Half Moon, located near Montego Bay in the Rose Hall, Jamaica, has been a magnet for jet setting stars and monarchs for decades. These days, the shining gem of the resort is arguably Fern Tree Spa. Established in November 2007, this haven of tranquility is set in the heart of the resort and stretches across 6,350sq m of indoor and outdoor space.
Serving up a plethora of different components designed to promote health and wellbeing as well as to stimulate the visual senses, Fern Tree encompasses everything from a relaxation lounge and a yoga pavilion to a hydrotherapy swimming pool, a beautiful sculpture garden and bush bath. Add to that a so called ‘meditation labyrinth garden’ – a lush invention designed to help unite body and soul.
Other noteworthy features are the many attractive water features that are scattered around the premises. Combined, these diverse elements add up to a spa recipe that is quite unique, since the formula focuses as much on relaxation as it does on actual spa treatments. “The space holds just nine treatment areas,” says Stephen Phillips, Director of Spa, Wellness and Fitness at Fern Tree Spa. “The rest of the spa is reserved for relaxation. Most other spas lack places in which to lounge before and after your treatment. The ability to truly relax makes a tremendous difference on overall guest experience. We offer many routes to relaxation including a labyrinth for walking meditation, yoga classes on land and in the water and meditation classes.”
Jamaican through and through
Aside from its tranquility inducing qualities, another aspect that makes Fern Tree Spa one of a kind is its strongly site-specific profile. “The most important factor of Fern Tree Spa is the combination of a true indigenous experience using authentic Jamaican ingredients – many of which we grow at the spa – and the parallel emphasis we put on wellness and health education. We are also developing a 100 percent Jamaican line of spa products that will be used in our locker room areas and as part of our treatments. This line will be ‘fresh’ and made in small batches to provide a truly indigenous, Jamaican experience,” explains Phillips.
According to ancient wisdom, the sea holds the key to eternal beauty. Displaying characteristics that are revitalising, rebalancing and healing, the water’s cellular structure has not gained its eminent reputation for nothing. To capitalise on the sea’s indisputable qualities, Fern Tree’s latest invention is the seaside cabana – an accommodation variant that offers exclusive spa treatments in an entirely private setting to complement the spa’s traditional treatment rooms and spa suites.
A range of marine-based treatments is at guests’ disposal at the seaside cabanas, including massages, masks, baths and scrubs – all of which make use of authentic ingredients harvested from the sea. Ocean water, algae, sponges, salt and stones all play a significant part in this sea-laden affair.
Conveying a sense of being virtually immersed in the sea, the cleverly constructed cabanas (there are two of them available) are designed to draw upon the natural healing qualities of the ocean. In terms of architecture, the cabanas are designed in line with a Jamaican-inspired silhouette. Made exclusively of durable Brazilian ipe wood, the cabanas spread across 18sq m and feature high, cathedral-style ceilings that lend a sense of space and quiet drama. The most fetching aspect of the cabanas, however, is their closeness to the sea – the wall that faces the sea is fully opened during treatments and thus gives the pampered guest a thoroughly aquatic experience, complete with a view of the ocean that stretches to the horizon. To enhance this pleasant feeling further, wooden slats have been fitted in the cabana’s floor structure to allow the guest to gaze at the waves rolling beneath them.
For spa enthusiasts who aren’t prone to fall for the siren call of the waters and prefer a form of accommodation that is not quite so sea oriented, yet featuring spectacular views of the sea, Fern Tree Spa also offer six signature beachfront spa suites – the very first of their kind in the Caribbean. These contemporary, state of the art suites incorporate spa treatment areas that can be converted to private spa treatment rooms or fitness studios where guests can practise yoga or the like.
Stella’s touch
Moving on from the nuts and bolts of the Fern Tree concept, and onto the treatments themselves, the indisputable queen of Fern Tree Spa is Stella Gray, the Chief Spa Elder of the establishment. With over 37 years of experience behind her, Gray’s reputation as an industry guru is well rooted. Born and raised in Jamaica, Gray moved to the UK to hone her skills at the Grange Henlow Health Farm before returning to Jamaica to embark on a career at Half Moon at the age of 19.
This was in the day before any on-site spa existed at the resort. To change that fact, Gray played a key role in the creation of Half Moon’s Bodyworks Spa, at which she served as the Spa Director. She later assisted in expanding and developing the new Fern Tree concept where she strives to create unique therapeutic rituals and treatments that focus on each guest’s individual wellness goals. How she achieves this? By creating a tailor made healing experience that balances and unites mind, body and spirit – something that is conceived by incorporating a cherry picked set of ingredients that span meditation, exercise and different stress reduction techniques. Add to that a selection of carefully sourced cleansing and healing remedies made with indigenous herbs, roots, leaves and fruits that Gray personally gathers from her on-site garden on the day of each treatment.
Although Fern Tree at Half Moon is a destination that has much more going for it aside from covetable spa treatments alone, its unique repertoire of therapies are still at the core of the establishment.
The Arrival Ritual is orchestrated as follows. First, guests are treated to a serving of traditional Jamaican Bush while sinking their feet into a footbath infused with either lavender oil or nutmeg oil (nutmeg oil holds rejuvenating, uplifting and energising qualities whereas the lavender option should appeal to guests looking for a calming, relaxing effect). This cleansing ritual represents the removal of the day’s journey, and after that, the rest of the body and soul is ready to be indulged.
Guests that are well versed in spa culture are free to compose their own treatment line-up, but for those who prefer to consult an expert, a Spa Elder will be at their service to tailor a personalised experience suited to each individual’s needs. The Spa Elder will be happy to consult, regardless of whether clients have booked in for a single spa service, a full-day experience or a complete week of pampering and wellbeing. The Spa Elder is specifically trained in the use of local, indigenous ingredients and she always applies her carefully cultivated expertise of time-honoured Jamaican traditions and rituals to create a spa menu that incorporates an all-encompassing list of ingredients sourced from both land and sea. Hand picked herbs and plants are used in combination with sea botanicals to create a unique and results-oriented spa menu.
Signature treatments
Being multi-faceted by nature, all Fern Tree Signature therapies bring together integrated massage and skin care techniques, and incorporate specially crafted Allspice signature blends from Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Aromatics, the healing benefits of the local Jamaican rum, and indigenous handpicked herbs selected by the Spa Elder. Relaxation techniques form part of every signature treatment, helping to reduce stress and create a memorable Jamaican experience. The Island Guided Power Nap provides the ultimate route to true relaxation and should not be missed. To continue treatments at home, all signature treatments include a complimentary gift.
The 80 minute Fern Tree Signature Massage incorporates a set of integrated therapies of Swedish massage, acupressure, lomi lomi and Thai stretches. To give the treatment a local spin, Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Aromatic essential oils are used throughout the massage. It’s rounded off by a Guided Power Nap enhanced with a spritz of Jamaican rum and Allspice body splash. Other covetable products that form part of the treatment are a Revitalising Foot Mask and an Anti Stress Eye Compress.
Fern Tree’s Signature facial also lasts for 80 minutes, and begins with a ritual footbath of Jamaican Cerasee. During this the therapist prepares a blend of carefully selected Jamaican fruits, herbs and other indigenous ingredients to create the ultimate seasonal facial masque. The facial also involves skin analysis, and to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and reverse sun damage, Somme Institute’s cleansing, hydrating and moisturising serum is applied. At the end of the treatment, guests get to enjoy Fern Tree’s signature Guided Power Nap.
The Fern Tree Signature manicure or pedicure (or both, if preferred) starts off with a relaxing ‘ritual soak’ in aroma-infused water. Thereafter hands and/or feet will be exfoliated using natural sea salts and aromatherapy oil blended specifically by the Spa Elder. A relaxing massage with a custom blended moisturising lotion and invigorating splash of Jamaican rum is next, followed by a soothing paraffin wrap to thoroughly hydrate the skin. Finally, choose from a range of polishes or opt to have your nails buffed to perfection.
The Fern Tree Elder’s Journey
Perhaps the most worthwhile treatment of all, and one that is completely unique to Fern Tree, is the Fern Tree Elder’s Journey: a therapy variant where the Spa Elder customises a series of healing treatments and rituals designed to address individuals’ specific goals and needs during their stay at Half Moon. Based on the Elder’s assessment, different elements will come into play, including meditation, exercise, and/or stress reduction techniques. Combined, these components will help the guest to achieve optimum results and to enhance wellbeing further; the Elder’s hand-crafted herbal blends are also used to as an integral part of the treatment.
To give guests the chance to trial treatments before settling for the full session, Fern Tree is offering a “tasting menu” of different treatments to try before the final decision is made as to ensure the treatment matches expectation.
Complimentary mini-treatments are offered every day from 10-11am, and all kinds of options are available including massages, Thai stretches, footbaths, meditation, breathing exercises, and hand and foot scrubs.
About Half Moon
Established in 1954 by a group of visionaries, Half Moon has come a long way: from its modest beginnings, it today encompasses about 400 acres of land that is lined with two miles of beaches of the beautiful white sand variety. For sporty types who like to exercise beyond going for a swim in the sea, there are a number of options: the recently renovated Robert Trent Jones Sr-designed 18-hole golf course is a definite draw, as is the renowned Golf Academy, the 13 tennis courts, an equestrian centre and the 51 swimming pools available. Half Moon also boasts a recently constructed children’s centre, water sport facilities, a Dolphin Lagoon and a shopping village, as well as a 24-hour medical facility. On the accommodation front, variety is also key, and among the many luxury accommodation options there are cottages, suites and villas.
Tel: +1 (876) 953 2211; fax: +1 (876) 953 2731; UK: 0800 051 3893; ferntreespa@halfmoon.com; www.halfmoon.com