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"On Sundays there used to be only one place to go, one place to be seen and one place not to miss. Well, a quiet revolution has been taking place for sometime now and Blue Marlin at Cala Jondal is the embodiment of it."

Set in one of Ibiza's most picturesque coves, Blue Marlin is a sprawling complex encompassing bar, restaurant, club, beach and most significantly, live music venue. There is something decidedly enchanting about the place. A cosmopolitan mix of young and old, of locals and tourists, where young children dance enthusiastically and rich 'fat cats' smoke cigars with their silicone trophies.  

It is also a regular haunt on the DJ/promoter/celebrity circuit, to the extent that, within a 5 minute spell, I bumped into Danny Whittle, James Blunt and Made in Italy's Rossano. Blue Marlin seems to have captured a moment in time from an Ibiza of yesteryear, where there was a true mix of peoples, where typical boundaries of wealth or status meant nothing and where there were constantly happy, smiling faces. That said, it is no surprise this has become a regular hang out for the more experienced island community. 

But, of course, you knew all this already. So, why the hype now? Well, the spice to all of the above is the Sunday afternoon vibe courtesy of the Marlin's live music policy, which has created the most succulent of atmospheres from mid afternoon onwards. The focal point of this policy is the passionate flamenco of Paco Fernandez, whose performances have seen him go from Café Del Mar and Villa Mercedes in San Antonio to El Salon for Space Opening.  

Nevertheless, on an island that grooves almost exclusively to the 'succession of repetitive beats' - to doctor that infamous phrase - broadcast by Ibiza Global Radio and the discotecas, the purity and raw energy of Fernandez is awe-inspiring. All the classic characteristics of authentic flamenco are present; originality, emotion and personal insight, and that is all that is needed. The best in life are the simple things.  

However, flamenco constitutes one small portion of what Paco Fernandez and friends deliver. It is overused, but 'fusion' probably is the most accurate description of how Fernandez has incorporated other musical styles into his performances. We're not talking about dropping a drum machine beat in here and there, this is an unprecedented combination of polemic musical genres - classical Spanish guitar with dance music and hip hop beats. There is a huddle of semi-naked bodies dancing, but really dancing, you know as in moving their hips, feeling the music. Meanwhile, heads bop and feet tap from every sun lounger, double bed and viewing point possible. The only pause in proceedings is for the break dancing performance, which is perfectly tuned into the groove of the audience. 

Supporting Fernandez this week are the Southern African duo Goldfish, monthly residents at Pure Pacha, who absolute rock it, taking the Blue Marlin clientele from lazy Sunday afternoon to jazzy house music that you just can't resist dancing to (see the video for evidence!). Hopefully, the fact they are using Ibiza as their base this summer means more BM appearances to come. 

www.bluemarlinibiza.com