Silence is golden – and at Plateau it is the law. When the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong commissioned John Morford to design its spa, the concept that emerged had escape and tranquility at its heart. Four years on from Plateau’s opening, this sense still prevails throughout the spa complex.

Those using the fitness studio must use headphones if they want to work out to the strains of Stravinsky or CNN. Breakfast can be enjoyed beneath the trees in the courtyard without the intrusions of day-to-day life. And anyone wishing to make a splash by the outdoor pool is advised to book the area for their own private party.

What these efforts contrive to create is a stress-free environment in the city center. Plateau occupies 80,000 square feet – indoor and outdoor – on the 11^th floor of the Grand Hyatt, which is situated in a triangle of activity with the Hong Kong Convention Centre to the north, the office blocks of Admiralty to the south and the bars of Wanchai to the east.

Yet the intrusions of commercial Hong Kong amount to little more than the giant red “Philips” sign that sits on the summit of the building behind the hotel. This accidental light source is actually much appreciated by those using the pool, garden area and outdoor restaurant grill in the evenings.

Plateau’s emphasis on tranquility stretches to the spa facilities themselves. This is Hong Kong’s only residential spa, which means very little need be shared with others. Each of the 23 guest rooms and suites comes equipped with everything one could expect of a luxury hotel room from king-size bed to oversize bath.

Some of the treatments can be performed inside the room so it is possible for guests to spend their entire visit more or less undisturbed. Plateau does good business as a day spa but nearly half of its customers are overnight guests, looking for that something extra.

Plateau’s signature massage – a combination of Shiatsu, Thai and Swedish techniques applied with one of four different aromatherapy balms – comes highly recommended but there are a total of 14 different massage treatments to choose from. In addition, there are a variety of facial, body scrub, vichy hydro massage, body envelopment and foot and hand care treatments.

Under the three- and five-hour programs, guests can opt for a combination of experiences. The relaxation program, for example, offers a Plateau Skin Renewal, Plateau Massage, Soin Ideal Douceur Facial and an Infinity Bath followed up by a Plateau Tea. Those choosing the culinary program, meanwhile, are treated to a Plateau Lunch, Salt and Pepper Body Scrub, Spicy Herbal Body Envelopment, Anti-Stress Facial, Infinity Bath and a Plateau Tea.

By tying in a residential element to its spa packages, Plateau is able to offer something beyond the standard programs.

Overnight guests can begin with lunch in either of the courtyard or grill restaurants before receiving treatments and using the fitness facilities in the afternoon and evening. Once they close their bedroom doors, guests can shut out the rest of the world from “their” spas. In the morning there is breakfast on the balcony with a view of Hong Kong’s harbor to look forward to.