A reflection on 2024’s SXM Festival in Saint Martin
@jamesbridlephoto
The SXM Festival in the Caribbean, held in early March, is now one of the most desirable musical escapes on the planet. Each year it delivers an extraordinary blend of music, culture, and tropical paradise experiences that leave attendees spellbound and with indelible memories of villa after parties, dancing high on a hillside looking down over the string bay, chilling by the pool as the sky turns flame red during sunset, and much more besides.
Spanning five non stop days and nights of fun, culture and adventure on the paradise-like island of Saint Martin | Sint Maarten, this festival enchants guests from the moment they arrive with its picturesque beaches, lush rainforests all set against the backdrop of a fine mix of French and Dutch cultures.
@geoh.photo
This year the famous and much loved venues like Arc and Boho were added to with plenty more stunning venues from all over the island making it even more of an adult playground. They include the allure of five Bamboo House, a meticulously restored 19th Century Sugar Mill nestled in Cole Bay, avant-garde open-air nightclub Moonbar in Maho, plus the elegant Kalatua Beach, the island's finest nightclub in Lotus, and Rainbow Cafe, a bohemian escape located in Grand Case.
The lineup boasted an impressive array of world-class electronic acts one again and each of them brought their a-game and tailored their sets to the unique locations. Highlight performances included Magit Cacoon drawing massive crowds on Friday night, Kate Simko bringing sunshine to a rainy Panorama stage - she played Blunted Dummies - House For All (John Acquaviva Original 2011 Edit) at the exact moment the sun came out which sent shivers down the spine.
@jamesbridlephoto
Malandra.Jr was much talked about for igniting the Ocean Stage with infectious energy and the villa party featuring Kevin Saunderson and Fleur Shore turned into a memorable Boiler Room-style event that was a feast for all the sense with pool dancers, fire hoop girls, and Perone dressed up. Elsewhere, French artist Adassiya was a standout at Bamboo House on Wednesday - she played warm, organic tunes and also sang and the sun was coming down behind her which was truly dramatic. SXM's main man Julian Prince and West Coast house legend Doc Martin also delivered stellar performances at the Panorama Party and dropped Deux - Sun Rising Up (DiMO Extended Remix) (Urbana Recordings) as their final one, which really stood out as one of the most special moments of the festival.
Beyond the music, SXM Festival offers a rich tapestry of experiences, including island adventures, art installations, and delectable cuisine. Attendees this year could also treat themselves to exclusive EPIC or PREMIUM experiences, with access to main events, satellite parties, and VIP amenities, ensuring a truly unforgettable festival experience.
@jamesbridlephoto
Overall, SXM Festival delivered on its promise of combining new musical experiences with breathtaking surroundings, creating cherished memories and forging new friendships amidst the captivating beauty of Saint Martin | Sint Maarten. By now, SXM Festival stands head and shoulders above the competition as a must-attend event for electronic music enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled Caribbean escape.
Sign up for SXM Festival 2025 here
