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Majestic Moon graces Ocho Rios - 730-room Palace officially opens

Published:Thursday | December 3, 2015 | 12:00 AM
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Thorn between two roses: Director of Tourism Paul Pennicook is flanked by VIP Attractions' Shelly-Ann Fung (left) and Allison Callam.
Hendrickson Group’s Kevin Hendrickson poses with Vana Taylor, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association’s area chapter chair.
From left: Go Jamaica Travel’s Dave Chin Tung; opposition spokesman on tourism, Shahine Robinson; and Michael Belnavis at the opening of Moon Palace in Ocho Rios on Wednesday.
Gibran Chapur, executive vice-president of Moon Palace Resorts, and his wife, Alejandrina, at the official opening of Moon Palace in Ocho Rios on Wednesday.
From left: Tourism Enhancement Fund Chairman Senator Noel Sloley smiles for a photo with Dr Rose Davies and husband, Dr Omar Davies, minister of transport, works and housing.
From left: Digicel’s Joy Clark shares lens time with National Water Commission President Mark Barnett and Suzanne Constantine of the Ministry of Land, Environment and Water.
Custos of St Ann Norma Walters and husband Radcliffe.
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WESTERN BUREAU:

Two large fire pits exuding warmth signalled new beginnings for Jamaica's newest all-inclusive resort: Moon Palace Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

The same type of warmth that emanated from the furnaces that served as backdrop for the massive lobby at the 730-room Mexican-owned resort was evidenced by the reception the Chapur family and its team threw for their guests on Wednesday night.

At long last, the hotel, which has missed at least three scheduled opening dates, unlocked its doors, offering guests impeccable service, world-class entertainment, unmatched amenities, and a historic ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

Simpson Miller and government ministers were thanked for opening the country's doors and welcoming the US$200 million project.

Moon Palace Resorts will tell you it had a choice of seven continents and 194 countries but chose Jamaica because of the island's potential to attract visitors from all over the world, and, most important, because of its culture and people.

"Since the very first time we came here, we realised we had to understand and learn not only the language, but the culture," Moon Palace's director of operations, Lorena Zahaul, told the large gathering that converged in the hotel's lobby.

 

FIVE-STAR EXPERIENCE

 

According to the hotel operators, they were eager to bring a luxurious, five-star experience to Jamaica. After extensive renovations of the former Sunset Jamaica Grande, the rooms have been modernised, the meeting spaces were overhauled, and the common areas upgraded and redesigned.

Ideal for guests ranging from families to couples, the resort also features an on-property nightclub for adults and an expansive kids club dubbed 'The Playroom' for guests 12 years of age and under.

Five lavish swimming pools on a superb 17-acre beachfront, featuring the longest stretch of private beach in Ocho Rios, is what this new Jamaican resort boasts.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com