ROSE HALL, Jamaica – Newly sworn-in Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Honourable Bruce Golding, cut the ribbon to signal
the opening of the new Fern Tree, the Spa at Half Moon.
The Oct. 6 event marked the conclusion of a 15-month project that saw the conversion of the resort’s signature villa Fern Tree House into a
68,000 square foot indoor/outdoor sanctuary for the mind and body.
In addition to the new spa, Half Moon also unveiled six beachfront spa suites, the very first of its kind in the Caribbean. Each of the state-of-the-art suites has added features that provide for in-room treatments,yoga, etc. further extending Fern Tree’s wellness experience into guests’accommodations.
Drawing from the local lush landscape and centuries-old healing traditions as inspiration, Fern Tree, the Spa at Half Moon melds modern spa
techniques with Jamaica’s ancient healing remedies of native herbs, fruits and botanicals.
The Fern Tree Spa complex also houses a relaxation lounge, yoga pavilion, hydrotherapy swimming pool, sculpture garden and several
water features.
“We have spared no expense in creating the finest spa in the Caribbean,” said Richard Whitfield, Half Moon’s Managing Director.
“Throughout Half Moon’s 50-plus year history, our guests have come to expect nothing but the best, Fern Tree’s world-class treatments and design,
paired with Half Moon’s signature hospitality and service will be no exception.”
Fern Tree will introduce guests to a Spa Elder, a guide versed in the art of using Jamaica’s natural therapeutic remedies, to guide, create and
counsel clients on a path to wellness with bespoke programmes and regimes.
With more than 35 years of experience, Stella Gray, the Chief Spa Elder has been creating these treatments for decades. The elder individually meets with guests to develop treatments for their specific needs. The majority of her therapies come from the natural herbs and botanicals grown in the on-site garden that she personally tends.
The spa’s menu includes signature spa treatments, such as the Jamaican Bush Bath and the Jamaican Green Coffee Envelopment, as well as personalized therapies made by the Spa Elder. In addition, options specially created for men, teenagers and kids are also available.
Borrowing from Fern Tree House’s original colonial design of hardwood floors, grand entryways and opulent furnishings, treatment rooms are set amidst lush gardens allowing guests the option of having their room enclosed or open to their own private garden terrace. Couples can reserve the plantation-style couples massage room, bedecked with wooden millwork, pitched ceilings and private patio with dipping pool.
Families, wedding parties and groups will enjoy the spa cottage, offering a separate living
room and spa treatment rooms affording the group quality bonding time and private tranquility.
The six new signature beachfront spa suites are adjacent to the spa. The suites provide all the comforts found in a traditional hotel suite
along with added features and services of a personal spa. Each spa suite features an expansive bedroom with sitting area, an oversized bathroom, a personal studio that can be used for private en-suite treatments, personal fitness or yoga and a private patio overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Special features of the spa suite include an organic spa refreshment bar and spa
bath bar.
The Fern Tree Spa is the third in a series of major refurbishing projects to be undertaken by Half Moon in the resort’s five-year master
plan project. Other upgrades included the rebuilding of the resort’s beachfront Hibiscus Suites; the renovation of the 41-year-old Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed golf course; refurbishing the Oleander deluxe suites;
the addition of a new children’s play area; and upgrading two of the resort’s specialty restaurants.
