Contributing WriterWith more than a decade of experience producing internationally beloved events like L’Amour à la Plage, Carte Blanche, and Hall of Fame, French music producer Swann Decamme has earned a reputation for creating unforgettable, soul-infused gatherings in stunning locations. Born from a collaboration between Amare Festival and Mad Events, is a bold new chapter: Amare & Sunset Festival—a boutique, two-day celebration of music, culture, and connection set against the breathtaking landscapes of Sint Maarten. We caught up with Swann to talk about the vision behind the festival, the island that inspired it, and what guests can expect when Amare makes its Caribbean debut this August.
Swann Decamme, Co-Founder + Creative Director
Congratulations on launching Amare & Sunset Festival! How did the vision for this new event come to life?
Thank you for this invitation. Together with my partner Alexandra Talarico, we wanted to launch a global concept—elegant, heartfelt, and internationally oriented. The name ‘Amare‘ came naturally: it evokes love, the sea, and emotion. We had the opportunity to collaborate with local promoters Mad Events in Sint Maarten, and everything aligned smoothly.
Since the two selected venues are known for their breathtaking sunsets, we created the ‘Amare & Sunset Festival‘ format, specifically for this Caribbean island. The event takes place over two days, on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten: Saturday at Rainforest Adventures, a panoramic venue with 360-degree views, and Sunday at the stunning Mullet Bay beach at Kalatua Beach Club.
You’ve produced beloved festivals like L’Amour à la Plage, Hall of Fame, and Carte Blanche—how does Amare & Sunset differ from your past productions?
Each concept I’ve launched (sometimes in collaboration) has its own unique identity and soul. What sets Amare & Sunset apart are the breathtaking venues. Rainforest Adventures, accessible by cable car, is truly an experience. I’ve performed there twice and the energy was unreal. Kalatua is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Partnering with Mad Events felt like a natural extension of our shared vision.
“Picture this: a golden sunset, groovy beats, delicious food by Chef Gil, and unforgettable moments with your crew in a refined, joyful setting.” –Swann Decamme, Co-Founder & Creative Director
Venue – Kalatua Beach Restaurant
What drew you to Sint Maarten as the destination for the first edition?
I’ve been coming to Sint Maarten since 2016, often multiple times per year. It’s a place I hold close to my heart—for relaxation, celebration, incredible food, and great energy. Everything you need is on this little Caribbean gem.
The festival is described as a celebration of “sunsets, sound, and soul.” Can you unpack that for us?
‘Sunsets, sound, and soul’ sums up our vision:
– Sunsets: The magical backdrop that frames both venues
– Sound: A music curation that’s groovy, emotional, and international
– Soul: The human touch behind every element—from food and art to the atmosphere we want to create
How did you select the two venues — Rainforest Adventures and Kalatua Beach — and what kind of atmosphere do they each bring?
Yohan from Mad Events and I brainstormed a lot. These two venues were an immediate match. We were completely in sync.
- Saturday will follow the theme ‘Sunset Elegance‘ with All Black and Earth Tones — something sleek and elevated.
- Sunday will be ‘Bohemian Beach‘ — Hippie Chic and barefoot-friendly. Two contrasting vibes for two iconic sunsets.
You’ve curated a lineup that blends international artists with Caribbean talent. Why is that artist balance important to you?
It’s essential to spotlight local talent. We often say, ‘you’re never a prophet in your own land’ — but our local artists deserve recognition. We’ll have DJs and performers from Sint Maarten, the Dominican Republic, and Martinique alongside international names.
Beyond music, Amare & Sunset incorporates an island‑inspired culinary journey, and design. What kind of experience are you aiming to create for guests?
Music is the heart of the festival, but food and creativity elevate the experience. On Sunday, Chef Gil Dumoulin will lead a refined culinary offering at Kalatua. Food is often overlooked at festivals—we want to change that.
We’re also building a ‘village of creators‘ to highlight local artisans and designers. The idea is to create a creative hub where people can connect and be inspired. Sint Maarten is the perfect bridge between Europe and the Americas.
“With over a decade of experience in the music and live entertainment industry, and having launched several international concepts, I felt it was time to reimagine what a festival could be. Amare Festival is my renewed vision of celebration — one that blends music with meaningful experiences, wellness, a commitment to environmental consciousness, and the celebration of local craftsmanship through a dedicated village of creators.”
– Swann Decamme, Co-Founder & Creative Director
Venue [Rainforest Adventures]
How did your collaboration with Alexandra Talarico influence the creative direction of the festival?
Alexandra is my life and creative partner. She has Italian roots, and the name ‘Amare’ was close to her heart. We co-developed the entire vision together. We also launched an electronic live music duo called Terella and just signed our debut album with Italy’s leading independent label, EGO Music. We’ll be performing live during the Sunday closing set at Kalatua. Alexandra sings in Italian, Greek, and English. We share values and complement each other beautifully.
What role does sustainability play in how you approach festival production today?
Sustainability is a key pillar for us:
– Minimizing single-use plastics across all bars and backstage areas
– Encouraging reusable cups and eco-containers
– Prioritizing local food and vendors (Chef Gil and his team)
– Limiting printed materials—digital-first for marketing and ticketing
– Venue designs that preserve natural beauty
– Exploring partnerships with local eco-groups like Nature Foundation SXM for Sunday’s activities
What’s one moment or feeling you hope every guest walks away with after the weekend?
A total sense of disconnection and reconnection—with nature, music, food, and community. Picture this: a golden sunset, groovy beats, delicious food by Chef Gil, and unforgettable moments with your crew in a refined, joyful setting.
Looking ahead, what’s next for the Amare Festival series globally?
Our intention is to make it an annual collaboration with Mad Events in Sint Maarten; Alexandra and I plan to take ‘Amare’ beyond, to other Caribbean destinations and to Europe. Love has no borders.
Tickets are now available via Sparta, with limited capacity to maintain intimacy.
Table Info:
VIP table reservations and group packages will be announced soon.
For early inquiries or to pre-book, please contact: festivalamare@gmail.com
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