Greatview comes with membership at Half Moon Hotel (a Rock resort), only a 5 minute drive or a short walk from the villa. Half Moon is situated on 400 acres that are ribboned by a two mile long white sand beach. Guests have access to the Sunrise Beach, pools, tennis courts, fitness center and Half Moon’s 18 hole signature golf course.
Golf
Half Moon golf course membership entitles guests to unlimited green fees, the use of practice facilities, and 25% discount on cart rental, goods at Half Moon’s pro shop and instructional services at the Golf Academy.
MoBay is fast developing a reputation for world-class golf courses, including Half Moon (conceived by renowned course-designer Robert Trent Jones, adjacent to Greatview), Cinnamon Hill at the Hilton and White Witch at the Ritz Carlton all within a 10 minute drive of Greatview. Tryall, the home of the Johnnie Walker World Championship course, lies within an hour’s drive west.
Historical Sites
The most well-known local attraction is Rose Hall Great House, home over a century ago to the infamous “white witch” Annie Palmer and a succession of hapless husbands. The historic house with its intriguing antiques is set amidst magnificent gardens and walk. A bit further afield, the Belvedere Estate tour gives you a flavour of what life was like in one of Jamaica’s first cocoa and sugar cane plantations. For a different experience, travel to the interior of the island to visit Jamaica’s famous Appleton rum factory – and sample the wares.
Natural Adventure
This could be rafting on the Martha Brae River, trying to spot one of the 27 species of birds that can be found at the Rocklands Feeding Station, horseback riding at the Rocky Point Riding stables, deep-sea fishing, learning about the 3000 varieties of flowering plants at the Cranbrook Flower Forest, hiking in the Cockpit mountains. Despite the rich natural resources, ecotourism in Jamaica is still underdeveloped. But opportunities to experience the wilderness do exist. There are trails through the mountains, and local guides who can help you on your way.
Nightlife
The current hotspot in MoBay is Margueritaville, easy to spot by the long water slide out the back. The multi-story bar and restaurant features live music, DJs and dancing into the wee hours. For those in the mood to party, there’s music, dancing and entertainment at trendy bars throughout MoBay and along the "Hip Strip".
Scuba and Snorkelling
While it’s possible to snorkel out to the reef from Doctors Cave beach (see Beaches), most snorkellers (or landlubbers who want to view the undersea world from a distance) will prefer to take the glass-bottom boat out from Rose Hall Beach Club. The waters off MoBay are now a marine sanctuary, offering highly rated dive sites close to shore.
Shopping
Montego Bay features both high-end duty-free shopping and lively and extensive craft markets filled with carvings, baskets, colourful fabrics and clothes. Expect to bargain with the vendor at the crafts market.
Waterfall Climbs
Anyone with a passing familiarity with Jamaica has heard of the popular Dunn’s River waterfall walk in Ocho Rios (a day trip from Greatview). While that’s always an option, we prefer the less well-known Mayfield Falls walk. Have Everton take you on a drive through beautiful forests and interesting mountain villages, then follow a local guide on the refreshing and not-too-strenuous trek up the river (in the river), floating in ponds, relaxing in natural Jacuzzis and waterfall showers along the way. If you want, you can arrange for a lunch of good-quality local food to be waiting for you on your return.
