Event Recommendation
With less than two months to go, SXM Festival is on track to break open festival season. Taking place from March 8-12, 2023, this annual event is a musical and cultural experience like no other. In fact, SXM is the only festival in the world that takes over an entire island—the Caribbean gem of Saint Martin. Each year thousands of people from around the globe flock to this 37 square-mile island to enjoy a diverse lineup of world-renowned DJs and basque in the freedom and amenities that this remote vacation offers. From beach, villa, and boat soirees to hilltop sunrise sessions and exclusive parties, every day promises to be unique and unforgettable.
Before we jump into the production details that make this event a once-in-a-lifetime experience, let’s talk about the festival’s core - the music. With the massive proliferation of classic and upstart fests spitting out similar lineups, SXM takes a more thoughtful approach when crafting its bill. Instead of recycling the same names and faces, their team carefully curates a well-balanced diet of established and emerging artists from various backgrounds.
This year the lineup features many household names in the house and techno scene. Sitting atop the list is Grammy-nominated, triple-platinum production duo CamelPhat, pioneering producer Dubfire, and the musical experience of Astra Club—a B2B set from Carlita and DJ Tennis. Other highlights include the reinvented house sensation Gordo, Brazilian stand-out Mochakk, and a live set from the visionary melodic house and techno vet Rodriguez Jr.
The lineup’s depth extends further with the emergent West African DJ and producer AMÉMÉ, Palestinian-based DJ Maher Daniel, French exports Apollonia and YokoO, and German producer Konstantin Sibold. Rounding out the lineup with their diverse styles are psychedelic house producer Mita Gami, acclaimed selector Doc Martin, and the melodic sounds of Deer Jade.
For its sixth edition, SXM will have eight different venues dotted along St Martin’s stunning coastline. However, it’s important to note that a regular pass does not include all eight venues, and satellite parties are reserved for the lucky few who snag an additional ticket.
To kick off your festival experience in style, you’ll want to arrive a day early, as a Mykonos Warm-Up Party is included in your regular ticket but takes place on Tuesday, March 7, from 5 pm-4 am. This one-of-a-kind outdoor nightclub is set on the stunning Maho Beach and is the perfect place to get into the festival spirit and start your five-day-long adventure with a bang.
Other venues included in your pass are Happy Bay and the Boho Beach Club. Happy Bay is likely where you’ll spend most of your time, as it is the epicenter of the SXM Festival experience. Throughout all five days, this venue transforms into a secluded paradise that hosts two different stages —the iconic Arc Main Stage and the intimate Ocean Stage. As the night unfolds, from 7 pm to 5 am, you’ll find that Happy Bay becomes the heartbeat of the festival, pulsing with energy and excitement.
Boho Beach Club is the place to go for those who want to get the party started as soon as possible. This tropical oasis of a venue has acts beginning as early as noon and going until 7 pm. As the sun filters through the lush nature overhead, you can enjoy exquisite cocktails prepared by the finest mixologists while your feet shuffle on the sandy dancefloor.
SXM Festival also offers more intimate experiences known as “satellite parties.” There are three total this year, and each boasts a slew of exclusive perks and vibes.
For an additional fee, guests can climb aboard the Catamaran Cruise that will only be open to 100 people, experience the ultimate Panorama rooftop party with a 360-degree view of the ocean, or set sail on an epic musical journey for a thrilling Boat Party that offers stunning sunsets and calm waters.
If you’ve secured a VIP ticket to SXM Festival, you’ll gain access to their exclusive Villa Party at the Sandyline estate. At this sumptuous venue, VIP ticket holders escape to a world of glamor and frill. This daytime rendezvous is an opportunity to experience a revival of the extravagant lifestyle of 60s movie idols combined with modern-day luxury and design.
Of course, we know you go for the music, but there’s so much more to this festival which is summed up in three words - location, location, location. St. Martin is nothing short of breathtaking. From the moment you arrive, you are captivated by the white sandy beaches, stunning ocean views, and hidden jungle oases to explore. This island is unique because it is the smallest landmass shared by two nations, allowing visitors to easily explore what the French and Dutch have to offer. The island’s rich culture is evident in everything from the cocktails to the fashion and menus.
If you’re looking for a truly unique, life-enriching experience, look no further than SXM Festival. With its mix of Caribbean, French, and Dutch culture, well-curated soundtrack, and a dedicated crowd that returns year after year, it’s no wonder why it has become a staple in the festival circuit.
