Our Review of Chiva-Som: A Life-Enhancing Wellness Retreat in Thailand

WellnessHolidayBoutique
Jan 2, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Oct 30

Tranquil poolside view at Chiva-Som Health Resort surrounded by palm trees and Thai-style architecture.

If you're looking to step away from the busyness of life and truly invest in your health and wellbeing, Chiva-Som in Hua Hin, Thailand, is a retreat I wholeheartedly recommend. Whether you're hoping to de-stress, support your gut health, improve your fitness, or begin a journey of emotional healing, this peaceful beachside sanctuary provides a nurturing, personalised environment to help you reset, recharge, and refocus.

Chiva-Som has earned a global reputation for holistic wellness excellence, and after my visit, I now understand why so many guests return year after year.

Arriving at Chiva-Som

Getting to Hua Hin was simple and scenic. After landing in Bangkok, I was met by a private transfer arranged by the retreat, complete with chilled towels, herbal teas, and healthy snacks. I arrived already feeling cared for.

Check-in didn’t feel like a hotel at all - it felt more like being welcomed into someone’s private wellness sanctuary. I was guided to a quiet lounge for my initial consultation and offered a refreshing lemongrass towel. The whole process was calm, unhurried, and deeply personal - a gentle prelude to what turned out to be a truly restorative wellness retreat.

First Impressions: A Sanctuary by the Sea

Chiva-Som sits along a peaceful stretch of beach, and the entire property is lush, serene, and purposefully low-tech. The grounds are filled with frangipani trees, lotus ponds, and wooden walkways. Phones are only allowed in guest rooms, which helps create a blissfully disconnected and mindful atmosphere.

The heart of the retreat centres around personalised wellness, and you feel this from the very first interaction. Every guest begins with a private wellness consultation, where goals and concerns are explored in depth. This forms the basis for a tailor-made programme, with expert recommendations for treatments, movement, nutrition, and therapies.

My Suite: Peaceful, Thoughtful Luxury

I stayed in a recently refurbished Thai Pavilion Suite, which blended modern Thai design with natural textures and tones. It featured a walk-in wardrobe, lounge, balcony, and my favourite part: a private outdoor sala, perfect for morning reflection with my wellness journal.

Every detail had been considered: from the robe and pyjamas to a customised essential oil burner and personalised shampoo (based on the pre-arrival form I had filled out). I was touched by the care and thought put into every element—even the complimentary minibar was stocked with healthy snacks and drinks.

A personal butler checked in to ensure I was comfortable, and the daily complimentary laundry service (four items per day) was an unexpected luxury that made packing light a breeze.

The Wellness Facilities at Chiva-Som

With over 70 treatment rooms for just 54 rooms and suites, Chiva-Som offers one of the most comprehensive wellness experiences I’ve ever encountered. The facilities are exceptional: a state-of-the-art gym, a Pilates studio, physiotherapy and aesthetic beauty centres, Watsu pool, and dedicated spaces for Thai massage and meditation.

There’s also a packed daily schedule of 10 - 12 wellness classes, from aqua boxing to pranayama. My wellness advisor suggested beginning each morning with stretch classes, which did wonders for my posture and flexibility. I also joined a HIIT class, legs, bums & tums, and a private super stretch session that left me feeling lengthened and restored.

Many of the therapists and practitioners have been with Chiva-Som for years, and their expertise is clear. The retreat also hosts visiting specialists from around the world, offering access to some of the most advanced integrative wellness treatments available today.

My Wellness Programme: A Taste of Chiva-Som

With 15 retreats available, from weight loss and fitness to gut health and stress relief, I chose the “A Taste of Chiva-Som” programme, ideal for a short 3-night stay.

In my consultation, I shared that I’d been feeling burnt out and experiencing digestive issues. My advisor helped connect the dots between stress and gut health and designed a bespoke schedule that included treatments, fitness classes, and therapies to support both.

Highlights of My Programme:

Chi Nei Tsang: A deeply relaxing abdominal massage that helps release emotional and physical tension in the organs.
Physiotherapy: My therapist worked on releasing neck and shoulder tension, improving circulation and relieving pressure.
Wellness Spa Facilities: I made the most of the steam room, jacuzzi, plunge pool, and tranquil lounge in the women’s spa area between sessions.

Even in such a short stay, I began to feel lighter, calmer, and more connected to my body.

Food Philosophy at Chiva-Som: Nourishing, Never Restrictive

Meals at Chiva-Som were a highlight. Everything is prepared with your health in mind, low in fat, sugar, and salt, but incredibly flavourful and satisfying. Many ingredients are grown in the resort’s own organic gardens, and meals are designed to nourish from within.

Dining Options:

Breakfast & Lunch: Buffet-style at the beachfront Taste of Siam, offering a wide selection of plant-based and protein-rich dishes.
Dinner: Choose between the fine-dining pescatarian or hot pot menu at The Emerald Room or healthy Thai cuisine at Taste of Siam - complete with optional wine or champagne after 6 p.m.

Despite the health focus, I never felt restricted. In fact, I left feeling more energised and well-fed than I have in months.

Who’s Chiva-Som for

Chiva-Som is ideal for anyone seeking:

A peaceful luxury wellness retreat in Thailand
Targeted support for stress, gut health, or burnout
A holistic approach to long-term lifestyle transformation
A mindful space to unplug, reflect, and reconnect

Whether you're a first-time wellness traveller or someone returning for deeper healing, Chiva-Som’s bespoke approach ensures your experience is personal, meaningful, and truly transformational.

Final Reflections

My 3-night stay at Chiva-Som gave me exactly what I was looking for: rest, clarity, and a renewed connection to myself. From the expert therapists and delicious food to the peaceful setting and warm Thai hospitality, it was a retreat that truly delivered on every level.