SXM is now already well established and for good reason – it has a perfect location, well-curated soundtrack and a crowd who keep on coming back. They do so because there are few events as stunning as this one and they come from all over the USA, Europe and even further afield. This big return after covid had an extra special atmosphere right form the word go, especially as all measures were dropped just as it kicked off.
The setting for all this is a real Caribbean paradise. As soon as you arrive you are mesmerized. It has gorgeous white sand beaches with stunning views out to the sea, and plenty of jungle hideaways to explore and get amazed by. The rich culture is everywhere from the cocktails to the restaurant menus and this year there was an all-new party on the hillside with superb views of the bay down below. It was a soundtrack by SXM regulars Audiofly who lay down a perfectly warm, groovy set of stylish house and tech to a very happy crowd.
The most famous thing about SXM is the production, and this year once again it got even better. You have never seen stages like it – each one from is a stunning thing with grasses, tropical plants and reeds making amazing shelters in which the DJs get to work. By day, open air dances are bathed in hot sun and by night, starry skies and warm blue and red lights all add to the occasion.
A Villa party was once again the standout this year with PillowTalk playing a spine tingling live set featuring some heart warming sounds from across the spectrum. Other standout sets come from the Arc Stage with Raresh and Ricardo Villalobos closing it down with a mix of underground head melters and more classic party sounds. The same stage on Wednesday was closed down by Italian techno titan Marco Carola who went big and DJ Tennis also came through with a brilliant selection of melodious, meditative and escapist sound on Thursday on the Ocean Stage. Big man Dubfire also did a fine job of bringing things to an explosive end with his colourful multi-genre and high energy sounds.
A Villa party was once again the standout this year with PillowTalk playing a spine tingling live set featuring some heart warming sounds from across the spectrum. Other standout sets come from the Arc Stage with Raresh and Ricardo Villalobos closing it down with a mix of underground head melters and more classic party sounds. The same stage on Wednesday was closed down by Italian techno titan Marco Carola who went big and DJ Tennis also came through with a brilliant selection of melodious, meditative and escapist sound on Thursday on the Ocean Stage. Big man Dubfire also did a fine job of bringing things to an explosive end with his colourful multi-genre and high energy sounds.
There are plenty of places to relax and chill under parasols, gazing out to the sea, lounge about in hammocks and playing in natural pools by waterfalls. As such SXM is the perfect place to party but also to relax, soothe your soul and soak up once in a lifetime vibes. It really is as good as a music festival can be.
Photographies by: Matt Eachus