The Palace Company has commenced construction on Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay, a $700 million luxury mega-resort set to transform Jamaica’s tourism sector. This milestone reflects the company’s ten-year commitment to Jamaica, reinforcing its confidence in the island as a top global destination. Featuring 1,200 rooms, exclusive overwater bungalows, 13 restaurants, and the largest spa in Jamaica, the resort aims to redefine Caribbean luxury.
This project represents more than just a hotel; it symbolizes a long-term partnership between international investors and the Jamaican community, promising employment, economic growth, and exceptional tourism experiences.
Mega-Investment Elevates Montego Bay
With an investment of $700 million, Moon Palace The Grand ranks among the largest private tourism developments in Jamaica. Its scale will set a new standard for hospitality in the Caribbean. Visitors will enjoy world-class dining, water parks, bowling alleys, and an iconic infinity pool on the third level. Access to championship golf courses further enhances its comprehensive luxury offerings.
This significant investment also signals growing confidence in Jamaica’s potential as a luxury tourism hub. The resort’s extensive amenities and size will attract both leisure and business travelers worldwide.
Boosting Jamaica’s Economy Through Employment
The project is projected to create over 3,000 local jobs upon completion, strengthening the economy and empowering communities. Positions will span from hospitality roles to management, providing opportunities across various workforce levels.
The Palace Company’s previous impact in Jamaica is evident; since opening Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios in 2015, over 1,200 jobs have been generated. Montego Bay is now poised to benefit from even greater long-term employment and training opportunities for Jamaican talent.
A Decade of Commitment and Growth in Jamaica
The Palace Company’s dedication to Jamaica began in 2015 with a $250 million investment in Moon Palace Jamaica. Over the past decade, this resort has supported local employment, embraced sustainability, and enhanced Jamaica’s reputation as a luxury travel destination.
The new Montego Bay project builds on this foundation, reflecting trust and optimism in the island’s future. It focuses on sustainable growth, empowering local talent, and reinforcing Jamaica’s status as a world-class tourism leader.
Luxury and Innovation Unite in Montego Bay
Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay is designed to elevate luxury in the Caribbean. Guests will have access to overwater bungalows, a feature typically found in distant locations like the Maldives, bringing global luxury closer to North American and European markets.
The resort will also feature Jamaica’s largest spa, offering holistic wellness experiences. Combined with upscale dining and entertainment, it promises a blend of indulgence, relaxation, and adventure, positioning Montego Bay among the world’s most exclusive destinations.
Tourism Growth Aligned with National Strategy
The Jamaican government has welcomed this development as part of its long-term tourism strategy. With millions of visitors annually, tourism remains a key economic pillar. Investments like this enhance infrastructure, create jobs, and boost global competitiveness.
Montego Bay, already a major international gateway with strong airline connections, will see increased attractiveness from this mega-resort, leading to more flights, visitors, and opportunities for local businesses throughout the value chain.
Community Empowerment and Sustainability
The Palace Company integrates sustainability and community development in its Jamaican operations. From sourcing locally to staff training programs, the company ensures its investments benefit beyond the resort itself.
The new Montego Bay resort will continue this approach, emphasizing eco-friendly practices, renewable energy, and community partnerships. This aligns with global travel trends where travellers seek destinations that balance luxury with responsibility, helping Jamaica remain competitive in a sustainability-focused market.
Montego Bay as the Caribbean Luxury Capital
Montego Bay has long served as a gateway for Jamaican tourism, and Moon Palace The Grand will elevate its status further. The resort’s scale and luxury will position Montego Bay alongside destinations like Cancun, Dubai, and the Maldives.
With overwater bungalows, fine dining, and iconic entertainment, it will attract affluent travelers from North America, Europe, and beyond. By creating a distinctive luxury identity, Montego Bay is set to rival global hotspots and lead the Caribbean luxury market.
Global Trends Fuel Jamaica’s Tourism Appeal
The investment in Moon Palace The Grand arrives as global travelers increasingly seek large, all-inclusive resorts with diverse amenities. Demand for wellness travel, luxury experiences, and family-friendly activities is growing rapidly.
The resort’s design meets these evolving preferences. From the FlowRider® surf simulator to a full-scale water park and championship golf, it offers variety and indulgence, appealing to couples, families, and corporate groups alike.
A Catalyst for Jamaica’s Broader Economy
The benefits of this mega-project extend beyond tourism. Local suppliers, artisans, and service providers will gain from contracts and partnerships with the resort. Increased visitor spending will boost transport, retail, and cultural sectors.
With 3,000 jobs and thousands of indirect opportunities, the economic impact will be significant. For Jamaica, the resort represents not only tourism growth but also a broader drive toward prosperity and economic resilience.
Looking Forward to the 2028 Opening
Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay is scheduled to open later this decade. Upon completion, it will transform visitor experiences in Jamaica and enhance the country’s global reputation. The resort will serve as a flagship for both The Palace Company and Jamaica’s tourism ambitions.
As The Palace Company marks its tenth year in Jamaica, this new phase signifies even stronger bonds between investors and the island. The project is about more than luxury; it embodies growth, opportunity, and long-term transformation for Jamaica’s tourism and economy.
Moon Palace The Grand - Montego Bay is anticipated to create 3,000 local jobs, further boosting Jamaica's economy and hospitality industry.
The Grand will offer 1,200 luxury suites, including overwater bungalows, more than 13 specialty restaurants, a distinctive water park, the largest spa in the country, and a range of premium entertainment options.
It will combine world-class facilities with authentic Jamaican culture and heritage, positioning Montego Bay and Jamaica as increasingly competitive destinations in the global tourism market.
In his speech, Dr. Holness highlighted that Jamaica has become an appealing destination for both foreign and local investors who have taken risks, recognizing the potential for positive outcomes.
He noted that Moon Palace’s expansion from an initial US$250 million investment in Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios a decade ago to nearly US$700 million now reflects confidence in Jamaica’s stability and growth prospects.
“That is what we want to see, but more importantly, we want more Jamaicans to recognise opportunities in their country and take the risk to invest. Growth happens when investors, local or international, take risks on the country,” Dr. Holness explained.
“It’s not just about increasing visitor numbers; it’s about increasing the value of tourism. The value of tourism has doubled over the past 10 years, showing that Jamaica is a country worth investing in and one that offers significant returns,” he added.
Dr. Holness credited the Government’s strategic actions for creating a stable environment that supports such large-scale investments.
“It didn’t happen by chance. It is the result of deliberate, purposeful policies and government actions aimed at achieving this outcome,” he said.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that the Government ensures benefits extend beyond investors.
“Government plays a crucial role in a country’s development. It can be beneficial or detrimental, depending on the people’s choice of leadership,” he added.
“For example, we have stated that hotel developments must include housing provisions,” Dr. Holness outlined.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, stressed the importance of inclusive tourism that benefits local communities.
With Moon Palace The Grand Montego Bay, plans include supportive initiatives such as building a tourism innovation township, expanding schools, creating health facilities, and establishing a community centre to support nearby communities.
“That approach is part of the Government’s tourism strategy, ensuring tourism is not just an economic activity that extracts value but one that is inclusive and embraces surrounding communities,” Mr. Bartlett emphasised.
Palace Resorts CEO Gibran Chapur described the project as an investment in Jamaica’s future, its people, and its tourism sector.
He committed to developing a “new town” in Montego Bay by upgrading local schools and parks, improving public beaches, and providing daycare to support working mothers.
Mr. Chapur also indicated Palace Resorts’ dedication to sustainable development through eco-friendly construction methods and energy-efficient systems.
“We want to create local job opportunities so Jamaicans can find professional growth and a good quality of life at home, without needing to seek opportunities abroad,” Mr. Chapur said.
The hotel will be built on 68 acres of land divested by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), which is under the prime minister’s portfolio.
In 2017, the Government directed the UDC to divest 20 percent of its assets. Some may question why the UDC is being asked to relinquish land, but growth cannot occur if assets capable of generating it remain locked within an entity lacking resources, expertise, or connections to develop them, the prime minister asked.
He explained that offering land for competitive private sector development aligns with the government’s partnership for prosperity policy, ensuring benefits for both the nation and private interests.
He added that such agreements include provisions for broader economic benefits, such as requiring housing for workers in new hotel projects—a fundamental shift for local tourism development.
