SAG-AFTRA members are currently on strike; accordingly, union actors are not promoting their film and TV projects. This interview was conducted prior to the strike.
“I grew up in London, and I first came to know the Cayman Islands in 2015 through a youth-exchange program. I was there for about two weeks, and we all stayed in Rum Point on Grand Cayman, in this amazing modernist house called Olympus. Our group participated in volunteer projects, like putting on mini concerts for the local community. Quite often we’d host them at the Cayman Cabana, a lovely little restaurant on the water in George Town owned by this man named Luigi Moxam. He’s a big inspiration to many people and businesses there. When I met Mr. Luigi, I knew we’d be lifelong pals. He’s always the first person I connect with as soon as I get off the plane. He also knows how to throw down in his restaurant. There’s jerk chicken, rice, and plantains, this banging coconut ceviche—it made no sense what he did with it, but it had lots of onions and this delicious sauce on top, and it came with these chips that you dip. But my favorite dish was the conch fritters. They’re one-of-a-kind, and I haven’t been able to find them back home.
There’s something quite monumental about the Cayman Islands. A lot of people go there to get engaged or married—to take these big life steps. It gives you that kind of seclusion, when you need to just be with yourself, and this sense of tranquility, with its beaches, the ocean, the blue skies. It automatically does something to you and puts you in a more relaxed state. It’s just very healing, especially if you’re in a hectic job or have a busy family life. Island time goes slower.”
John Boyega stars in They Cloned Tyrone, now streaming on Netflix. This article appeared in the July/August 2023 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.
