*UPDATE: Zamna Festival 2020 has been postponed until April *
This just in. We hear rumours on the ground that the much anticipated Zamna Festival in Tulum may be cancelled due to a conflict between the organisers and local gangs over unconfirmed issues.
A source, who chose not to be named, stated that they were booked to play the warmup DJ set on one of the festival dates but was recently informed by the Zamna team that the cancelation was imminent. This – paired with the debacle over the Art With Me Festival‘s Covid ‘superspread’ event could make it ever more unlikely for the planned parties to take place.
Should the cancellation go into effect, it will undoubtedly ruin holiday plans for techo and house-thirsty travellers looking to end the year with some 24 hour sun and fun in Mexico’s Mayan Riviera. And although there are no reports of hotels or restaurants following suit in closing, this may mean that holiday makers will be looking to other destinations to see in 2021. In anticipation of this potential moment, we take a look at alternative locations to redirect the PJ for some unbridled fun:
Marrakech
The Moroccan city has been the epitome of cool since the 1960’s, embracing the bohemian and the luxurious in equal measure. The cool kids have made this their secret second home since then and now it is reemerging as the go-to place for the perfect private villa party and desert rave.
Stay: There are many incredible luxury hotels in Marrakech (La Sultana, Royal Mansour, Amanjena, Mandarin, Four Seasons…) but for total privacy there’s no better way to go than renting a palatial villa. Although there are also plenty of villas to choose from The Villa Dar El Sadaka is vast and will make you feel like you’ve been transported in a vortex in between the jungles of Tulum and the desert of Morocco.
Inside, you will find orangutang figures climbing the imposing wicker chandeliers that hang from the high ceilings of the living room and in the dinning room – a giant giraffe sculpture looms above you. Each room (designed by artist Jean-François Fourtou) is designed to make you feel like you’re in a new world, from a savannah, under the starry African sky to an underground lair as seen through the eyes of an ant.
Party underneath the giant disco ball by the pool in the garden, or take a trip (literally or figuratively) over to the “house that has fallen from the sky” – an actual upside down house poised in the middle of a field on the grounds of the villa.
Check out: Le Comptoir Darna, Le Palace, Bo-zin, Jad Mahal
Recently spotted: Model Anna Cleveland with Nomade and BeTulum Designer Maximiliano Patane
Dubai
The jewel of the Emirates has something for everyone; five star restaurants, luxury retreats, crystal blue waters, unrivalled water sports, hedonistic parties and desert camping fun. You would be hard pressed to find another place in the world that can both accomplish being that exotic and spare no luxuries at the same time.
Stay: Dubai is the unofficial global capital of luxury and excess (sorry Vegas) and as such – the options for 5* accommodation are virtually endless. With that being said – we love: The Bulgari, Mandarin Oriental, One & Only Royal Mirage, Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa and the Palm Jumeirah. We did a roundup of the very best places to stay and go out in town here.
Check out: If Instagram is any indication (it usually is) the FIVE Penthouse at the Palm Jumeirah is on fire right now. Zuma is rocking as always as are Coya, Gaia, La Petite Maison, Nusr-Et, Iris, Shanghai-Me and Nammos. For something more chill book at the Sonara Camp – it is perfect for dinner and drinks in the desert, under the stars.
Recently spotted: philanthropist Laurent de Brabandt, entrepreneur Billy Eldridge, Siberian singer / DJ Nina Kraviz.
Maldives
Crystal white sands, turquoise blue water and peaceful barefoot luxury – the Maldives is as close to paradise on Earth as it gets. The Pacific Ocean archipelago boasts some of the most opulent resorts alongside the biggest coral reefs known on the planet. Snorkeling, diving, water sports and spa days are the order of the day.
Although a trip here is certainly a different to a party-filled one in Tulum, places like the Reethi Rah and Cheval Blanc never let you down for a New Year’s night drink alongside some of the most interesting (and richest) people in the world. If nothing else, the Maldives makes for perfect IG backdrop to make all your friends and frenemies jealous.
Stay: Like Dubai, the Maldives has a veritable plethora of luxury options. Our favourites are the One & Only Reethi Rah, the Joali, the Cheval Blanc Randheli and the Six Senses – but if you want to really go all out and get total privacy rent the Coco Privé private island in a couple or with some friends; you wont regret it.
Recently spotted: Models Emma Toth, Frida Aasen, Charlotte Mayer
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