent retreat. With a relaxation lounge, yoga pavilion, waterfall lagoon pools, sauna and steam rooms, as well as a meditation labyrinth, the Fern Tree provides the ultimate pampering spa experience.
There are a number of restaurants in the resort offering an eclectic fusion of international cuisines. With an array of mouth-watering menus there is something to suit every palate. We enjoyed an alfresco Caribbean meal at the Sugar Mill restaurant tucking into rather overwhelming but equally enjoyable skewered jerk pork, dramatically set alight by the waiter with some delicious aged rum.
Half Moon, although an ultimate honeymoon hideaway, also has a number of beautiful wedding spots with spectacular views and a fabulous planning team on hand to help create the most personalised and stylish events. The Royal Pavilion stood out as a classic wedding location for a larger group, set amongst a vast landscape of luscious greenery, stunning sea views, with majestic palm trees to create that classic Caribbean feel. My personal favourite was the Sugar Mill, a two hundred year old water wheel hidden amid secluded woodland adorned with coloured lanterns. A small and elegant wedding can take place here and accommodate 144 guests for the wedding breakfast.
Montego Bay is not only a great place to relax and soak up the sun there are a number of adventurous activities to engage in during your stay. Popular honeymoon activities include helicopter rides, zip lining, parasailing and bamboo rafting down the lazy river. The highlight of our Montego Bay trip was the Chukka horseback Ride’n Swim: a fun-filled two hour horseback ride, through the leafy woodland, starting off as a relatively peaceful hike, culminating with the horses galloping into the sea and swimming through the water. A strangely unique experience being guided through water clinging onto a horse and something I will never forget. A definite must for a honeymoon adventure with a twist.
There are a number of unique luxury properties and wedding locations in Montego Bay. From stylish private houses such as Silent Waters, to Sandals Royal Caribbean, where you can hire your own private island for just £3,000. There really are countless locations to choose from to suit a variety of tastes.
As we made our way back from our eventful Chukka adventure, tired, hungry and slightly dishevelled, we drove to Juici Patties famously renowned for the best Jamaican patties in town. The beef and cheese patty was delicious, and amazing value. I could easily have eaten about three! After I devoured my patty we made our way to the southern town of Negril for the second part of our trip. As we descended through the busy streets I felt a great sense of true Jamaica. Friends and families gathering outside the most vibrant coloured houses and churches, part of the unique charm that makes Jamaica a top holiday destination.
