A picturesque event space providing something a little different, Wellbeing Farm is well worth a look.
Raphael Blet reports from Mui Wo /Photos courtesy of Wellbeing Farm
A two-minute walk from Silvermine Bay beach, Wellbeing Farm was founded in 2020 by local boy Jacky Wan, who can trace his Mui Wo ancestry back 30 generations, and his Canadian-born wife Fatima Morrissey. A working farm, providing allotment rentals, the 15,000 square-foot property is first and foremost a social venue, designed to host up to 200 people at one time.
“This was like a jungle when we took over,” opens Jacky, looking out over the now immaculate event space. “One of my uncles gave us the opportunity to take care of the farm and we spent a year renovating. We realised Mui Wo needed an outdoor venue for kids and families to hang out.”
Two years on, Jacky and Fatima are able to facilitate all kinds of outdoor events – parties, family picnics and barbeques, school trips, corporate functions, team building exercises and community get-togethers – and they regularly have two or more gatherings going on at the same time.
While COVID was synonymous with struggle for many businesses, including Jacky’s real estate company Master Key, this wasn’t the case for Wellbeing Farm. “The pandemic was a real wake-up call for people to rediscover Hong Kong. They were visiting the outlying islands, hiking and getting out into nature because they couldn’t travel,” Fatima says. “They really liked the privacy and space they found here.
“Around 80% of the people who come to Wellbeing Farm are from the city,” adds Fatima, who also runs the Lantau Pottery Studio next door.
Visitors and islanders alike are drawn to the gardening opportunities on offer. For HK$500 per month, you can rent a 120 square-foot allotment and grow your own fruit, vegetables or flowers, with watering taken care of once a day by Jacky’s mother.
“In Hong Kong, the growing season is the whole year; you just have to know which crops to grow when,” Fatima says with a smile.
“My husband is the quintessential village boy,” she adds. “As a child, he was playing outdoors, fishing, catching frogs… he was really into nature. He always wanted to promote eco-tourism and now he is realising his dream.”
“I’m planning to organise more parent-child activities, team building activities and local heritage tours. Our aim is to become a base for people to gather and explore the surrounding area,” Jacky affirms.
Jacky and Fatima hope to pass on their love of nature to the next generation. “We plan to work with more schools,” says Jacky. “In March, we hosted a sports day for Lick Hang Kindergarten. There were 180 people. It was very successful; they brought their own picnic and had a fun time.”
With COVID restrictions now lifted, the couple are looking forward to hosting more parties and events. “People who book the venue will be able to add a sports and/ or crafts activity as an extra. My wife can hold pottery classes and I can do the sports,” says Jacky, a former PE teacher.
One of the biggest events the couple has hosted to date was a child’s birthday party with 150 guests. “There was face painting and a barbecue, and we have special fairy lights so the fun can continue after it gets dark,” says Fatima. “Our venue is great for parents because it’s a completely closed environment; they don’t need to worry about their kids.”
Partnering with nearby Pause Café, butcher Loi Chan and Village Bakery, Wellbeing Farm can help you take care of the F&B. But if you prefer to bring your own food, all the necessaries – including a barbecue – are provided.
Wellbeing Farm also organises events for the local community to get to know each other. “I’ve been doing a very niche local networking and socialising event called Lantau Ladies After Hours. It’s targeting local professional women and new people who have moved to Lantau. It gives them a chance to meet,” says Fatima.
“We’ve got the Easter programme coming up, and we’re always around – we don’t leave the island much. Come join us!” Jacky concludes with a grin.
For more on Wellbeing Farm, WhatsApp 9509 2203 or visit www.wellbeingfarm.com.hk.