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Even the waiting room at Silver Rain Spa bespeaks luxury. Below: Submerge your way to bliss at Silver Rain. Opposite: Relaxation awaits at the Ritz-
COURTESY OF LA PRAIRIE
Carlton Grand Cayman Hotel.
the year, if it strikes your fancy—and many with oceanview balconies. And ah, the spa. Called Silver Rain, it’s a restorative sanctuary where crystal, silver and mirrored surfaces blend seamlessly with the energy of water—from glittering ice-crystal sculptures to softly splashing raindrops. Designed by Carl D’Aquino and Francine Monaco of D’Aquino Monaco, New York, the spa is 20,000 square feet of elegance. The “relaxation salon,” where I waited for my therapist, featured oversize chaises and a tea-bar full of exotic teas and island juices. I admit it—I’m easy to please when it comes to spa treatments. Of course, I know the difference between an A+ therapist and one with lesser gifts, but most of the time I’m too blissed out to care. When I underwent La Prairie’s one-hour Caviar Massage, however, the perfectionist in me made a quick comeback—to inwardly shout hooray. Within five minutes, Caleb, a talented artist with magic hands, gently but firmly untangled the knot in the left side of my cramped neck. And who says caviar is only for eating? Known for their anti-aging effects, these lush products epitomize luxury. I swear I could feel the essential oils and extracts being soaked into my skin, which felt plumped, smooth and nourished for the next few days. Even more divine was the 90-minute Platinum Rare Facial, a facial-plus-massage combo. It was so relax-
ing, in fact, that I found myself drifting off to sleep. Thankfully, I only dozed for a few minutes—I wanted to savor every moment of this pampering. It was quite simply the most amazing treatment I’ve ever had, and I’m a massage aficionado. If only such experiences could be bottled! continued
A table to try Calypso Grill (345-949-3948, www.calypsogrill cayman.com) in the West Bay overlooks a harbor where the fishing boats can be seen returning to the docks with the day’s catch. Indeed, the fresh fish served in this brightly colored establishment comes in daily from a dock next door; your own “catch” might be tuna sashimi, crab cakes, fresh shrimp or one of a number of other constantly varying—but always enticing—seafood dishes. The French doors are kept ajar so you can dine in a gentle ocean breeze.