Silver Rain Spa Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman

If it hadn’t been for Rudolf (yes, his real name), the bellmen who escorted me through the sprawling and luxuriously-appointed Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman on the famed Seven Mile Beach, I may never have found the unique and discretely located Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa.

Credit: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/grand-cayman/spa

Past the heavy, silver-leafed door and into the welcome area that creates an impressive sense of arrival. A tribute to water in all its forms, the cave-like space (pictured above) is dimly lit and, in the centre, stand floor-to-ceiling ice crystal-inspired sculptures. The sounds, sensations and scent of water – rushing beneath a translucent floor and trickling down glass walls – surround.

In the large reception/retail area, faux-painted walls and ceiling create a feeling of being embraced by a silver mist. Steps away, the Sanctuary (pictured left) is another wow factor. A pristine environment of whites and soft grays, accented with sparkling crystal light fixtures and mirrored surfaces, it’s one of the prettiest locker rooms I’ve seen. Available for guest use are the best of amenities including full-sized La Prairie products.

The area also offers a cedar-lined sauna, steam room, infused water, iced hand towels, stacks of white bath towels monogrammed with the Silver Rain signature rain drop. Even the locker key chains are formed like silver rain drops.

The only La Prairie in the Caribbean, the name was inspired by the high-end, Swiss-based product line’s Silver Rain Eau de Parfume, and the signature treatment is – no surprise – The Silver Rain ( $285 for 90 minutes) during which water rains down from the ceiling in the one Silver Rain Room. The treatment is so popular that all I can do is peek in between clients. The jewel box of a room is lined with mosaic tiles that glimmer and shine giving a watery mother-of-pearl effect.

One floor up, via a sweeping staircase, are 17 treatment rooms and the co-ed Silver Haven (pictured left) where guests relax pre and post services and spa attendants, called Angels, offer hot neck cushion and music menus. There’s a spread of dried fruit, mixed nuts, spa cookies, juices and infused waters. Talk attention to detail? Even the napkins are monogrammed.

Designed by New York based D’Aquino Monaco, the lounge incorporates groupings of comfortable modular furnishings sectioned off into semi-private spaces with white fabric dividers soft as clouds.

Spa supervisor, Vicki Cairns, points out that there are no magazines here. The rational, she says, is to create an environment to “take the mind away from everything.” What they do have for those who like to read when they relax is beautiful coffee table books. Awaiting my treatment, I flipped thru the pages of The Tree: Wonder of the Natural World.

I’m booked for another La Prairie signature treatment – the Lux Moisture Indulgence. A large Monstera Leaf – the signature emblem of La Prairie – decorates the treatment bed. The massage that follows is suppose to be a relaxation massage but a true professional like Mya – my therapist and an RMT from Jasper, Alberta – sees that my neck and shoulders are tense and tight so she asks if she can do a little therapeutic work.

Back in the Silver Haven for a little more attention from the Angels…the entire experience is therapeutic. Silver Rain makes my list of best spas to visit for the luxury experience.

by Anne Dimon