I love the Caribbean! Every year Anush and I try and visit a couple of different islands in the Caribbean and this year we were happy to check Jamaica off that list. We stayed in two different locations over our trip and loved every second of our vacay.  I will be sharing a full travel guide to the island later this week so stay tuned!

First up, we stayed at the lovely Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay. Half Moon is located just 10 min from the Montego Bay airport, but is still “remote” enough to feel like you are on a secluded island escape. This stunning property is over 400 acres and is a destination by itself with gorgeous rooms, suites and villas, most of which have views of the Caribbean Sea, an award-winning spa, an 18-hole par-72 championship golf course, an equestrian centre with 28 horses and many restaurants on property including the Sugar Mill, awarded as Jamaica’s best restaurant. Anush and I loved the serenity, vast space and tranquil vibes of this luxurious property, which is also part of the Preferred hotels group. Come Nov 2018, the resort will also be expanding to include tons of new facilities and accommodation.

I loved the lush gardens all over this resort that made such a gorgeous backdrop for the colonial architecture of this place. Its the ideal mix of traditional meets modern! Our suite was right on the oceanfront just footsteps away from the beach.

Dress/Coverup : c/o Anna Kosturova

The resort has over three main pools and  two miles of ocean front that includes two private beaches – Sunrise and Sunset beach.

Sunset beach is the main beach of the resort and is a crescent-shaped gem which is what inspired the name of the resort back in 1954. The warm turquoise waters and golden soft sands are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and other watersports.

Sunrise beach is on the other end and is a secluded tropical paradise. This is where you can scuba dive, sunbathe and even swim with horses (scroll down for more). Both beaches are incredible to catch the sunrise and sunset from, hence the names. We caught this unreal pink sunset at sunset beach on our 1st night at the resort and it was like stepping into a dream – oh so pretty!

Dress : c/o Spell Designs (sold out, found it here)

As for restaurants – Half moon has so many to choose from! We tried all of them and our fave was the beach shack called Moonchies right on the beach for the best Caribbean jerk chicken (so good!!) and the fine dining restaurant called Sugar Mill.

Top : c/o Popella shop

This fine dining restaurant is one of the best in all of Jamaica and is known for its unique twist on Jamaican cuisine, and its historical location – the former Running Gut Estate on the Rose Hall Sugar Plantation.

Dress : c/o Jaline Resort (also loving this cheaper version)

Half Moon has tons of activities to choose from, I loved using their amazing fitness centre every morning. They have a well equipped gym, tennis courts and group classes (spinning, HIIT) to choose from. Anush and I also visited the Fern tree Spa for a Signature Couples Massage. This blissful treatment features a relaxing massage that uses healing techniques from around the world, and their signature blend of allspice, ginger and orange and has a finishing touch of a rum body splash. We felt super rejuvenated after our treatment!

Our highlight of our stay was visiting the Equestrian Centre on property. The centre has a variety of equestrian activities, riding, jumping and polo lessons as well as the thrilling Turf and Surf Experience where to get to swim with the horses in the ocean (in the deep!). We loved exploring in and around the stables and then also learning the basics with horse riding while at the centre itself.

We then went over to Sunrise beach where we got to enjoy the sand and sea with these beautiful creatures! I loved my first beach horseride in Anguilla last year and am so glad I got to experience it again this year with a swim as well! It was the most magical experience that I will cherish forever. (Ps: Sorry not sorry for the photo overload from this activity ;)! Too many good ones to not share.)

Thanks for stopping by! xoxo

Jyo

**This stay was in collaboration with Half Moon but all thoughts and opinions are my own.