When someone starts talking Chiva-Som to you, and Boonchu is personally cooking you a Thai feast, you know that person is a real wellness insider. Far before “wellness” was a buzzword, Chiva-Som was hosting everyone from Madonna to Kate Moss.
Overview
Have you ever wondered how the rich and famous stay effortlessly beautiful and seemingly age-defying? Well, Chiva-Som is the answer. At least partially. This luxe wellness resort sits on the white sand beaches of Hua Hin, Thailand. And to say it has garnered a cult following over its 30 years of operation would be an understatement. A-listers from Kate Moss and Madonna to Serena Williams and Victoria Beckham frequent the beachfront sanctuary whose name literally translates to “Haven of Life.” With a roster like that, it’s no wonder that mobile phones are banned from all public spaces on the property.
Accommodation
While you’ll likely spend most of your time at Chiva-Som relaxing in the spa, enjoying cutting-edge treatments, or breaking a sweat in a beachfront class, the accommodations ooze five-star tranquility just as much as the rest of the resort. Chiva-Som offers just 54 rooms and suites (did someone say exclusive?), designed with delicate Thai motifs that encourage guests to slow down and enjoy the natural surroundings. It’s all bamboo, silk, teak, and muted colors, wrapped into your own light and airy oasis. Each suites boast their own unique flair: the Golden Bo Suite includes a private rooftop terrace ideal for sipping a sunrise chai, while the Thai Pavilion includes a private terrace and is nestled in the resort’s lush gardens a distance away from the main building. It’s perfect for the guests looking for an added layer of privacy (looking at you, Kate Moss).
Retreats
The heart of the Chiva-Som experience lies in its retreats, which guide your stay from start to finish. Like the bougiest choose-your-own-adventure, guests can pick from 16 thoughtfully designed programs focused on any physical, mental, or spiritual goal you can imagine. Upon arrival, a Health and Wellness Advisor pairs with you to tailor the experience to your unique needs. It’s like having a Fairy Godmother, but for self-care. Suffering from chronic migraines? The Cranial Relief retreat is for you. Hoping to fight Father Time? The Ageing Well retreat will leave you feeling like a spring chicken. Want to transform your diet and tone your physique? The Gut Health or Sustainable Weight Management retreats have you covered. Each retreat blends spa treatments (over 200), holistic healing, nourishing cuisine, and movement offerings like yoga, fitness, and meditation. No word on which retreat Victoria Beckham picked, but surely it was something fabulous.
Food & Beverage
Like everything else at Chiva-Som, the food and drink go far beyond just looking pretty and tasting delicious—though it absolutely does both. The resort has two restaurants serving what’s been dubbed “wellness cuisine.” Taste of Siam is the casual dining spot, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner poolside. Start your day with an Indian Egg Curry overlooking the ocean, and don’t miss the Saturday night barbecue buffet served under the stars. The Emerald Room, meanwhile, is where wellness cuisine meets culinary art. Its pescatarian menu celebrates the benefits of a seafood-rich diet. Think Cajun Spiced Prawn with Pomelo Salsa and Fish Bone Broth with Goji Berries. There’s also the Chiva-Som Siam Steamboat Menu—a hot-pot style experience that reimagines traditional flavors using Hua Hin’s pure coconut water.
Other Articles You’ll Like
The $1.4 Trillion Wellness Industry
Top Wellness Retreats
Where the Celebs Detox
FAQs
Q: Are children allowed at Chiva-Som?
A: Children aged 14 and older are allowed at Chiva-Som.
Q: Does Taste of Siam serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
A: Yes, Taste of Siam serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Q: How many retreats does Chiva-Som offer?
A: Chiva-som offers 16 different retreats. You can take a quiz to match you with the best retreat for you HERE.
