If a downtown'er like me is always in search for the one very good reason to make it uptown, the La Prairie at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Central Park certainly is one very good reason. On that pre-autumnal day of September I left my West Village nest to experience the full elegance of a true uptown feel: the horse carriages posted at the entrance of Central Park greet me as I approach the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

This NY staple is a sanctuary of traditional luxury and quite the perfect place to host on its second floor The La Prairie Spa, one of the three namesake spas ( La Prairie at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, New York, The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa by La Prairie and Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman) of the Swiss high luxury beauty brand: La Prairie. If you are lucky enough to experience some worldly renown La Prairie pampering at the Ritz, make sure to arrive well in advance to first relax in the Hotel Lobby with some afternoon high tea before entering the Spa and take advantage of its luxurious amenities prior to getting your treatment.

I personally enjoyed a warm greeting at the spa front desk that came along with a glass of champagne rosé, helping me relax as I got ready for my 60 mn deep cleansing detoxifying facial in the white marble changing room.  A shower and steam room later, I’m ready to get into a comforting and plush robe to get some prepping relaxation in cozy spa lounge.

In the lounge you will find an eclectic musical selection to choose from to accompany your treatment as well as a yummy assortment of thes, fresh fruits and nuts.  Getting into the treatment room and comfortably installed under warm covers I was very pleased by the care and expertise of my esthetician that walked me through the detailed process of the La Prairie cellular complex based deep cleansing detoxifying treatment.

As the a 3mn peel and the caviar eye pads work their miracle in the process of the treatment, be ready to fall into a deep relaxation or even semi conscious sleep with the help of a flawless lavender oil infused massage. The result of my 60 mn facial was a feeling of true mind and body replenishing with a taste of luxury. The great care that my esthetician combined to high powered cellular based treatment left my skin rejuvenated and instantly fresh looking.

As I left the spa in this energizing feel good moment it was time for cocktail hour at the Ritz-Carlton…cheers everybody!

La Prairie Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Central Park 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019 Spa reservation: 212.521.6135 E-Mail: [email protected]