Events

This Jamaican Pop-Up Lounge Will Cure Your Winter Blues

By Vincent Plana /

The Jamaica Tourist Board has teamed up with Sunwing to transform a Yaletown shop into a miniature island getaway (minus the sunburn).

If you share my sentiment (and probably the sentiment of Vancouverites everywhere), you’re already sick of the grey and rainy weather. It’s cold, it’s wet, it’s windy, and I’m already counting down the days until next summer.Perhaps, like me, you’re dreaming of an escape from the rain? Though you might not be able to trade your 9 to 5 job for a beach chair in Montego Bay, there’s a temporary solution for some sunny R&R: the Jamaica Tourist Board is set to launch their “Feel the Vibe” Jamaican pop-up experience this week in Vancouver (November 16 to 19), turning a Yaletown storefront into a miniature island getaway. We’re not in Vancouver anymore—the Feel the Vibe pop-up experience will transport you to a warm, tropical destination in the heart of Yaletown.Guests can expect tropical decor and a heated, indoor lounge surrounded by greenery. Live DJs are also set to take the stage every night, bringing reggae, rocksteady and dancehall music to the mix. And, of course, there’s an opportunity to feast on some island cuisine. Supplied by Vancouver’s own Patty Shop, Kiss Yo Mama, Jamaican Mi Juicy and Jamaican Pizza Jerk, food will be reflective of true Jamaican flavours—especially when paired with island cocktails and tropical punch and highballs crafted by Chris Hesje of Fayuca. Covered in lush greenery, this Jamaican-inspired lounge is unlike any other pop-up we’ve seen.I won’t be putting my toes in the sand anytime soon, but I’ll try anything to get away from this cold. I’ll take one hammock, a Dark and Stormy, and a memo to my office that I’ll be on island time, thanks!

Feel the Vibe: Jamaica Pop-Up Experience

November 16 to 191263 Homer Street

Hours of Operation

Thursday, November 16: 7 p.m. to midnightFriday, November 17: 4 p.m. to midnightSaturday, November 18: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.Sunday, November 19: 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.For more information (including details about the cocktail menu and nightly performances), visit the Feel the Vibe event page on Facebook.