Niccolo Spa at The Murray Hong Kong
Luxury Spa & Wellness Guide
A five-star spa in Central's iconic heritage hotel, blending East Asian herbal wisdom with European aromatherapy. Treatments from HK$1,200 (60 min). Book via Klook for exclusive discounts and free cancellation.
Quick Facts
| Location | The Murray, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10:00–22:00 (last booking 20:30) |
| Starting price | HK$1,200 (60-min body massage) |
| Couple package | From HK$3,800 (90-min dual treatment) |
| Transport | MTR Admiralty Exit C1, 3-min walk |
| Ideal for | Couples, business travellers, architecture lovers, self-care breaks |
1. Why Visit Niccolo Spa?
Hong Kong's spa scene is sprawling. From $200 hole-in-the-wall massage shops to $5,000-a-night hotel sanctuaries, the range is staggering. So what sets Niccolo Spa apart? The answer lies in three things: heritage architecture, proven technique, and immersive design.
The Heritage. The Murray (美利酒店, originally Murray Building) is an iconic Hong Kong landmark — a 1969 government office tower redesigned in 2018 by Norman Foster's studio into a five-star hotel under the Italian luxury brand Niccolo Hotels. Foster's renovation preserved the building's signature arched window frames and column-free atrium, merging 1960s Brutalism with contemporary minimalism. This isn't just a spa; it's a living museum of Hong Kong's post-war modernism.
The Space. The 5,000+ sq ft spa occupies the hotel's lower levels. The reception area draws the eye upward — the arched ceiling and warm wood cladding echo the building's exterior language, creating a cave-like sense of shelter. Each treatment room has private showers, dimmable lighting, and Bose surround sound, completely insulating you from Central's traffic.
The Technique. Niccolo Spa blends East and West: ESPA and Aromatherapy Associates products paired with Traditional Chinese Medicine meridian work and Japanese shiatsu. Therapists are internationally certified (CIDESCO/CIBTAC), many with 8+ years' experience, several trained at five-star resorts in Thailand and Bali.
2. Treatments in Detail
The spa's menu revolves around East-West fusion, featuring premium international brands alongside herbal traditions:
Body Massage
- Niccolo Classic Full-Body Massage (60 / 90 min): Swedish long-strokes plus deep-tissue work, targeting neck, shoulders, lower back. HK$1,200 (60 min) / HK$1,680 (90 min). The top choice for business travellers.
- Eastern Herbal Hot Stone Massage (90 min): Volcanic basalt stones + Chinese medicinal oil blend, deep muscle warmth and recovery. Ideal post-long-haul. HK$2,000.
- Athletic Recovery Deep Massage (60 min): High-intensity fascial release for runners, gym-goers. HK$1,500.
- Foot Reflexology (45 min): Traditional Chinese foot work + Western reflex science, eases standing fatigue. HK$900.
Facial Treatments
- Luxury Anti-Aging Facial (90 min): ESPA snake-peptide serum + collagen mask, includes neck/shoulder massage and scalp care. HK$2,200.
- Deep-Cleanse Brightening Facial (60 min): Multi-step cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate — ideal for city skin. HK$1,500.
- Men's Energizing Facial (60 min): Oil-control + hydration formula designed for male skin. HK$1,400.
Couples & Packages
- Romantic Dual Spa Retreat (120 min): Private dual treatment room, champagne, chocolate, 60-min massage + 30-min facial. HK$4,500. Perfect for anniversaries.
- Half-Day Luxury Package (180 min): Full-body scrub + hot-stone massage + facial + afternoon tea. HK$3,800. A favourite birthday / celebration gift.
3. How Niccolo Stacks Up (Hong Kong 5-Star Spas)
Hong Kong's luxury spa market is competitive. Here's how a 60-min full-body massage compares:
| Hotel Spa | 60-min massage | Standout |
|---|---|---|
| Niccolo Spa (The Murray) | HK$1,200 | Heritage building + East-West fusion |
| The Peninsula Spa | HK$1,980 | Legendary brand, Victoria Harbour views |
| The Mandarin Spa | HK$1,750 | Central landmark, "Journey Through Time" concept |
| The Four Seasons Spa | HK$1,650 | Sea views, comprehensive product range |
| Asaya (Rosewood) | HK$1,500 | Tsim Sha Tsui wellness floor, holistic design |
| CHI Spa (Shangri-La) | HK$1,350 | Asian wellness philosophy, tai chi integration |
Value verdict: Niccolo is 30–40% cheaper than The Peninsula or Mandarin, yet delivers five-star quality. Add a Klook discount (10–15%), and you're essentially paying four-star pricing for five-star experience.
4. The Architecture: From Government Tower to Luxury Hotel
The Murray Building (original name) was designed by architect Ron Phillips and completed in 1969 — a masterpiece of post-war modernism. Its signature feature: deep recessed arched window openings that serve as natural sunshades, a passive cooling strategy common in pre-double-glazing era Hong Kong.
In 2018, Foster + Partners preserved all original structural elements while adding a symbolic olive tree to the main atrium. Murray Lane, the ground-floor bar, keeps the original government building's car ramp — now a six-metre-high arched space, one of Hong Kong's most Instagrammable cocktail bars.
The spa corridors feature hand-applied Venetian plaster with a silk-like finish. The changing suites are outfitted with TOTO smart toilets, Dyson hairdryers, and the full ESPA skincare line — even without a treatment, the facilities alone justify a visit.
5. Booking & Practical Tips
- Advance booking: Weekends and public holidays require 3–5 days' notice; weekdays 1–2 days usually sufficient.
- Arrival: Come 15–20 min early to use sauna and steam room beforehand — enhances treatment effectiveness.
- Dress code: No special attire needed. Spa provides robe, slippers, disposable underwear.
- Before treatment: Avoid heavy meals; don't drink alcohol; no sun exposure 2 hours prior.
- After treatment: Drink plenty of water, rest, avoid intense exercise that day. Wait 6 hours before applying makeup post-facial.
- Sensitive skin: Tell your therapist about allergies or skin conditions at booking — they can adjust products.
- Parking: The hotel has paid parking (complimentary for guests). Non-guests can use Admiralty Court carpark, 5-min walk away.
- Nearby extensions: Post-spa, stroll to Hong Kong Park (2 min), The Peak Tram (10 min), or Lan Kwai Fong (8 min) for a relaxed afternoon.
6. Who Should Go?
- Couples / Honeymooners: Dual treatment room + champagne package is the top anniversary choice.
- Business travellers: Quick 60-min recovery post-flight. Admiralty MTR is 3 min away.
- Architecture enthusiasts: The hotel itself is a design landmark worth exploring.
- Self-care luxury seekers: Birthday, promotion, project completion — justify a few hours of indulgence.
- Groups / Girlfriends trip: Book 2–3 people, then afternoon tea at The Tai Pan restaurant.
Not ideal for: Tight-budget backpackers (Central has excellent HK$200–400 massage shops) or families with children (spa age 16+ only).
7. How to Get There
MTR
- Admiralty C1 Exit: Walk along Cotton Tree Drive for ~3 min, then right — The Murray's white arched facade is unmissable.
- Central J2 Exit: Walk ~8 min uphill toward Admiralty.
Bus
Routes 12A, 12M from Central (Exchange Square) to Cotton Tree Drive stop.
Taxi / Ride-hailing
Tell driver "Cotton Tree Drive, The Murray Hotel." Approximately HK$80 from Tsim Sha Tsui, HK$350 from the airport.
Airport Link
Take the Airport Express to Hong Kong Station, walk to Central MTR, ride the Tsuen Wan line one stop to Admiralty. Total ~30 min.
8. Why Book Through Klook
- Exclusive discounts: 10–15% below hotel direct rates and walk-in pricing.
- E-voucher instant delivery: Show QR code at the front desk — no waiting, no hassle.
- Free cancellation: Selected packages can be cancelled 24–48 hours before at no cost.
- Multilingual support: Klook's 24/7 English and Chinese-speaking team helps with any queries.
- Loyalty points: Earn Klook points for future bookings.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-guests book treatments?
Yes, absolutely. Niccolo welcomes day visitors. Non-guests enjoy the same facilities as hotel guests, with full access to the changing rooms, sauna, and steam.
Can I use the pool and gym without a treatment?
Pool and gym are for hotel guests only. Day visitors must book at least 60 min of treatment to access other spa facilities.
Is pregnancy-safe massage available?
Yes. Pregnant guests (12 weeks+) can book a specialized pre-natal massage using gentle, non-irritant products. Disclose your week of pregnancy when booking.
What are the therapists' qualifications?
All therapists hold international certifications (CIDESCO or CIBTAC), with average 8+ years' experience. Many trained at five-star resorts in Thailand and Bali.
Are there hidden fees?
No. Treatment prices include service charge and tax. Optional upgrades or add-ons are quoted upfront by your therapist. Tipping is optional — 10–15% appreciated if satisfied.
What's the cancellation policy?
Klook-booked packages typically allow free cancellation 24–48 hours before. Check your specific package details at checkout.
10. Why Book With Us
- Save HK$120–500 vs. hotel direct pricing;
- Instant e-voucher — scan and enter;
- Flexible cancellation — change plans without penalty;
- Multilingual checkout and support;
- Klook platform guarantees transaction security.