Editor's Note: The 2022 edition of MoBay FunFest will take place June 23-28 at Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa.
Wellness travel has been trending for a while now, but after a rough 2020, an extra dose of rest and relaxation is top of mind.
That’s where MoBay FunFest, a new music- and wellness-themed festival with Jamaica as its backdrop, comes in.
“I love jazz music. I love to travel. I love wellness tourism and spa vacations, so why not combine them all for a fun Caribbean festival in Jamaica?” said Christy Cason, founder of Cason Travel & Tours and sponsor of MoBay FunFest. “Most travelers are ready to travel again, and I wanted to present something healthy and fun to participate in.”
Working with Jewel Grand Montego Bay Resort & Spa, Cason’s travel agency will host the festival from June 24-28, 2021. The event will focus on highlighting Black female artists and entrepreneurs — like Cason herself — though people of all backgrounds are welcome to attend.
“We are a Black-owned travel agency, and we attract Black clients, but the festival is open to all ethnicities,” Cason said. Put simply, “the ideal attendee loves to travel and likes unique experiences ... they like all-inclusive luxury resorts and they enjoy Caribbean festivals.”
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For entertainment, festival-goers can count on comedy shows, domino tournaments with cash prizes and a tour highlighting the best of what Montego Bay has to offer, including its shopping experiences. Jazz fans will appreciate performances by Grammy-nominated soul flutist Althea Rene, as well as saxophonist Jazmin Ghent and R&B singer Johnny Britt.
I want the ocean, air and music to relax the senses, bodies and minds of all in attendance.
The wellness offerings of MoBay FunFest come in two parts, with classes for both fitness and metaphysics. Resort instructors will lead attendees in daily fitness classes, as well as “Jammin In Jamaica” yoga sessions. Roberta Mason, a Las Vegas-based line dance instructor and founder of Dancing With Flava, will also be at the festival to get guests grooving as they learn a few moves.
Meanwhile, Alicia Eunice, aka “The Candid Coach,” will use her years of experience as a life coach and her background in metaphysics to teach guests about the body’s chakras. She’ll also host sessions aimed at helping people gain clarity in their lives.
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Other highlights of MoBay FunFest include pool parties, watersports and two themed parties. The first party will take place on opening night, with a Le Blanc theme; guests are asked to dress in all white. There will be fire eaters, a comedy show and plenty of music during the opening night’s festivities. Days later, the second themed party will be a Wakanda Forever Farewell Celebration, with guests encouraged to dress in traditional African garb. A reggae band and limbo dancers will provide the entertainment that night
In light of COVID-19, I am producing a boutique festival with only 250 invited guests so we can social distance.
When asked what she hopes guests will get out of attending MoBay FunFest, Cason says that “fun, relaxation and time for self-care via our wellness sessions” are top priorities.
“I want the ocean, air and music to relax the senses, bodies and minds of all in attendance,” she added.
And while those are her main goals for hosting the festival, Cason is taking things a step further by donating some of the proceeds of the events to two nonprofit organizations: Southern Nevada Black Nurses Association, and radio station KUNV 91.5 FM from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Pricing for MoBay FunFest starts at $1,440 per person, based on double occupancy. This price includes all the amenities of the all-inclusive resort, plus festival activities and other VIP perks that Cason will surprise guests with.
And for those concerned with COVID-19 protocols, Cason notes that the guest list will be capped.
“In light of COVID-19, I am producing a boutique festival with only 250 invited guests so we can social distance,” she said. “All event activities are outdoors, and most cafes and restaurants are open-air.”
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