Chiva-Som, the Thai wellness resort loved by Kate Moss and Madonna
wellness resort can be determined by several factors. But if repeat guests are anything to go by, then Chiva-Som wins in spades. It may be my first visit, but I realise that I'm outnumbered by loyal fans.
This is not surprising seeing as it's considered the OG and pioneer of wellness retreats, with celebrity fans such as Kate Moss,
Victoria Beckham and Madonna. Located in the seaside town of Hua Hin, Thailand, it just celebrated its 30-year anniversary, and is still a family-run business that now includes an outpost in the Middle East and a training academy for wellness practitioners.
In person, it looks like a typical luxury resort with its free-standing traditional teak pavilions surrounded by tropical gardens, koi ponds, palm trees and ocean views. Accommodations range from entry-level ocean rooms to expansive suites that come with added amenities like outdoor jacuzzis and private salas.
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An indoor pool within a pavilion at Chiva-Som. Photo: Handout
The resort completed a renovation in 2019, but the ocean rooms feel a little dated – although essentials like the bedding and showers are top notch. This doesn't matter much though when you have a long list of facilities to enjoy, such as a health and wellness centre with 70 treatment rooms (to put that into perspective, there are only 54 guest accommodations). There are water therapy suites; a bathing pavilion with an exercise pool; outdoor swimming pool; flotation chamber; Watsu pool; multiple studios for dance, Pilates and physiotherapy; and pavilions for yoga, tai chi and meditation.
Guests are encouraged to select a package before their arrival, which is a blessing in disguise seeing as there are an overwhelming 200 treatments on offer. Many are designed to target popular concerns such as gut health, fitness, weight loss and detox, but I choose A Taste of Chiva-Som, which they bill as an introduction for newbies. Guests also receive an additional free daily treatment of their choice, and can partake in any of the nine daily complimentary group classes, ranging from hatha yoga and tai chi to more specialised activities like aqua aerobics and gyrokinesis.
A Thai Pavilion suite overlooking a lagoon at Chiva-Som. Photo: Handout
Surprisingly, Chiva-Som has stayed true to its founding vision to achieve optimal health the old-fashioned (aka the holistic) way. While newer competitors focus on hi-tech treatments and trends, Chiva-Som eschews the likes of IV drips and only offers a well-edited assortment of blood and epigenetic tests. The rest of the treatments focus on six modalities: spa, fitness, physiotherapy, holistic health, nutrition and aesthetic beauty. Balance is key as is 'enjoying life', a motto of founder Boonchu Rojanastien.
Tibetan sound bowl healing is one of the treatments available at Chiva-Som. Photo: Handout
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Chiva-Som, the Thai wellness resort loved by Kate Moss and Madonna
The success of a wellness resort can be determined by several factors. But if repeat guests are anything to go by, then Chiva-Som wins in spades. It may be my first visit, but I realise that I'm outnumbered by loyal fans. This is not surprising seeing as it's considered the OG and pioneer of wellness retreats, with celebrity fans such as Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Madonna. Located in the seaside town of Hua Hin, Thailand, it just celebrated its 30-year anniversary, and is still a family-run business that now includes an outpost in the Middle East and a training academy for wellness practitioners. In person, it looks like a typical luxury resort with its free-standing traditional teak pavilions surrounded by tropical gardens, koi ponds, palm trees and ocean views. Accommodations range from entry-level ocean rooms to expansive suites that come with added amenities like outdoor jacuzzis and private salas. Advertisement An indoor pool within a pavilion at Chiva-Som. Photo: Handout The resort completed a renovation in 2019, but the ocean rooms feel a little dated – although essentials like the bedding and showers are top notch. This doesn't matter much though when you have a long list of facilities to enjoy, such as a health and wellness centre with 70 treatment rooms (to put that into perspective, there are only 54 guest accommodations). There are water therapy suites; a bathing pavilion with an exercise pool; outdoor swimming pool; flotation chamber; Watsu pool; multiple studios for dance, Pilates and physiotherapy; and pavilions for yoga, tai chi and meditation. Guests are encouraged to select a package before their arrival, which is a blessing in disguise seeing as there are an overwhelming 200 treatments on offer. Many are designed to target popular concerns such as gut health, fitness, weight loss and detox, but I choose A Taste of Chiva-Som, which they bill as an introduction for newbies. Guests also receive an additional free daily treatment of their choice, and can partake in any of the nine daily complimentary group classes, ranging from hatha yoga and tai chi to more specialised activities like aqua aerobics and gyrokinesis. A Thai Pavilion suite overlooking a lagoon at Chiva-Som. Photo: Handout Surprisingly, Chiva-Som has stayed true to its founding vision to achieve optimal health the old-fashioned (aka the holistic) way. While newer competitors focus on hi-tech treatments and trends, Chiva-Som eschews the likes of IV drips and only offers a well-edited assortment of blood and epigenetic tests. The rest of the treatments focus on six modalities: spa, fitness, physiotherapy, holistic health, nutrition and aesthetic beauty. Balance is key as is 'enjoying life', a motto of founder Boonchu Rojanastien. Tibetan sound bowl healing is one of the treatments available at Chiva-Som. Photo: Handout
