Spa bliss

Relax and unwind with restorative spa treatments at Body Works

“Body Works is the first and only combination day spa, yoga studio, and retail store dedicated to natural wellness in the Cayman Islands.”

By Joanna Lewis

Ready to escape the stresses of day-to-day life? Check into Body Works, one of Cayman’s most established spas and wellness spots that has been in operation for some 20 years.

Located along the heart of Seven Mile Beach, Body Works offers the ideal spot to soothe mind, body and soul. Not only does the spa offer an extensive menu of services, there is also a dedicated yoga studio offering a wide range of classes, as well as a boutique filled with all-natural skincare products and wellness products, including books, candles, incense, yoga accessories, jade rollers, healing stones, and unique gift items.

I was recently invited to check out some of the spa’s most popular therapies, including a hot stone massage and one of the spa’s signature facials offering the ideal antidote to an exceptionally busy few months.

Body Works takes a completely natural and holistic approach. All the spa’s products are natural and, where possible, organic – ideal for those looking for gentle skin-loving treatments that not only feel amazing on the skin but are also filled with goodfor-you ingredients too. Indeed, Body Works offers the ideal spot for those not only looking for a bit of pampering but also for those looking to transform their psychological and physiological wellbeing.

“Body Works’ environment is low-key, catering to those looking for a personal and customised experience,” Diane Donovan, owner and co-founder of Body Works says. “We concentrate on providing exceptional service, the latest in beauty therapy technology, and source the most sustainable, natural and effective skincare products.”

She adds: “Body Works is the first and only combination day spa, yoga studio, and retail store dedicated to natural wellness in the Cayman Islands.”

My experience

As soon as I step into Body Works I feel an instant sense of calm wash over me. While the spa doesn’t have large changing rooms, saunas or steam rooms like some of Cayman’s larger spas, it more than makes up for it in the intimate, private, and calming experience it offers. First up was the therapeutic hot stone massage, designed to relax and soothe tired and tense muscles. Hot stone massage features a traditional Swedish massage while also utilising hot stones. The stones are smooth and flat and are typically made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat. The heated stones are placed on key areas of the body, including the spine, stomach, and chest to help relax muscles. The therapist also uses the hot stones in addition to her hands to massage muscles.

“Combining hot stone protocols with a full body massage provides a very healing and effective experience,” Diane explains. “The hot stones also expand blood vessels, which encourages blood flow throughout the body. They also have a sedative effect that can relieve chronic pain, reduce stress and promote deep relaxation.”

“Vitamins are captured in their all-natural fresh base – without any heating or hydrogenating processes – offering dramatic results as actual seeds, pulps and peels begin the regenerative and healing powers that only nature can produce.”

Indeed, post-massage I felt incredibly relaxed and I realised just how tense my muscles were.

Next was the spa’s popular Eminence facial. Eminence is a natural and organic skincare line from Hungary.

Founded in 1958, Eminence Organic products are free of parabens, animal by-products, sodium lauryl sulfates, harmful colourants, fragrances, mineral oils, and other harsh cosmetic chemicals.

All the products are handmade, using handpicked fresh ingredients from the company’s own farm, with many of these ingredients combined with pure waters drawn from a thermal hot spring lake containing minerals and trace elements. Even the manufacturing process of the products is as sustainable as possible, utilising wind and solar generated energy, with a tree planted for every product sold. You could say Eminence offers some of the purest, natural, sustainable products on the market. Oh, and they smell amazing too!

Eminence facials are tailored to each skin type and start with a skin analysis. The facial includes numerous steps, incorporating cleansing, toning, exfoliation, extractions, massage, and the application of custom serums and moisturisers. It felt so relaxing it was hard to keep up with all the products that were carefully applied.

“Clients immediately see and feel the difference due to the extremely high fruit content, and therefore, the high level of active ingredients,” Diane explains. “Vitamins are captured in their all-natural fresh base – without any heating or hydrogenating processes – offering dramatic results as actual seeds, pulps and peels begin the regenerative and healing powers that only nature can produce.”

Indeed, post-treatment my skin looked and felt amazing and I truly felt ready to face the day. Just before leaving I browsed the boutique and couldn’t help but treat myself to a few Eminence products to continue my spa experience at home.