It would be ridiculous to visit Hua Hin and not check out the renowned Chiva-Som Spa, one of the best spa resorts in the World and the only Asia spa that consistently receives awards. ex-Marine (husband, Steve) and I walked down the road to Chiva-Som. From the moment we walked into the cool, tranquil, reception area, it was obvious that this was not your ordinary spa facility. Wanlaya Chuaybumroong, Sales Manager, graciously agreed to drive us around this elegant property even though Chiva-Som is off-limits to all but guests. I wasn’t aware until then that Chiva-Som is an all-inclusive Spa with a wide range of services and a smorgasbord of classes. This exclusive resort has only 57 Thai-style pavilions, ocean-view rooms and suites along with a high ratio of staff-to-guests.

Wanlaya showed me the day’s fitness therapy schedule for clients to choose from, all led by qualified and experienced trainers: sea kayaking, aquatic therapy, pilates, super stretch, thai boxing, four different types of yoga, tennis, Tai chi, biking – the list went on and on. There is a Yoga Intensive Retreat for all you Yoga practioners out there. (I really need someone to show me the proper way to do Yoga without getting injured and then, perhaps, I too could discover Yoga’s benefits.)

And then there was massage therapy – only 16 different types, including one that really sounded fabulous. South Indian Body Pampering. This uses three therapists. Two therapists massage warm aromatic oils into the body while a third simultaneously spreads powdered Ayurvedic herbs over the body which results in a full body exfoliation. Ahh…that one is right up my alley – exfoliate away. All of Chiva-Som’s therapists are trained and licensed, unlike the ubiquitous 250 Baht/hour massage ladies all over Thailand and on the beach.

There was also Holistic health consisting of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, western Naturopathy, energy therapies. etc.
If “Macho Man” describes you, Chiva-Som has a special program called “Exclusively for Gentlemen.” They told me that the International Spa Association statistics show that 31% of all spa-goers in 2006 were men. Looking good!

The entire facility was calm, and serene based on the Chiva-Som philosophy of rest, relaxation and improvement. A choice of indoor and outdoor swimming pools kept at a constant temperature, immaculate gyms, dance studios, and best of all, mobile phones are prohibited along with children under 16. Two restaurants serving not ordinary Spa Cuisine, but gourmet Spa Cuisine, using organic herbs, vegetables and fruits. There’s no doubt in my mind that everything would be extremely yummy.

Guests have the option to pick from different packages depending on their goals. Whether it be a spa retreat, physical remedy retreat or even for weight management, there is a package for you.

At the end of our tour, Paul Linder, the General Manager, took some time to smooze with us and neither ex-Marine nor I wanted to leave. If you are a spa devotee, or novice, I can think of no more enjoyable place to end an Asia trip then Chiva-Som, in Hua Hin (only 2-1/2 hours from Bangkok) for a little R&R. Use the link and see for yourself.