The Wellness Holiday Boutique's review of Chiva-Som

Chiva-Som is a multi-award-winning luxury health resort, renowned as one of the world’s top destination spa retreats. With its name meaning "haven for life" in Thai, Chiva-Som offers a serene escape in Thailand dedicated to rejuvenating your mind, body, and soul in tranquil surroundings.

Nestled in Hua Hin, a former fishing village turned royal hotspot, Chiva-Som boasts an exclusive beachfront location just 185 km south of Bangkok. While I was initially uncertain about the 3-hour drive, I quickly realised that Chiva-Som had thought of everything to make my journey as comfortable as possible. The relaxation began as soon as I stepped into the luxury Mercedes transfer, where a neck pillow, blanket, Wi-Fi, water, and snacks were waiting for me.

The Hotel

As soon as I stepped into Chiva-Som’s seven acres of peaceful, lush grounds, a profound sense of calm washed over me, enhanced by the tranquil, natural surroundings. The resort features just 54 rooms and suites, some with ocean views and others tucked into the verdant gardens. I stayed in a recently refurbished Thai Pavilion Suite, which exuded a contemporary Thai design and blended seamlessly with the natural landscape. My suite was spacious, complete with a walk-in wardrobe, lounge area, balcony, and a private outdoor sala, which became my go-to space for reflection and journaling using the wellness journal provided.

I was pleasantly surprised to find a pair of pyjamas and a robe in the wardrobe for lounging around the resort, along with a reusable water bottle, which I was able to take home as a souvenir. The resort also offers four complimentary pieces of laundry each day, which made packing lighter and left room for souvenirs from the local night markets. I was further reassured about my stay when my butler knocked on my door to ensure everything was to my liking, checking that I was comfortable with the pillows and mattress topper, and informing me that the complimentary minibar was stocked with healthy drinks and snacks. Before my arrival, I had completed a preference form specifying my hair type for shampoo and my preferred essential oil for the evening burner.

To maintain the resort’s peaceful atmosphere and respect the privacy of its VIP guests, Chiva-Som has a no-phone and no-camera policy in public areas. For those wanting to stay connected, electronic devices can be used in the library or rooms. Initially, I instinctively reached for my phone to take photos or check social media, but embracing the digital detox encouraged by the resort allowed me to disconnect fully and immerse myself in the serene surroundings.

The Wellness Facilities at Chiva-Som

Chiva-Som is renowned as a global pioneer in wellness and lifestyle transformation, having earned numerous accolades, including "Best Destination Spa in the World" and "Thailand's Best Wellness Retreat." It's clear that integrative wellness is at the heart of this exceptional health and wellness resort.

With a wealth of facilities and activities designed to support lifestyle transformation, Chiva-Som offers an impressive 10-12 fitness classes each day, including aqua boxing, Pilates, and pranayama. My wellness advisor recommended starting each day with stretching classes to loosen tight muscles and improve blood flow. I also joined the legs, bums & tums class and a high-intensity HIIT class, which left me feeling both sore and grateful for the restorative private super stretch session that followed.

One of the highlights of Chiva-Som is its 70 treatment rooms, which cater to just 54 rooms. The resort also frequently hosts visiting health practitioners who specialise in various fields, including healing, holistic health, and structural integration. This is in addition to their extensive menu of over 150 treatments, which includes genomics testing, watsu, LPG treatments, and Neurac therapy, among others.

My Wellness Programme at Chiva-Som

Chiva-Som offers 15 retreats, each focusing on different aspects of wellness, from relaxation and weight loss to gut health and more. Every retreat incorporates Chiva-Som's six core wellness modalities: spa, fitness, physiotherapy, holistic health, nutrition, and aesthetic beauty. Additionally, each programme includes a daily relaxation treatment, complemented by a selection of treatments and activities tailored to support your personal wellness goals.

During my 3-night stay, I chose the "A Taste of Chiva-Som" programme, which provided an excellent foundation for my holistic wellbeing journey. My initial consultation with my wellness consultant included a detailed discussion of the health and wellness questionnaire I had completed before my arrival. Based on this, she recommended treatments suited to my specific health goals. I shared with her that I had been experiencing burnout and frequent bloating, and she explained that stress could negatively affect my gut health and digestion. She suggested a tailored treatment plan to address these issues and create a long-term roadmap for improved health and happiness.

Over the next three days, I began my journey of lifestyle transformation and emotional healing. The treatments included Chi Nei Tsang, a gentle deep massage of the abdomen designed to enhance organ function and promote physical and emotional well-being, as well as a physiotherapy session where my therapist worked to release the tension in my shoulders and neck, which had been affecting blood flow to my brain. Between treatments, I took advantage of the spa facilities, including a jacuzzi, steam room, plunge pool, and a relaxing lounge area in the women’s spa section.

The Food at Chiva-Som

The head chef at Chiva-Som shared with me that their philosophy on nutrition is rooted in the belief that your diet is deeply connected to your long-term health. The food was always exceptionally healthy and nourishing, with many of the herbs, fruits, and vegetables sourced directly from the resort's organic gardens. Despite the dishes being low in fat, salt, sugar, and calories, I never felt restricted in any way.

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style at the oceanfront Taste of Siam restaurant, where a daily variety of dishes is offered alongside an array of seasonings and spices that provide nutritional benefits. In the evenings, guests can choose between the fine-dining pescatarian menu at the Emerald Room or enjoy a traditional, healthy Thai menu at Taste of Siam, where you can also indulge in a glass of wine or champagne after 6 p.m.

Who’s Chiva-Som for

Chiva-Som is perfect for anyone looking to invest in their well-being, offering complete rejuvenation and renewal while helping transform unhealthy lifestyle habits in a nurturing, luxurious environment. My short stay provided the ideal kickstart to work toward my goals of de-stressing and improving my digestion, leaving me feeling lighter both in body and mind.

Ready to Book your Wellness Retreat at Chiva Som?

If you're interested in booking your next wellness break to Chiva-Som, enquire here or call to speak to one of our specialists on +44(0) 203 886 0082.