Health and wellness took a major hit in 2020, and we could all use a reset. Christy Cason certainly thinks so. Cason is the owner of Cason Travel & Tours and the brains behind The MoBay FunFest, a wellness retreat coming to Jamaica this summer from June 24-28.
Cason knows all about needing a change of pace. She has 26 years of experience in the travel industry, and specializes in group travel and fundraisers for non-profit groups. Prior to that, she spent over a decade in the financial sector.
“I was in the banking industry for 12 years and I wanted a career change, so I researched what type of fun job I wanted,” she told Travel Noire. “I didn’t want a boring job, so I started my career in travel and birthed Cason Travel & Tours. Now, I love my career.”
The Las-Vegas based travel expert spoke to Travel Noire about the upcoming event.
Travel Noire: Why did you decide to put together a wellness event?
Cason: I believe we need to be healed as a nation after the pandemic, and what better way to relax and pamper yourself than at a luxury all-inclusive resort in Jamaica. The combination of the beach, water, and fresh air is soothing to the senses. We all need to reconnect and de-stress sometimes. The world wants to travel again and the Jewel Grande has a fabulous 30,000 square foot Italian-villa-inspired, full-service spa, fitness center with steam room, and sauna for your pleasure.
TN: Why was Jamaica the preferred destination?
Cason: Jamaica is warm, welcoming, and beautiful; it’s one of my favorite Caribbean islands. The vibe of Jamaica is exhilarating. The people are friendly and there are lots of water sports and tours to explore. I wanted to give a boutique festival at a boutique resort. Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa was the perfect choice with only 200 rooms at the resort. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we can socially distance ourselves on the beach, ocean lawn area, and dine at open-air restaurants.
TN: What can we expect at the festival?
Cason: The MoBay Funfest is a 4-Night Music & Wellness Festival. We will have daily Jammin In Jamaica Yoga sessions on the beach, followed by a workout session with Zumba. Roz Brooks is our wellness and fitness instructor. We offer line dance lessons to keep you moving and active with Dancing with Flava. You will experience live jazz concerts on the beach underneath the stars featuring: Althea Rene, Jazmin Ghent, Marion Meadows, and Johnny Britt.
Theme nights include Le Blanc (white attire) and Wakanda Forever Farewell Celebration (African garb requested). We have bid whist and dominoes tournaments with cash prizes, beach games, water sports, and fun in the sun! Oh, did I mention a Montego Bay Highlight and Shopping Tour is included with your MoBay FunFest package?
TN: Will this be an annual event? If so, will Jamaica continue as the host?
Cason: Yes, this will be an annual event with 2021 being the kickoff year. The Jewel Grande is the resort of choice. It’s important to build relationships in the industry with our hotel partners.
Register at www.mobayfunfest.com or www.casontravelandtours for the MoBay FunFest.
Related: Healing And Wellness Retreats For Black Women Around The World
