TripsThailand.com CHIVA - SOM International Health Resort

or many, the whole concept of a health resort is limited by a narrow view of what constitutes well being. Chiva-Som believes in the development of a wider spectrum — where mind and body work in unison. The main aims are threefold: to achieve some immediate, tangible benefits, to learn to continue this long term, and to have fun! Guests come to get healthier and fitter, to be toned, pampered and beautified, to overcome a particular health problem or emotional trauma, or simply to unwind and enjoy.

Therapies such as reflexology, bio-feedback, floatation, and audio and visual synthesis help promote stress relief. Private consultations, workshops and relaxation classes work to identify causes and effects of stress, then show practical ways of managing it, in some cases eliminating it and other cases even making it work for you.
The accent is always on the positive aspects of health — prevention rather than cure, innovation rather than simple accepted practice, the application of wisdom rather than the passive acceptance of ageing and the perceived limitation of the immune system.

You soon begin to feel the difference — the deep relaxation you feel after a soothing aromatherapy treatment, the energizing sensation of a hydrotherapy massage, the shining confidence experienced after a good workout, or the simple pleasure of being expertly groomed, pampered and manicured. You stay in splendid pavilions, inspired by traditional Thai architecture, surrounded by tropical gardens, lakes and waterfalls. Western style guest rooms overlook the sea. Terraces and terracotta juxtapose with teak, bamboo, and sandalwood.

On arrival, a private consultation determines your current state of health and an appropriate treatment and activity schedule is planned. A fully qualified team of doctors, nutritionists and physiologists and other professionals are always on hand. You can start the day with an energizing stretch class or t'ai chi and wind down with a gentle, contemplative yoga class. All day, exercise sessions are provided in the cool, beautifully designed dance studios. A superb 10 x 20 metre outdoor pool is supplemented by the Bathing Pavilion with an exercise pool, plunge and dip pools

with waterfalls, hydropool, specially designed Kneipp bath and a unisex steam room.
At the heart of the resort is the Spa with its impressive array of facilities to nurture mind, body and spirit. Separate heat treatment suites for male and female guests feature beautifully appointed changing rooms, saunas, steam rooms and darkened relaxation chambers overlooking landscaped courtyards. The hands-on massage is designed to induce a wonderful feeling of physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

An elegant marble and glass Hydrotherapy Suite houses six rooms with private showers and computerized spa massage baths imported from France for a range of treatments using aromatic oils or sea algae in warm pulsating water. Also located here are a body blitz room and a flotation chamber for the ultimate de-stress experience.

Chiva-Som features gloriously inventive menus highlighting fresh and wholesome produce from their own organic garden, all skillfully prepared by a team of Thai and European master chefs. Fresh fruit juices and a choice of sparkling, alcohol-free fun drinks are available with all meals, and wines and champagne are also served with dinner.

Chiva-Som nutritionists will provide a realistic programme to help you lose weight or improve eating habits. Many programmes are highly effective in combating certain ailments, particularly muscular and skeletal disorders, skin problems, stress-related illnesses and cardiac rehabilitation. Personal plans, to help quit smoking for example, can be arranged. Lifestyle planning, personal image and cookery classes are available, along with new treatments to improve immune system efficiency, including live-cell therapy, rejuvenation and reversing the ageing process.

The US$26 million Chiva-Som is the brainchild of former Deputy Prime Minister Khun Boonchu Rojanastien who heads a small consortium of Thai business people who own the resort. Chiva-Som translates as "haven of life". Visitors will find out what it really means.