Our Happy Place

Grahams Place is one for the memories box, a unique blend of remote tropical paradise, safe anchorage, one of the best beach bars in the world and a warm friendly welcome every time we return.

We first came here 5 years ago and fell in love, Graham was alive and well at that time, we celebrated his 83rd birthday alongside a huge number of locals on the beach in the place he built and loved. He was larger than life character who owned a substantial business empire in Grand Cayman and Florida. Hotels, office buildings and real estate. Graham loved his fishing and that’s what brought him here to buy a tiny barrier island then call Josh’s Cay.

Graham was a people person who told stories and loved storytellers so rather than build a grand house he built a hotel, not to make a profit, I don’t think it ever has, but to surround himself with people and friends. The staff were amongst his friends and the whole place was self managing because of the loyalty he attracted. He would go out fishing in the early days and the catch of the day was whatever Graham caught that day, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Swordfish. He pretty much handed over the running of the rest of the business empire to his son and lived out his twilight years swapping stories in the bar. He loved cruising sailors and put in free mornings, offered free water and laundry and we in turn loved Graham and his team became friends. The Island changed name, no longer Josh’s Cay but for ever Graham’s Place on Graham’s Cay

We got stuck in UK for lockdown with the boat in the Chesapeake and were away from here for two years but when we came back Osway and Javier who run the bar, restaurant came down the dock with huge smiles and said “welcome back Mr Alan” , its that kind of place and we knew we were back in our “Happy Place”.

Sadly Graham was not here, he had treatment for Cancer in Cayman survived it for a while but then we lost a great character and friend. In truth Graham never managed this place, Alex and the rest of the team did that and their loyalty is still fierce, Graham’s son seems committed to keeping the place alive and apart from the empty chair in the corner of the bar things are still the same. When I am away from the boat and its cold I oftentimes drift off to sleep imagining lying in the cockpit looking up at the stars and somehow in my dreams its always here.

I’ve posted a piece here n the video section, shot by a friend and featuring another boat but with Seminole Wind anchored right next to it. I think if you watch it you may also find yourself sharing the love and if you want to come here its on Booking.com here.