La Prairie at The Ritz-Carlton Spa
Swiss bliss in Midtown Manhattan
Home to the northeast's only spa from luxury Swiss skincare brand La Prairie, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park doesn't mess around when it comes to pampering.
Fresh off a 2018 renovation, La Prairie at The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a chic retreat from the bustle of the city just outside its walls with a neutral color palette, stylish fleur-de-lis
carpeting and elegant chandelier lighting.
There’s plenty of details to remind you that you’re at The Ritz-Carlton, too: the women’s changing area has a steam room and all the personal amenities you might need, plus lockers with their own jewelry boxes. The men’s area has a supersized steam room, which is said to have hosted more than one impromptu business meeting.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Thanks to the luxury hotel's 2018 renovation, La Prairie Spa also has a new look with grey-and-white marble accents, neutral tones and stately white lockers.
- La Prairie is world-renowned for its anti-aging products, so you won't want to leave this chic facility without indulging in a facial. Sumptuous offerings include the Platinum Rare, Pure Gold Radiance and White Caviar Illuminating Facials.
- A menu of stellar nail services is not to be missed either. Some of these ultra-luxe treatments also feature La Prairie products, such as the Caviar Luxe Pedicure and White Caviar Illuminating Manicure — think of it as a facial for your hands.
- The relaxation lounge echoes the hotel's transformation with a cream color palette, dark wood accents and contemporary furnishings. A table piled with refreshments such as iced tea, dried nuts and fruit also sits along the north wall and on the windowsill you’ll find a selection of books to help you unwind while waiting for your treatment to start.
Things to Know
- The best way to make an appointment at La Prairie is to call the spa’s front desk.
- Accommodating the busy New York City lifestyle, the sanctuary opens at 8 a.m. daily.
- It’s best to book your appointment at least two days in advance for weekdays, and three to four days in advance for Saturdays, the spa’s busiest day of the week.
- You must give 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment to avoid penalty fees.
- Therapists can be selected based on gender, assuring maximum comfort during your day of indulgence.
The Treatments
- La Prairie’s trademark has always been its anti-aging products, and they take center stage during the Platinum Rare Facial. As one esthetician works on your face and massages in the rare element treatment, a second begins with a foot bath that progresses to a detailed hand and foot treatment. Four helping hands certainly beat two.
- Anti-aging is also the focus of the Caviar Firming Facial, which utilizes products from La Prairie’s popular Skin Caviar line. The Caviar line combines state-of-the-art science with luxury — much like the spa overall.
- If you’ve got a little more time on your hands, book the Total Escape — a 3.5-hour treatment consisting of a 60-minute massage of your choice, a 60-minute La Prairie Signature Facial and The Perfect Manicure and Pedicure. You’ll leave looking and feeling refreshed.
- If you've got less than a New York minute to spare, look for the Precious Time option, which features your choice of 45- or 75-minute signature facial or custom massage. Additional enhancements, like a foot exfoliation or micro-current lift, make this quick service feel like a full spa day.
- After a day exploring the streets, treat your feet to one of the spa's sumptuous nail services. The 50 Central Park Signature Pedicure is an ode to the city's most famous green space with a foot soak, exfoliation and hydrating treatment, all accompanied by the hotel's signature scent: a soothing blend of ylang-ylang, citrus and bergamot.
The Facilities
- Because of their far-interior placement, none of the six treatment rooms have windows looking out. But on the flip side, not having outward-looking windows guarantees a certain level of privacy throughout the spa.
- The spacious fitness center houses a variety of cardio and weight-training equipment. Bikes, elliptical machines and treadmills are all equipped with iPod docks and personal televisions to keep you entertained and motivated while working up a sweat.
- When you’re finally ready to bid adieu to La Prairie, a fully stocked locker room awaits, with all the necessary toiletries, such as body wash, shampoo and conditioner and even a hair dryer or two, meaning you won’t need to pack much besides your makeup bag at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa.
- Farther back, you’ll find two private showers and two private toilets along with a steam room for pre- or post-treatment lolling, with a basin of ice-chilled cucumbers standing guard outside.
Getting There
