While there are hundreds of choices on the cards for festival-goers this summer, some offer more remarkable, memorable and downright Instagram-able moments than others. We’ve rounded up the off-the-beaten-track events that’ll add an individual edge to your festival summer.
SECRET SOLSTICE, ICELAND – 21-24 June
This multi-genre festival takes place at the crucial point in the year for Iceland’s ‘Midnight Sun’, meaning the festival plays out under 96 hours of uninterrupted sunlight. While the main stage has Slayer, Stormzy, Clean Bandit and Gucci Mane topping the bill, the additional events are just as extraordinary – the Lava Tunnels and Into The Glacier events are held in 5,200-year-old underground natural formations.
However, Secret Solstice’s most epic offering is its Package of the Gods ultra-VIP service, which includes backstage access, complimentary food and cocktails, access to the Artist’s bar and a special section of the Odinn VIP area, plus helicopter transfer to the Langjökull glacier for the exclusive Into the Glacier event. It also provides private chauffeur-driven transfers between the airport, hotel and festival, and an on-site concierge to make the whole experience as fuss-free as possible.
OBONJAN ISLAND, CROATIA – 29 June-2 September
While the Obonjan island resort will play host to an impressive lineup of DJs this summer, this isn’t your average three-day festival – the 2017 Harper’s Bazaar Travel Guide listed it as one of the ‘150 Greatest Hotels in the World’. Open from late June to early September, this Croatian island could, if desired, play host to ten full weeks of relaxation, restoration and beach parties.
This adults-only paradise boasts a wealth of luxury sleeping structures (the word ‘tents’ would do them a disservice) featuring USB charging and freshly changed linens and towels – with a nearby seaside restaurant serving up cold beers, cocktails and tempting barbecue food. Across the island lies a spa offering treatments such as Thai and deep tissue massage, Shiatsu and Reflexology; twice-daily yoga, watersports and stargazing sessions.
OASIS FESTIVAL, MOROCCO – 14-16 September
While Oasis features many of the established names from festival and club circuits on its lineup, the ambience promises to be markedly different from its competitors. Attendees can relax between sets at a range of tucked-away Champagne and cocktail bars, hookah lounges and choose from a wide range of local contemporary food options (tipped to be the next big thing in gastronomy). There’s even an sun-soaked outdoor pool by which to unwind, with dedicated DJs playing relaxing tracks.
Once they’ve discovered the yoga sessions, spa and makeup station, explorers can also venture beyond the festival walls and experience Marakech at night, take in the Atlas mountains, visit a Berber village, listen to traditional local music or visit a 12th-century mosque.
