Holistic Destination Resort Revitalises Mind, Body and Spirit

Meaning “Haven of Life”, Chiva-Som is a luxury destination resort in Thailand dedicated to revitalising the mind, body and spirit for total well-being. Located in Hua Hin, 185 kilometers south of Bangkok, Chiva-Som is an exclusive seven-acre retreat with only 58 rooms and suites that offer privacy and seclusion. Opened in April 1995, they are a pioneer and the first destination resort in Thailand to combine traditional Asian therapies with western health and wellness. Holistic in its approach, guests are not only considered in terms of immediate needs but are encouraged to continue on an ongoing journey to a healthier and happier lifestyle. Over the years it has grown from strength to strength and as a result, has won many awards such as Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Spa Awards – Top 5 Overseas Retreat (2009), Travel+Leisure World’s Best Awards – World’s Best Destination Spa (2006) plus many others.

A stay at Chiva-Som is all about creating a personal path to health and wellness. Guests choose a specific “retreat” and a visit usually lasts from three nights to two weeks. Ten retreats are themed according to targeted results and these programmes focus on goals such as weight management, toning and slimming, relaxation and de-stress, general well-being, fitness and anti-aging. Included in all retreat packages are an individual consultation, three spa cuisine meals per day, choice of daily massage per day, complimentary physical analysis and skin consultation, daily fitness and leisure activities and the use of water therapy suites.

Using Eastern philosophies with Western diagnostic science, personalised programmes and treatments are designed for every guest when they first arrive. This helps identify goals and plan activities to achieve maximum results and continue the benefits at home. A team of doctors, nurses, dieticians are also available for specialist guidance and advice if required. Chiva-Som also recently became the first destination spa to introduce a customised nutritional supplement programme. Precise nutritional requirements are determined for each guest and personal prescriptions are tailor-made by pharmacists into two daily sachets. These can be ordered in three, six, or 12 month quantities.

Focused on greater well-being and vitality, there are extensive fitness, spa and holistic health facilities to help relax, restore and rejuvenate. More than 150 treatments (Spa, Holistic, Fitness and Physiotherapy) are available and daily activities encompass meditation, Thai boxing, pranayama, yoga, tai chi, aqua aerobics, fitball class, gyrokinesis, metabolic breathing and body conditioning. With 70 treatment rooms, over 85 qualified therapists and six specialist natural health practitioners, the spa experience at Chiva-Som is unparalleled with many types of treatments on offer. On the holistic side, acupressure reflexology, colonic hydrotherapy, craniosacral therapy, flower remedies, white light essences, iridology, jala neti, reiki and many more can be scheduled. Various practitioners from around the world visit regularly to offer different holistic therapies and they differ every month.

During my visit I tried the Oriental Scalp Massage and Chiva-Som Revitalizing Cocoon. Using a combination of Eastern and Western massage techniques and the addition of a vitamin and mineral hair and scalp balm, the tensions in my neck, shoulder and scalp were duly released. This therapeutic massage helps relax the myofascial meridian lines by combining techniques of deep tissue massage and myofascial pain release technique. For the Cocoon, the treatment started with a very active and zesty lemongrass, citrus and spice scrub followed by a relaxing oil body massage. A deep-healing body wrap was applied to relieve ailments such as superficial skin conditions to musculoskeletal aches and pains. Active herbal and aromatic extracts also stimulate the circulation and refresh the mind.

Notable at Chiva-Som is their world famous spa cuisine. Placing a great emphasis on a balanced diet, their cuisine is detoxifying, fat and salt-free and is as tasty as it is healthy. Many of the ingredients are home-grown in their own organic gardens, and chefs create daily menus with a wide range of healthy dishes using a blend of Thai and Western flavours. Spa cooking classes are available, and they even have published their very own cookbook.

Esther Ng

Chiva-Som International Health Resorts Co., Ltd.

73/4 Petchkasem Road,

Hua Hin, Prachuab Khrirkhan 77110 Thailand

Tel: +66 (0) 3253 6536

www.chivasom.com