Recommend October 2010 - (Page 66)

THE RITZ-CARLTON, grand cayman does it again continued from page 64 The property offers covered dining floats in the ocean. happen here folks. This place is a stand-alone example of getting it right the first time without the fluff, the smoke and mirrors, while showcasing its own brand without dressing it up in local culture or utilizing local elements that would compromise its own distinctive brand. And let’s face it, most Caribbean resorts do indeed infuse elements of its location or culture into their spa scheme—many times in a major stretch of authenticity, in our view—but the Silver Rain spa is operating like a brand unto its own. Which, in fact, it is because it’s the flagship spa for the upscale cosmetic giant, La Prairie. Here, you won’t be greeted by an attendant wearing customary island clothing, nor will you feel like you are in the Caribbean at all. Instead, a sexy, sleek and well-designed very modern facility awaits. Open the door and you’ll find a lobby with a wall of silvery water cascading down the length of the quartzite surroundings. Partially concealed by carved crystalline sculptures, the “water walls” set the tone for the total spa experience. We’re talking the ultimate in sleek and modern here, completely unlike the grounds on which it is set and probably why it’s such a showstopping entrance, because it comes at you from left field in a completely unexpected, but thoroughly entrancing way. Even the air, in fact, is infused with La Prairie’s signature fragrance, “silver rain.” Making it even more perfect, the Silver Rain spa provides a lavish 20,000 sq. ft. of elegance, which includes 16 treatment rooms and a private nail salon. It is an exquisite sensory experience of crystal, silver and mirrored surfaces; no detail left out. That sense of water is almost eerily everywhere; its sounds, scents and spirit are apparent in every architectural detail and they haunt the psyche like an unseen but hypnotic wraith—soothing and sensually mellowing out the spirit and the soul, as it’s meant to do. “The luxury of water is the unifying element in Silver Rain’s merging of Swiss brilliance with Caribbean sensuality,” Lynne Florio, president of La Prairie, explains. “The spa embodies the essence of luxury, married 66 october 2010 to the energies of water...from glittering ice-crystal sculptural elements, to the softly embracing raindrops of Silver Rain therapies; every possible replenishment of moisture has been explored and glorified.” After checking in, guests are invited to the Sanctuary to relax in the steam room, sauna or jacuzzi. After which they are escorted to Haven, Silver Rain’s relaxation room. Here, refreshments are offered and, as clients kick back, an attendant presents a music menu to personalize the treatment experience even more. We decided on the Platinum Rare Facial, which La Prairie had just unveiled to coincide with the launch of the Platinum Rare skincare collection. With a fully trained La Prairie esthetician working her magic with the new products, another attendant provided a foot and calf exfoliation utilizing the built-in therapy tub hidden within the treatment bed. After the exfoliation, a massage is administered throughout the remainder of the 90-minute facial. We strongly recommend the Skin Caviar Massage, which is superb and includes products from the line’s Skin Caviar collection. Regardless of the kind of pressure a client may request for the massage, it’s really the hydrating caviar moisturizer that soothes and rejuvenates, bringing a fresh and renewed sense of moisture and relaxation to sun-dried skin after a day on the beach. Speaking of the beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman sprawls across the famous Seven Mile Beach, offering beach amenities ranging from private cabanas to full-service attendance from Bar Jack. And just in case guests feel too hot to eat at the beach, there are covered dining floats where waiters actually come and serve you in the ocean. You might want to warn clients though, that the pool area behind the beach gets crowded early. But not to worry, at the back of the resort is still another pool that offers a more intimate ambiance. Here, guests can dine at Periwinkle, an open-air restaurant with views of the marina, where Mediterranean-inspired fare is served in a casual setting. While they’re there, they should book one of the resort’s 35-ft. Intrepid yachts for an excursion through the northern sound and Stingray City. Experienced crews ensure a safe and thoroughly enjoyable and adventurous excursion for clients in a fun-filled environment they’ll love. Or, there’s plenty of aquatic fun back on the beach, where clients can head out on a beach kayak safari or take it easy on floating arm chair electric paddle boats. They can learn sailing basics from a pro, try their hand at sailing on one of the 13-ft. Hobie Waves, or head out on a private sailing or snorkeling cruise. Regardless of what your clients choose, the resort’s watersports professionals are there to offer complimentary lessons to ensure they are comfortable in the water and ready to go exploring on their own. The resort also provides guests with complimentary use of snorkel gear, water trikes, kayaks, floating rafts and water hammocks. No matter what your clients may demand for a fun-filled and relaxing beach resort and spa vacation—even hard-to-please vacationers— they’ll find it at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa. Valid through Dec. 16, the Reconnect package includes overnight accommodations, daily breakfast for two, a $100 “Wonder” credit per night that can be used for an array of onsite amenities, including Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa. n contact information The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman: (800) 542-8680; ritzcarlton.com recommend.com http://www.ritzcarlton.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend October 2010

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk
Tour Talk
Luxurious India by Rail, Plane and Boat
The Heavenly Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces
Experiencing the High Life in Kenya
Savoring the North of England
Riviera Nayarit Travel Planner
Marival Residences & World Spa
Wildly Luxurious––High-End Vacations
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Does it Again
Guadeloupe
Five High-End Villa Stays
Compagnie du Ponant's Le Boreal
Palm Beach: Playground for the Rich and Famous
Hawks Cay Resort, Florida Keys
La Costa Resort and Spa, California

Recommend October 2010