Jetting off to Chiva Som, the renowned health retreat in Hua Hin, Thailand, is exhilarating enough. But embarking on this rejuvenating journey with a dear friend elevates the experience into another stratosphere.
And, so it was when my dear friend Cathy and I buckled up our seats, ready for five days of supercharging our health with unparalleled pampering, and sublime food at what is heralded as the world’s best health retreat and is also celebrating 30 years of wellness.
Both of us had visited Chiva Som before, so we had an insight about what riches to expect but previously we’d travelled on our own. This time was different, we had each other. That meant we could share the sheer enjoyment of it all, from comparing stories about the different treatments to plunging ourselves in the palm fringed pool to the sea out the front and back to the pool again.
‘Try this’, my friend Cathy suggested as she took me to the large indoor pool where there was a circular pool area with pebbles to walk on so as to massage the soles of your feet. Next it was me, saying ‘Try this’, as I cajoled her to do a one on one stretch class that leaves you feeling like your body has been noticeably elongated. Together, we experienced a range of treatments and exercises, enjoying numerous yoga classes with Sean, the expert of all things zen. Encouraging me to move out of my comfort zone, Sean gently guided me to do a head stand, which I’m proud to say I’ve continued at home, along with other good habits such as drinking more water and lemongrass tea.
Before it opened its doors in 1995, Chiva-Som was the private beachfront residence of its visionary founder, Boonchu Rojanastien. He had the foresight to blend the tranquil allure of a beach retreat with holistic health services, crafting a sanctuary focused on wellness. Nearly three hectares of lush grounds were transformed into Asia’s inaugural wellness destination, quickly becoming the preferred getaway for those seeking more than just rest and relaxation.
Over the years, this family-run business, which marks its 30th anniversary next year, has won countless international wellness tourism awards and remains the gold standard when it comes to wellness retreats which they would proudly say comes down to the people they employ.
The highly skilled staff are exceptional and most of them have worked for well over a decade which really says something about the culture at Chiva Som. Cathy and I are wonderfully cared for, and made to feel special. Heck, we even have our own butler to cater for our every needs. But it goes beyond this. We are made to feel like part of the family, and this starts from our warm greeting on arrival and extends to a truly touching send off where we are farewelled with hugs.
It’s no surprise to learn that the return rate is extraordinarily high with 70 per cent of new visitors coming back, and sometimes as much as two or three times a year. During my stay, I bump into some guests I’d befriended previously, which feels decidedly comforting and I’m told not the least bit uncommon.
Renowned globally for its commitment to holistic wellness, Chiva-Som offers over 200 treatments in various areas including fitness, alternative therapies, weight management and beauty.
Among my favourites is the 50 minute Therapeutic Lymphatic Drainage treatment because it helps improve your immune system and digestive health. By using gentle hands-on massaging techniques, the therapist is able to clear blockages and activate lymph glands and, restore your body’s circulation of fluid back to a healthy state.
Another detoxifying and weight management treatment is the 60 minute South Indian Body Pampering massage which originates from Kerala in South India. Here, two therapists rub warm aromatic oils into the body while the third therapist simultaneously spreads powdered Ayurvedic herbs over the body, resulting in a full-body exfoliation. Steamed, herb-infused towels and herbal poultices are then placed over the body to encourage circulation and induce a profound sense of relaxation.
It’s treatments like these that we each enjoy daily, and part of the fun is swapping notes about them at dinner time when we plan the day ahead. Sitting outside overlooking the long white sandy beach, we survey the majestic views on moon-lit nights and feast on the incredible food prepared by Chef Sinchai.
One of the highlights of our trip is spending three hours in a Thai cooking class with Chef Sinchai. Here, he teaches us about the importance of choosing healthier organic ingredients and how to adopt better cooking techniques at home. For instance, the Chef Sinchai way is to braise steak with his famous stock rather than add fat to the pan. Again, it’s something I now do back at home, along with making many of his tasty dishes including his Emerald Soup.
Studies have consistently demonstrated that if you want to improve your health then embarking on the journey with a friend is more likely to reap the most rewards and keep you focused. And, this is certainly true of our experience. Within a matter of days, we both have an unmistakable glow about us, and a determination to help each other keep on track.
Apart from the fun of spending time together, often laughing like schoolgirls; we vow to continue to support each other to lead a healthier life and to keep a check on each other when we return home. The profound sense of camaraderie and mutual support we experienced magnified the retreat’s benefits, proving that the presence of a good friend can be a powerful catalyst for health and happiness.
Below, we share our joint experience of Chiva Som.
About Chiva Som
For 29 years, the award-winning Chiva-Som has pioneered transformative wellness practices to global acclaim. Its commitment to an innovative, holistic approach which expertly balances mind, body and spirit continues to this day with its flagship resort in Hua Hin, Thailand, and the latest addition to the Chiva-Som family, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Khasooma, Qatar.
Optimal, bespoke wellness lies at the heart of each Chiva-Som experience. With its unique synergy of indigenous traditions and evidence-based wellness, Chiva-Som partners with guests on highly personalised wellness journeys focused on complete lifestyle transformation. At the new Zulal Wellness Resort, these extend to the entire family. Guests are motivated throughout their journey by knowledgeable and caring staff, who address their goals with the unique heart of Chiva-Som hospitality.
Chiva-Som’s approach to wellness extends to the wider community, with educational opportunities and global sustainability initiatives at the core of everything we do.
Find out more here: https://www.chivasom.com/en/chiva-som-hua-hin/
