As the year came to a close, I was all set to wrap it up on a high note, and the Corona Sunsets Summer Tour delivered just that. The experience wasn’t that of the usual music festival, it was something more profound, almost spiritual.
I thought I knew what to expect, but my first Corona Sunsets experience shattered any preconceived expectations quite quickly. A music festival that was quite literally more than just music and sunsets, it was what felt like pure magic, the kind that will linger with you long after the final notes fade away.
Perhaps it was because this festival marked the last leg of their summer tour, or perhaps it was the unexpected location. Whatever the reason might be, this was so much more than just another music festival. A weekend filled with escape and celebration all rolled into one.
The journey from Cape Town set the tone for a weekend of bliss. A drive filled with sweeping coastal views along the Garden Route was an adventure in itself. We arrived in Plettenberg Bay, boarded a short ferry ride and stepped foot on Stanley Island to begin our weekend festival.
Our bags were dropped off in our cosy lodge where we were to stay the night and the afternoon was filled with possibilities.
A stroll through the festival grounds revealed some fun surprises including face-painting, bracelet-making stations, a small art exhibition, and a pop-up store with exclusive Corona merch. We joined a talented group that led us into an impromptu drum session, an experience that perfectly set the tone for a weekend of release and connection.
The festival was filled with unforgettable performances from a stellar lineup, featuring Shimza, Sun-El Musician, Mila Rose, Fraser Jones, Tom Frew and Pixie Whip.
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Festivalgoers danced through the golden hour, immersed in what I’ve learned to be the signature relaxed vibe of Corona Sunsets. Bunches of sunflowers were passed throughout the dance floor, dancers filled the stage, and fire performers added a special touch to the atmosphere. And finally, Shimza set the mood for the rest of the evening.
After a restful night, some much-needed breakfast, and a strong cup of coffee to shake off the after-party haze, the focus shifted to the Corona Sunsets Unwind Experience, led by yoga and wellness instructor Jeanae Dumas.
We took full advantage to disconnect and immerse ourselves in mindfulness, yoga and a breathwork experience. A guided walk through the natural surroundings was first up. Although it was a short walk, it seemed the perfect activity after a busy festival day, inviting us to slow down, breathe deeply, and absorb the beauty of nature around us.
Next up was a yoga session. At first, I was hesitant to go along with a yoga session, knowing that the effort would be more than just some stretches. However, I was still surprised by how different this guided experience felt. It wasn’t just physical; it was calming and felt therapeutic.
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I found myself asking, when was the last time I woke up after a festival experience and had such a peaceful, meditative morning? It’s something Corona Sunsets have done so well – by blending unforgettable experiences with moments of genuine relaxation and introspection.
Up next was a fire-making experience, which I didn’t know what to expect from at first. It turned out to be one of the standout moments of my weekend. The ‘release and let go’ ceremony was a guided journaling session that encouraged us to reflect on the past year, let go of the negativity we carried, and focus on setting positive intentions for 2025.
We wrote down what we wanted to release and cast those thoughts into the fire, symbolizing our commitment to leaving them behind. Then, wrote down our hopes and goals for 2025, which we kept as a promise to ourselves.
Festivals like this are not just about the musical experience, it’s about creating lasting moments that stay with you long after the festival ends.
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