The search for the newest tower at Moon Palace in Jamaica leads to a historic shift in the island's tourism landscape. While the existing Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios remains a premier destination, the "newest tower" that has captured international attention is the centerpiece of a brand-new $700 million development located in Montego Bay. This project, officially titled Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay, is not merely an extension of existing facilities but a revolutionary mega-resort that will house the tallest hotel structure in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

In August 2025, the Palace Company and the Jamaican government officially broke ground on this ambitious project in the Rose Hall/Success corridor of St. James. This development marks a pivotal moment for the brand, which first entered the Jamaican market a decade ago. The upcoming resort is defined by its massive scale, featuring a tower that is expected to reach between 30 and 33 stories, fundamentally altering the Montego Bay skyline.

Distinguishing Between the Ocho Rios and Montego Bay Properties

To understand the progress of the newest tower, it is essential to distinguish between the two distinct Moon Palace locations on the island. Confusion often arises because the original resort has been a staple of Jamaican luxury for years.

Moon Palace Jamaica (Ocho Rios)

Located in the heart of Ocho Rios, the existing Moon Palace Jamaica has been operating since 2015. It was the result of a $250 million transformation of the former Sunset Jamaica Grande. This property currently consists of:

  • The North Tower: Providing expansive ocean views and luxury accommodations.
  • The Main Lobby Building: The central hub of the resort and its largest existing structure.
  • The Cabana Building: An all-suite building focused on a more intimate experience.

As of late 2025, there are no plans to add a new tower to the Ocho Rios property. The infrastructure there is mature, and the focus remains on maintaining the high standard of service that has earned it a dominant position in the region's all-inclusive market.

Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay

The site of the "newest tower" is situated in Montego Bay. This is an entirely separate resort currently under construction. When travelers inquire about the massive new building or the "33-story project," they are referring to this site. This $700 million investment is designed to be the flagship of the Palace Company’s Caribbean portfolio, offering a level of luxury and architectural height previously unseen in the region.

The Architectural Ambition of the 33 Story Tower

The most striking feature of Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay is its vertical ambition. Historically, Jamaican resorts have favored sprawling, low-rise layouts to blend with the natural coastline. However, the new project in Rose Hall breaks this mold with a tower that will rise approximately 33 floors high.

This tower is set to become the tallest hotel in Jamaica. The decision to build vertically allows the resort to maximize green space and coastal views while accommodating 1,200 luxury suites within a relatively compact footprint compared to traditional sprawling estates. The height of the tower is more than just a record-breaking statistic; it represents a new era of "urban-resort" fusion in Jamaica’s tourism strategy, catering to a global demographic that appreciates high-rise luxury and panoramic vistas.

The construction of such a tower involves significant engineering feats, particularly in ensuring coastal stability and hurricane resilience. The Palace Company has emphasized that the design incorporates sustainable building practices and cutting-edge architectural technology to ensure the tower serves as a long-term landmark for St. James.

A $700 Million Investment in Luxury and Infrastructure

The scale of the investment—USD $700 million—places Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay among the largest private hospitality investments in Jamaica's history. This financial commitment covers more than just the newest tower; it funds an expansive ecosystem of luxury amenities designed to compete with the world’s most elite vacation destinations.

Breaking Down the Room Inventory

The resort will feature 1,200 rooms, including elegantly designed standard suites and high-end luxury quarters. A significant highlight for this project is the introduction of exclusive overwater bungalows. While overwater bungalows have appeared elsewhere in the Caribbean, these will be the first of their kind for the Moon Palace brand in Jamaica, offering guests a direct connection to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

World-Class Culinary and Wellness Facilities

To support 1,200 rooms, the resort is planning an unprecedented array of dining and relaxation options:

  • 13 Restaurants and Bars: The culinary program is expected to include a diverse range of international cuisines, from signature Italian and Asian fusion to traditional Jamaican flavors. This variety ensures that even long-term guests have a rotating selection of gourmet experiences.
  • Jamaica’s Largest Spa: The Palace Company is known for its "Awe Spa" brand, but the Montego Bay location will take this to a new level. The facility is planned to be the largest spa experience on the island, featuring extensive hydrotherapy circuits, specialized treatment rooms, and a focus on both traditional and modern wellness therapies.

Family Entertainment and Recreation

Following the success of the FlowRider® surf simulators in other Palace properties, the newest Montego Bay resort will feature its own FlowRider®, a massive water park, and a luxury bowling alley. One of the most talked-about design elements is the iconic third-level infinity pool, which will offer a unique perspective of the ocean, elevated above the beach level to provide a sense of floating between the sky and the sea.

The Concept of the First Tourism Innovation Township

The development of the newest tower is part of a broader, revolutionary concept introduced by the Jamaican government: the Caribbean’s first Tourism Innovation Township. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has described this as a "game-changer" for the region.

The idea behind the Innovation Township is to create a circular economic hub where the resort does not exist in isolation from the local community. Instead of a gated enclave that imports all its needs, Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay will be integrated into a system where:

  • Local Supply Chains: Nearby residents and small businesses will be empowered to supply goods and services directly to the hotel, from fresh produce and condiments to manufactured items like sheets and pillowcases.
  • Infrastructure Support: The mega-resort infrastructure, including electricity and water systems, is being planned with the capacity to support the surrounding community, creating a symbiotic relationship.
  • Community Facilities: The project includes plans for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) school, upgraded healthcare facilities, and improved local infrastructure in areas like Barrett Town.

This model aims to ensure that the $700 million investment benefits not just the hotel guests and owners, but the entire social fabric of the Rose Hall area. It is a shift away from the traditional model of "enclave tourism" toward a more inclusive, sustainable future.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The construction of the newest tower and the surrounding resort is expected to have a profound impact on the local economy. During the construction phase, thousands of jobs are being created in the building and engineering sectors. Once the resort is operational, it is projected to generate approximately 3,000 direct local jobs.

The Palace Company has a history of investing in Jamaican talent. Since the opening of the Ocho Rios property in 2015, they have integrated over 1,200 locals into their operations, many of whom have risen to management positions. The Montego Bay project will triple this impact, providing significant career opportunities in hospitality, management, culinary arts, and wellness.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has lauded the project as a testament to the international confidence in Jamaica's economy. The partnership between the government and the Palace Company is seen as a blueprint for how large-scale foreign direct investment can be aligned with national development goals.

The Context of Jamaica’s Tourism Renaissance

The Moon Palace newest tower does not exist in a vacuum. It is a central piece of a much larger puzzle. Jamaica is currently undergoing what officials call a "tourism renaissance," with a goal of adding 10,000 to 20,000 new hotel rooms by 2030.

Montego Bay is the epicenter of this growth. Within the same corridor as Moon Palace The Grand, several other mega-projects are underway or recently completed:

  • The Pinnacle: A four-tower luxury high-rise complex that will also feature residential units and a luxury hotel.
  • Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: A 1,000-room project that aims to bring a new level of entertainment and gaming to the island.
  • Unico Hotel: A luxury, adults-only all-inclusive resort that will also feature overwater bungalows and a focus on local culture.

This cluster of high-end developments is turning the Rose Hall area into the largest concentration of luxury hotel rooms in the Caribbean. The competition among these brands is driving innovation in architecture, with the Moon Palace tower leading the way in vertical design.

Timeline: When Will the Newest Tower Open?

Construction on Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay began in August 2025. Projects of this magnitude, particularly those involving 33-story towers and complex overwater structures, typically have a multi-year construction window.

Industry analysts and official statements suggest that the resort will be ready to welcome guests by 2028. As the project progresses, the tower will gradually rise above the Montego Bay shoreline, serving as a visual marker of the progress being made. Potential visitors and travel enthusiasts are encouraged to monitor official channels for updates on booking availability, which often opens 12 to 18 months prior to the official grand opening.

The Legacy of the Palace Company in Jamaica

To understand the significance of this new project, one must look back at the Palace Company’s journey in Jamaica. In 2015, the launch of Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios was a bold move. At the time, the $250 million investment was one of the largest the island had seen.

Over the past decade, that resort has become a cornerstone of the Ocho Rios economy. It proved that a Mexican-based hospitality giant could successfully adapt to the Jamaican "One Love" culture, blending their signature high-tech, high-luxury model with the laid-back warmth of the island. The success of the Ocho Rios property provided the proof of concept needed to greenlight the much more ambitious $700 million Montego Bay project.

CEO Gibrán Chapur has frequently expressed his "faith and love for Jamaica," noting that the decision to build the newest tower in Montego Bay is a reflection of the island's potential as a global luxury leader. The company’s commitment to sustainability and community development has been a key factor in securing the support of the Jamaican government and the local population.

Summary of the Newest Moon Palace Development

The "newest tower" in the Moon Palace Jamaica portfolio is the centerpiece of the upcoming Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay. Key facts include:

  • Location: Success, St. James (Montego Bay), not Ocho Rios.
  • Height: A record-breaking 30 to 33 stories.
  • Investment: USD $700 million.
  • Rooms: 1,200 luxury suites plus overwater bungalows.
  • Key Amenities: 13 restaurants, the island's largest spa, an infinity pool on the third level, a water park, and a FlowRider®.
  • Economic Impact: 3,000 new jobs and the creation of a Tourism Innovation Township.
  • Estimated Opening: 2028.

FAQ

Is there a new tower being built at Moon Palace Ocho Rios?

No. The existing Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios consists of the North Tower, Main Lobby Building, and Cabana Building. There are currently no new towers under construction at that specific location.

Where is the 33-story Moon Palace tower located?

The new 33-story tower is part of the Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay development, located in the Rose Hall/Success area of St. James, Jamaica.

When did the construction start for the newest Moon Palace in Jamaica?

The groundbreaking ceremony for Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay took place on August 11, 2025.

What makes the newest tower project unique for Jamaica?

Aside from its record-breaking height, the project is unique for its integration into the "Tourism Innovation Township," which aims to link the resort directly with the local community's economy and social infrastructure.

Will the new Moon Palace have overwater bungalows?

Yes. Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay is planned to feature exclusive overwater bungalows, which will be a first for the Moon Palace brand in Jamaica.

Who is the developer of the newest Moon Palace project?

The project is being developed by the Palace Company, a distinguished hospitality conglomerate that also owns brands like Le Blanc Spa Resorts and Baglioni Hotels & Resorts.

How many restaurants will the newest Moon Palace resort have?

The resort is planned to feature 13 world-class restaurants and bars, offering a wide variety of international and local cuisines.

What is the estimated opening date for the newest Moon Palace tower?

While construction is ongoing, the project is expected to be completed and ready for guests by 2028.

How does this project impact the local job market?

The development is expected to generate approximately 3,000 local jobs once operational, in addition to the thousands of jobs created during the construction phase.

Is the newest Moon Palace project part of a larger plan?

Yes, it is a key component of Jamaica's national goal to add significantly to its hotel room capacity by 2030, transforming Montego Bay into a premier global luxury hub.