Slowing Down at La Prairie’s Silver Rain Spa

by Rachel Shelasky

Set along the stunning Seven Mile Beach on the island of Grand Cayman, Silver Rain, a La Prairie spa, located inside the oceanfront Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, is an absolute standout. The Swiss-based company, known for it’s anti-aging formulas, delivers an exceptional spa experience, coupled with lasting results.

Traveling to the Caribbean in the winter is pretty unbeatable. Add in a visit to Silver Rain and you’ve got yourself a pinch-me-I’m-dreaming situation. I visited the spa last month at the end of Cayman Cookout, a yearly, intimate food event hosted by Eric Ripert. With a non-stop lineup of beach barbeques with free-flowing beverages, in the company of the greatest chefs in the world, the weekend is a food-lovers paradise. After three days of overindulgence, with my stomach full and face puffy from Prosecco, I head to the spa for a Caviar Firming Facial, and really need it.

The space is shadowy, sleek and, appropriately, silver––meant to represent the cleansing properties of water, for which Switzerland is known. The floors are glass, lit from below, with water flowing beneath. It feels otherworldly––if you’ve ever seen La Prairie’s product packaging, you feel like you’ve literally stepped right in.

I’m escorted to the women’s sanctuary, where I change into my robe. I am then brought to what is called Silver Haven, a relaxation area, where I wrap myself in cashmere and stretch out on a plush, over-sized couch. It’s a big lofty space, but is set up in small, private sections. I’m brought an ultra-soothing and warm lavender neck pillow (also available in eucalyptus and ocean air). The spa attendant lingers for a minute too long asking questions like where I’m from, but quickly understands that I’m not really in the mood for small talk.

Looking over to the snack and tea area, I contemplate, but can’t even move I’m so content. I should really take advantage of the sauna, steam room, and whirlpool. I listen to my body though, and all I want to do is to lay back.

I am brought to consciousness when it’s facial time. In the heated bed under a thick duvet (amazingly comfortable!), my esthetician analyzes my skin pointing out spotty dryness and specific problem areas. We briefly talk diet, stress, and skin regimen. When a purifying steam mist touches my face, my hands and forearms are exfoliated and then massaged. I think I half-sleep through the extractions (or maybe she’s just that gentle?). Then comes an eye treatment followed by a firming face, neck, and décolleté massage. My hands and arms are rubbed again during the mask, this time with an even thicker, silkier cream. It finishes with a face moisturizer, warm lip balm, and scalp massage.

Post-facial, I head to a massive brunch with all the food you can imagine, the last event of the Cayman Cookout. My glowing make-up-free skin looks two shades lighter. Even Anthony Bourdain notices, or at least, gives me an extra wide smile.