Half Moon resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, unveiled plans for its 68,000-square-foot, $4 million Fern Tree Spa that will include a spa facility; gardens; over-the-water treatment rooms; and six adjacent beachfront spa suites.

The project, which will break ground this summer with completion set for next March, will include the conversion of Fern Tree House, the resorts signature villa, for use as a specialized-treatment room area.

In addition, the complex will feature a relaxation lounge, a meditation labyrinth, a yoga pavilion, a hydrotherapy pool, a sculpture garden and a small lake with a waterfall.

Each of the six spa suites will offer the amenities of a hotel suite plus an oversized bathroom; a private patio overlooking the Caribbean Sea with an outdoor soaking tub and shower; and a studio that can be used for en-suite treatments.

This will be an oasis within an oasis, said Richard Whitfield, Half Moons managing director. Weve always had a spa, but it was nothing remarkable. Our aim at Fern Tree Spa is to create a truly remarkable facility.

Stella Gray, director of spa services at Half Moon for more than 35 years, will serve as Fern Trees spa elder to consult with guests on specific treatments.

One of Grays favorites is the Bush Bath, an old African remedy traditionally used to treat fevers or skin rashes.

We use herbs, fruits and roots that I steep and then use in a bath as a cleansing and detoxifying spa treatment, Gray said.

The Fern Tree Spa is the third in a series of major refurbishing projects undertaken by Half Moon in the resorts five-year master plan project.

Other upgrades have included the rebuilding of the beachfront Hibiscus Suites, renovations to the golf course, refurbishing the Oleander Suites, adding a childrens play area and upgrading two specialty restaurants.

To contact reporter Gay Nagle Myers, send e-mail to[email protected].

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