In the early 1950's a group of American, British, and Bermudan entrepreneurs spent their winter holidays on the north shores of Jamaican coast here in Montego Bay. They were so captivated with the landscape, the climate, and the people, they decided to create a permanent winter escape for their families and friends to enjoy. In 1954 the businessment purchased 35 acres of land on a crescent shaped bay that was once the loading dock for shipments for the different plantations. Borrowing from the shape of the bay's beach, Half Moon Hotel and Cottage Colony opened that same year with 17 white washed cottages and 30 beach front rooms.