Jamaica’s Half Moon epitomizes the Caribbean travel experience. Timeless elegance blends seamlessly with the wonders of mother nature to create an experience that takes guests straight to the soul of the island. As Montego Bay plays host to Caribbean Marketplace 2011, BTN spoke to Half Moon General Manager, Aram Zerunian.

BTN: You were voted Jamaica’s Leading Golf Resort and Jamaica’s Leading Spa Resort at 2010 World Travel Awards. What have you done over the past year to win the recognition of the travel and tourism industry?
AZ: We are continuously working to improve our guest experience in every area of our resort. We invest heavily in training our team players and have a programme of consistent and regular retraining. It works for us. Our caddies on the golf course and our therapists at the spa are critical in delivering that experience of luxury and hospitality. This I believe results in our winning awards such as Jamaica’s Leading Golf Resort and Jamaica’s Leading Spa Resort.

BTN: How do you envisage 2011 shaping up?
AZ: There is tremendous optimism for 2011. We will continue the trends in our key markets and take advantage of the light opportunities that present themselves. But most importantly we will continue to focus on taking care of our guests to keep them happy and ensure they have an excellent experience that will lead to their return to the resort. When our guests are left satisfied, they will share their experiences with others.

(The lobby, Half Moon)

BTN: What are you hoping to achieve at this year’s Caribbean Marketplace?
AZ: We have great news to share with our travel partners at Caribbean Marketplace. On January 1, Half Moon joined the RockResorts collection of luxury resorts and became Half Moon, A RockResort. Caribbean Marketplace will be a great opportunity to introduce the RockResort team and discuss partnerships for 2011 and beyond.

BTN: How would you describe the Half Moon experience?
AZ: Half Moon offers a unique experience that is seldom found elsewhere. It’s a place where luxury abounds and relaxation is routine. The resort has been welcoming visitors for more than 50 years. Half Moon sits on 400-acres with two miles of beautiful beaches and luxurious accommodations from ranging in scale from intimate to grand. The resort consists of rooms, suites and 33 villas. The villas feature private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a private swimming pool, a butler, cook and housekeeper. Additionally Half Moon has an exclusive dolphin lagoon, and equestrian centre, a 68,000 sq. ft spa oasis, Spinning studio and numerous water sports activities. All the things and the wonderful staff complete the Half Moon experience.

(Half Moon picked up “Jamaica’s Leading Golf Resort” at 2010 World Travel Awards)

BTN: How would you like the Half Moon brand to develop?
AZ: We want to be leaders in our category of resorts, delivering outstanding service, amenities and experiences that will have our guests return and bring their family and friends for years to come. This is the reason Half Moon was created and through our partnership with RockResorts we will have an even greater reach to tell the world.