Make time to soak in the whirlpool, spend time in the sauna and nibble on any number of chic snacks.
I had fancied myself a bit of a spa snob before entering Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa, at the Ritz-Carlton: I have had indulgent massages all over the world (in a Turkish bath in Paris, along the ocean in Costa Rica, and all-too-often at swanky institutions in Toronto).
But I knew I was in for something special the moment I pulled back the heavy, soundproof doors and saw gleaming crystal-like walls and a river burbling beneath the glass floor. It was equal parts fairy tale and futuristic paradise.
What puts Silver Rain in a different class is the attention to details: I'm given a menu of music to mull over for my treatment, while I nibble sinful hazelnut truffles. (I chose a Seal medley, I was in that kind of mood.) Sure, I'll take a hot neck pad while I zone out under a cashmere blanket. But what's even better? The attendants (called "angels" here) regularly bring replacements just as it starts to cool off.
Silver Rain is one of 12 hotels in the world that use top-of-the-line La Prairie skincare treatments, including a caviar massage. Which is what I'm here for.
Before my treatment begins I step into the truly heavenly Silver Haven relaxation lounge where I find rose petals aplenty and a private nook with plush day beds and lounge chairs. I sip complimentary champagne (topped with melon slices and mint sprigs, of course) and let all my worries go.
Nothing fishy here
The massage itself was world class – excellent pressure, muscles gradually turning to mush, a puddle of drool on the floor below me – all signs of a first rate experience But the caviar's effect on my skin was magical. I could not stop fawning over my legs afterward: the skin was juicy, plump, tighter – honestly my legs looked 10 years younger.
The "Skin Caviar Luxe Body Cream" – which, by the way, doesn't smell fishy at all – is rich and thick. It works so well because of the highly concentrated amount of omega-3s in the caviar extract, which instantly hydrates and firms.
Go early, stay late
Take a few hours away from the beach and spend the morning at the spa. It's hard to spend time indoors when paradise is right outside but after a week of soaking in the Caribbean sun and sea, your skin will thank you for it.
Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; 345-943-9000; ritzcarlton.com; caviar massage, $225 (U.S.).
The writer was a guest of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association.