In the last couple of years, murmurs of a sun-beaten location where palm-tree dotted beaches meet crystalline waters and staggering mountainous views have become all but deafening. If you’ve not yet been seduced by the lesser-known Albanian Riviera, all that is set to change with a brand new festival (from the organisers behind sister party festival Kala): Inner State. Set in the same paradisal site – flanked by the upmarket Adriatic Coast resort town of Dhërmi – the festival is set to be “six days of high vibes and good times”, where wellness, stellar tunes, culture-rich talks and activities as well as top-notch food will merge for a soul-cleansing experience.

Taking place from 15-22 September 2021, the first edition will feature three open-air stages, with sets from psychedelic R&B singer Greentea Peng, jazz-infused multi-instrumentalist Jordan Rakei, as well as heavy-hitters Joe Goddard, Benji B, Bradley Zero, 2manydjs, and the globe-trotting feel-good likes of Love Minus Zero (AKA Tiga & Hudson Mohawke), Mafalda, Leon Vynehall, Erol Alkan, Helena Star and Colleen “Cosmo” Murphy. Expect intimate live gigs, scorching DJ sets, and soundscapes naturally amplified by the surrounding mountainside.

There’s no doubt Kala cemented Albania’s reputation as an exciting new party destination, and after whispers of paradise it was only a matter of time before its powers were harnessed for something more rejuvenating. Inner State will offer up mind-soothing and body-bending practices such as yoga, pilates, sound journeys, qi gong, boxing, breathwork, astral projections, and even lucid dreaming.

Talks will explore everything from from psychedelics, to intuition and therapy, with enlightening words on regeneration and neuroscience. Festival-goers will be encouraged to swim in the Albania Riviera’s crystal blue waters, with the likes of stargazing, meditation, and “Campfire Conversations” winding things down.

“Reflecting on the last 12 months, we have all felt the importance of human connection and collective wellbeing,” explains Inner State Festival Creative Director, Dan Blackledge. “We sense this is a great time to launch Inner State – a new festival exploring a whole system approach to wellbeing and connection. Through music, movement, talks, and travel, we aim to create a roadmap to feel-good states, and we look forward to welcoming the first guests this September.”

Don’t be surprised if you don’t come back the same.

Inner State will take place between 15-22 September 2021 at Dhërmi, Albania. Early bird tickets start from £239 for 7 day stay (inc. festival ticket and accommodation) and go on sale here.