Amelia Holt: Honey Trap x Bonanza Lite 2026

This year’s Bonanza Lite comes with a special collaboration from our friends at Honey Trap. Coming straight from New York City, the label/party series will be joining us in the lineup curation department for a spicy collab, featuring Amelia Holt, NAP, Second Contact and B+.

Named after the classic espionage tactic using romantic or sexual attraction to lure a target, this label/collective/party series began in the big apple and has thoroughly expanded its reach, hosting parties in cities like Montreal and Berlin. Their Substack, In Your Dirty Ears features a monthly list of new electronic music, as well as tales from the road and cheeky event promos. 

As the countdown for our next gathering rolls, we set out to talk to the brain behind it all, Amelia Holt, and find out as much as we could about this exciting collaboration.    

Find the interview below, and make sure to join us on the dancefloor this August 9th at the first of two editions of Bonanza Lite, getting your tickets here. 

Can you share with us the story behind Honey Trap?

Honey Trap started about three years ago as a project born in NYC. I been in this city for 12 years and have been throwing parties with friends for a while and made the timely decision to spread my wings and start my own project, where I could follow my vision for the sound, design, and the people I wanted to invite to be involved with the project. 

How did the Bonanza collaboration come to be?

The collaboration came about when I was chatting with Ben. We had already had some artists from my agency play at Rio Hostel and the festival, and I brought up the idea of doing a collaboration with Bonanza, especially since Daniel's record with ZDBT(Dosis) was released on the Honey Trap imprint a few months ago. I thought it would be a great fit since Daniel is a dear friend of mine, plus also from Colombia, and overall the pairing and timing seemed just perfect.

Which artists will you be showcasing this Bonanza Lite? 

Some of the artists joining us for this special edition are, of course, Daniel Rincon (NAP), resident Second Contact, and close Honey Trap friend B+, along with some great local talent. I cannot wait to hearing everyone and having a good dance. I'd love to continue building this connection and bring even more artists into the collaboration in the future.

What can we expect from the Honey Trap crew?

Something spicy, groovy, and unpredictable. A little taste of New York on the Colombian coast.

What distinguishes a Honey Trap release?

There's definitely a punk-ish flair, with some acid, EBM, and a mix of house and indie sleaze. At the end of the day, anything goes, but those are some of the main flavors. Check out the releases here.

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WRITTEN BY

MAVVI

Everything you need to know before your stay at Rio Hostel

By Emily Waddington / Guest

Arriving at El Rio by colectivo, then hopping on a motorbike to head down to the tucked away hostel deep in the Colombian jungle, sets the scene for the next 48 hours we spent at this hostel.

We had just spent a week on the San Blas boat with the best group of people and decided to regroup here at El Rio for their much anticipated Thursday party. Something that stood out to me most was the hostel's grounds. They are so impressive, and it all opens up onto a private riverfront space with crystal clear water to cool off in, all set to the background noise of howler monkeys in the jungle.  

Know before you go:

• Book early! This is essential, this place gets booked up quickly, especially if you want to be there for the famous Thursday party. We booked two weeks in advance and only just got a bed. 

• No need to bring food or drinks. While it's not allowed, the options on site are top tier at a range of prices.

• There is no ATM on site, so get cash out beforehand if you want to pay your tab with cash and avoid a 5% surcharge.

The lowdown on activities

While the hostel is semi remote in the Colombian jungle, there is so much to do on site. Every day there is a range of activities run by the hostel, whether you want to be super active or just lay by the river. They also offer guests the opportunity to volunteer with the foundation they run as part of the hostel, if you want to give back to the local community during your visit.

• Morning yoga

• Volleyball competitions

• Tipsy tubing: can't miss this

• Thursday party: can't miss this. Not just a party, it felt more like a mini festival, with light installations projected onto the surrounding rock face and amazing DJs.

• Hiking, horse riding and paddle boarding 

• Other nighttime activities range from music bingo, pub quiz, salsa classes and beer pong

There are plenty of other entertainment options on site like ping pong tables and pool tables that all get a good workout during the nights and a great way to meet fellow competitive friends. 

Your food & drinks options

So impressed by the food on site, it was all super fresh and great quality. There are options for all dietary requirements. 

• Bakery: great for grab and go and cheaper snacks. Empanadas, baked goods, smoothies, juices and cold drinks.

• Pizza: some of the best pizza I've had, I’d recommend the ‘Be Classy’ 

• Restaurant: ranging from nachos to salads, noodles and much more. 

• Bars: all regular bar options and amazing cocktails at the beach bar.

So how do you get there?

From Santa Marta there are a few options to get to Buritaca. Just let the bus know where you want to go (El Rio Hostel) when you pay and they will stop right out the front. 

• Public colectivo: 15,000 COP

• Private coach: 25,000 COP

Once you arrive at El Rio, there are motorbikes waiting to take you in for 5,000 COP. You can also walk in, I'd recommend walking one way, it's quiet and scenic along the river and only takes 15 minutes.

The rooms

Plenty to choose from depending on your budget, we stayed in the 6 person dorm with aircon. I highly recommend it in the heat, as it doesn't cool down much at night at all. Keep in mind the music on the night of the party goes until 8am, so if you're a light sleeper or want to get some sleep, I'd recommend the dorms with AC, as they aren't nearly as loud since they're enclosed.

• Private rooms with en suite & share bathrooms

• 6, 8, 12 person dorms with and without aircon

• 25 person ‘The mothership’

• Tent options

This hostel has created something super special, not only an incredible vibe but a community that is so welcoming to all travelers. One thing you can guarantee here is a fun time and lots of new friends.

By Emily Waddington / Guest

THANK YOU! - LETTER TO RIO HOSTEL

Ah Rio Hostel… WHAT A PLACE.
Where do I even begin?

I want to thank the entire staff , from the kindness of the kitchen team to the openness and support from the owner.

I arrived here just before Bonanza Festival started (which, by the way, was absolutely incredible). And honestly… I wasn’t in the best moment of my life.

But from day one, I was welcomed into the team in such a warm and familiar way. It was exactly what I needed at that moment: genuine connections and a place where I could forget my problems for a while, focus on my projects, and heal after years that had knocked me down.

EQUILIBRIUM

People often ask me:
“How can you work in a place that’s so alive and full of distractions?”

And honestly… there are so many possibilities here that sometimes you don’t even know what to do first. Sports activities, crazy parties, amazing people, and a beautiful environment surrounded by nature (Definitely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.) But somehow, it was exactly here that I found the balance I needed to clear my mind and become productive again.

PURPOSE / BELONGING

I also found here a foundation doing truly beautiful work in the communities around the hostel, helping children who are often forgotten in places surrounded by social problems and conflict.

El Rio Foundation plays a genuinely humanitarian role by caring for lives that need attention, support, love, and opportunities to grow.

I’m deeply grateful and happy to be part of something that feeds my soul and reminds me that small gestures ; kindness, love, dedication, and care can truly change lives.

Grateful for everything I experienced here.
For every connection, every moment of generosity, reciprocity, and genuine human connection.

R
RECONNECT

I
INNER BALANCE

O
ONENESS

“Some places don’t just host you.
They rebuild you.”

Thanks for everything, Rio Hostel.

By: Lucas Cruz / Volunteer

FROM FABRIC LONDON TO THE JUNGLE: A CONVERSATION WITH ANNA WALL

The magic of Bonanza isn't just in the scenery; it’s in the stories and the people who return to the riverbanks year after year. Today, we sit down with one of our most beloved residents to talk about record collecting, the El Rio family, and, of course, the great Colombian chocolate debate.

Tell us a bit about how you first connected to the Rio and Bonanza festival.

I first heard the tales of El Rio from Jack Hitchcock, when we were at a party in London. I was so curious to learn more about this magical place, I wrote to Benny about coming to visit. My first trip was for Bonanza 2022 and it was the most incredible experience. Me and Benny connected over our mutual love of record collecting, particularly on finding dub techno with deep blue covers. I met so many lovely people that soon became friends, including ADI for the first time. I was very inspired by her selections.  

After a brief hiatus, you’re back at Bonanza! Having played the festival multiple times now, how are you preparing for your 2026 appearance?

The dancefloor overlooking the river is so magical; I keep that in my mind when I’m thinking about the records I’d like to bring, imagining how they might sound in that scenario surrounded by nature. I’ve been buying a lot of records lately, for opportunities like this, so I’m excited to test them out. 

As well as being an excellent peak time DJ you’re also an ambient aficionado. How do you go about curating and discovering music for this softer side to your sound?

Usually it’s a similar approach, but also I love discovering ambient b-sides on dance music records, or interesting intros and outros on LPs from different genres. I’ve also been sent some amazing unreleased music since I started my ambient label Dream Theory.

How has being a resident at fabric over the years shaped you as an artist?

Becoming a resident at fabric changed my life in so many ways. It’s an honour to be part of a club with such a rich London history, and having the opportunity to play alongside so many legendary artists that I admire. The freedom to try out new records and new ideas in three different rooms, and most of all feeling part of a family.

You’re one of our dear residents at Bonanza, as well as your more known London residency. How does being a resident affect your sets?

This is another true honour to be part of something so special. I believe it’s about learning and growing every time, understanding the sacred space, the landscape and the crowd. Adapting to the time of day or night, attuning to the energy, and keeping in mind the bigger picture, from the first set of the festival until the final moments.

Does cheese belong in a hot chocolate?

I’m looking forward to tasting this Colombian delicacy once again 🙂