Are you ready for the second part of my relaxing adventure to the La Prairie Spa? If you missed the first installment I highly suggest you click here NOW to read all about it. Not only do you get to find out about the Diamond Perfection Treatment but it gives you the inside goss on the Locker Rooms and Treatment Lounge.

I took a day to recover from the Diamond Perfection Treatment and came back the next day to try out the Platinum Rare Facial which surprisingly….. is rare. The spa performs this treatment 10-20 times approx per month and doesn’t seem to be favoured within a particular season so you can enjoy it year round.

Now the La Prairie Spa at The Ritz-Carlton describes this treatment in their menu as “One of the most rare and desirable elements on earth restores balance to your skin to help hold in moisture and protect cells from damage that leads to aging skin. During this facial, the combined talents of two La Prairie experts treat you to an experience that transcends the ordinary in every way with age-defying benefits”. And it is right at the top of the Face treatments on the menu so you know it is going to be pricey, but as a true journalist (hahaha yeah I know, right?) I had to commit to the cause and give it a go just for you.

Treatment 2: Platinum Rare Facial

For this treatment I was lucky enough to have my previously mentioned massage therapist David AND a very qualified aesthetician (big word) in Lisa. Just like before, I am greeted by my therapists at the Treatment Lounge and escorted to the Treatment Room. I get to jump into a deliciously, warm, toasty heated bed with a super luxurious doona holding me down, oh and those sheets again… 1000 count…. A-MAZING!

It is explained to me that I will be receiving a super amazing facial from Lisa and a leg and arm massage from David. At the same time! Tricky but sure to be relaxing me thinks.

Lisa starts by quickly cleaning my face with a gel cleanser and then turns on the steam machine to full blast. David places my feet in a tub of boiling hot water to which I nearly kick him in the face. Ok so the first bit of maneuvering and setting up was a tad awkward due to me being spectacularly uncoordinated. Once we got over the initial hiccups the treatment went smoothly. There was simultaneous face and feet massaging and to be honest, I must have fallen asleep early because it was all just SO relaxing and I only remember flashes after that.

There were many face masks, peels, cleansers, toners, serums and creams. The time went nicely, not too long, not to quick. Just right!  I felt there was more leg and feet work than arms and hands but I put that down to simple logistics. I guess it is hard for 2 people to work on one small child sized body but don’t think I am complaining, my legs and feet needed all that attention after walking those big Manhattan blocks.

Unfortunately, it did come to an end and I really didn’t want to get up. I was very close to throwing a tantrum but I didn’t want to seem childish in a 5 star spa. If it was 4 star then I probably wouldn’t have stopped myself. When I did finally stand up my head was spinning like a performing acrobat. The treatment was so relaxing it was like my balance thingy didn’t kick in because it too was asleep. Clearly I am having trouble portraying HOW relaxing the treatment was.

Lisa had a fresh glass of iced water waiting for me and then I had to say my goodbyes. It was very sad and I didn’t want it to all end. I felt like this spa was my home now. Again I went out to reception where Linzee, the super-awesome receptionist, showed me the products from the Platinum Rare line that was used in my treatment. She even gave me a deluxe sample of the Cellular Serum Platinum Rare.

Post Treatment

My skin remained a little ‘greasy’ for a few hours and did have a light white cream layer that took a while to sink in. You could tell my face was just so hydrated it didn’t know what to do with the extra hydration. For me it worked perfectly for my T-zone because that is where I get super dry skin but on the area’s that are not so dry I found it took longer for the products to seep in. The treatment was very beneficial and I felt my skin didn’t need moisturiser for a good couple days.

I would highly recommend this treatment for someone with really dry skin or in dire need of new life. After the excess residue on my face dried I was able to see a bright healthy glow so it would also be a good treatment for anyone with aging or dull skin.

Cost

The Platinum Rare Facial costs US $410. Again I will mention that with the US all prices exclude Tax and Gratuities. New York tax is 8.875% and this applies to everything you pay for in New York. Gratuities for a high-end service is expected to be a minimum of 18%.

Details

The La Prairie spa is located at The Ritz-Carlton New York, 50 Central Park South, New York. To find out more about the spa head to their official website or call +1 (212) 308-9100.

In Australia you can purchase La Prairie products from David Jones or call 1800 649 849 for your nearest stockist.

Related posts: