USP There is little that is not unique at the Ritz Carlton Silver Rain La Prairie Spa – created by the well-known Swiss beauty brand - in my varied experience in this field. From entering the crystalline entrance area, which is like a grotto from the elves kingdom in Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings, with water cascading down the glass walls, a river running under the glass floor and the smell of Silver Rain perfume infusing the air, to the lounging area on the second floor with white fur walls where you can choose your own music to listen to during your treatment from a huge library of CDs, it is all pretty special. There are even books of poetry to read; this is a classy place and reflects the US$10 million (£5.3m) spent on it.

QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE The changing room is spacious and the robes are fluffy. I ambled to one of 17 treatment rooms – the spa is 20,000 square feet – for my 90-minute Silver Rain facial. The treatment bed incorporated a hot foot spa. Genius! And before my face was attended to, my therapist, Erin, massaged my feet with oil, wrapped them in film and put them into boots to soften. Do not open your eyes at this point, as your lower limbs look mad, but it is one of the most soothing treatments I’ve ever had. My arms and hands were also massaged, oiled and wrapped in film. The comprehensive facial does include extraction for blemishes, but it is painless and efficient. Never - the most annoying thing about some facials - are you left alone. For instance, while your face pack takes effect the therapist gives you a delicious head massage. The highlight of this facial though was, towards the end, having aromatherapy oils drizzled onto my face, including jasmine, juniper and sandalwood, and which were then massaged in. These, as Erin explained, were good for the spirit, as well as the skin. At the end of this facial I truly felt as if I had been given a whole new head, and the effect outlasted even my dehydrating 11-hour flight the next day.

AMBIENCE Calm, efficient and luxurious. Crucially, the client is never rushed or chivvied. The roomy treatment rooms, all in blue-greys and silvers, have names like Sea Lily and Wild Orchid. There is even a treatment room for two and one with its own lounge. After the treatment you return to the Silver Haven, the waiting area, which is more like a furry womb with its fur-covered walls, deep carpeting and comfy sofas, for more lounging or reading, or in my case, chatting with other guests. This space even has drapes so you can separate your area off for greater privacy.

FOOD Drinks were offered, including water and fruit juice, but after my treatment was finished I was given a mini bottle of champagne, an excellent idea. Two of the hotel's five restaurants were created by the chef Eric Ripert of New York’s celebrated Le Bernardin.

IN CROWD Wealthy US vacationers and nature lovers. Greg Norman designed the golf course.

WALLET WATCH The Silver Rain facial is an expensive treatment at US $270 (£140) plus 20 per cent gratuity, but you get 1hr 30mins of blissful attention, which incorporates a lot of massaging, including the neck and shoulders, as well as legs, feet, arms and hands. My glowing face, noted by others, was testament to the fact that this treatment is worth the money as a special treat. All other 60-minute facials are US $170 plus gratuity. Your therapist will give you a note of the products used for your treatment and there is a shop across from the spa called Silver Retail where you can buy La Prairie products. If you don’t buy anything else, do buy the La Prairie mascara, one of the best I have found. British Airways Holidays offer seven nights at the 5 star Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman from £1357 per person. Price includes return scheduled flights from Heathrow, in-resort private transfers and seven night's accommodation only for departures September 1 to October 31, 2006. Price also includes free UK connecting flights from most regional airports. Prices are subject to availability and based on two adults sharing and include all UK taxes and surcharges. For reservations call British Airways Prestige Collection on 0870 242 1276 or visit ba.com/holidays for more information.

NEED TO KNOW Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, Post Office Box 32319, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (345 943-9000; www.ritzcarlton.com). For general consumer information on the Cayman Islands, please contact the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism on ++44 (0) 20 7491 7771 or through the official UK dedicated website at www.caymanislands.co.uk

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