Months of detailed preparation and hard work had gone into the planning the illustrious Groovefest in The Puerto Plato resort, from the line up, the logistics of the event, right down to the food and the ever so enjoyable cocktail menu (more than 30 to choose from). Its not everyday you get invited to go to a beautiful location like this, certainly not for a festival of this magnitude. The resort itself was a 5 star outlet that left nothing to the imagination, well it did if you weren’t there – it was like something you find is Bond movie. The beaches that surrounded the site were exactly as it said on the preverbal tin – paradise. To picture what I’m talking about, every villa had their own personal buggy to drive you to each stage, your very own pool, fridge that was stocked every day without fail and with 9 restaurants in total alongside 6 pools what more did you really want or need for an all in one package?
The line up including legend Terry Hunter, Jamie Jones, Dennis Ferrer, his prodigies The Martinez Brothers, Sam Devine, No Artificial Colours and Horse Meat Disco, so there was something there for all house and disco lovers. Dennis and The Martinez Brothers even went back to one of the villas to carry on the party – which was a certain highlight for many, probably not the cleaners the day after however.
With that said we can move swiftly onto the music. I was personally looked after by the amazing team behind the event, (it was fully inclusive for everyone who bought a ticket) so with that I managed to get round most of my favourite artists without missing a beat. My personal highlights were that of Dennis Ferrer, The Martinez Brothers, Kenny Dope and Horse Meat Disco. Dennis even rocked out his classic ‘Son of Raw’ track which is one my my all time greats. Dennis who mentors the NYC based Martinez Brothers went back to back with them at the club later after they had both rocked the pool.
The disco element came from Horse Meat Disco added a different outlook to the festival on the Saturday with their famous edits. I can only imagine it was like a set you would hear if you were at Studio 54 who are great inspiration for them. The big beach time sets came from the legendary Terry Hunter and Bobby and Steve, the big hitter of the past came back to the forefront to provide some serious memories for the elder crowd. Jamie Jones Jones enjoyed his stint at the festival so much – he tried to change his flight. Jamie always brings his A game and this was no exception adding new edits from the up and coming wAFF along with some other of his Hot Natured sounds.
Warming up for Jamie were the up and coming No Artificial Colours, the London based duo – the rising stars have a huge 2012 and have become a stalwart duo in London and the Uk this year. They eased the crowd to a frenzy before Jamie hit them with a truly awesome take. Other artists that were well worthy of a mention were Alexis Raphael, the Creche frontman added a great house selection to his set alonside the Krankrothers duo and Cozzy D.
If you got slightly burnt out from all the partying then then it wasn’t really an issue, with some festivals in Europe or even the UK, sometimes you can’t just get away, this was totally different which was perfect. There was many an excursion to do outside of the resort, Paradise Beach Island was one of the many attractions. The Island itself was no more than 30 foot wide and 50 foot long, whilst in the middle of the ocean you could snorkel and dive around the reef. Various waterfalls also jotted around the Island and Puerto Plato town was just a small ride away.
All in all my experience here was exactly just perfect or paradise shall I say. Many were turned off by the price, but to be honest it was actually cheaper than a week in Ibiza and twice as exciting. Next year is a must for all those who were shocked by the price, for what you get its actually an absolute bargain. The wheels are already in motion to set the bar even further with the festival so please get those dates in the diary when they are announced. A special thanks must go to the promoters and staff who looked after us from start to finish.
All hail Groovefest!
