Chiva-Som International Health Resort

I have known of Chiva Som’s superb reputation for a long time and have been keen to visit. I’d say that it actually surpasses all and every expectation that I had of it. I have been to a lot of wellness resorts - Vana, Kamalaya, LeFay, Mii Amo, Miraval to name a few but Chiva Som seems to capture something very special. Also it has the most outstanding staff who remember who you are and what your schedule is, all with a big smile and a lot of warmth. I understand that many of them have worked at Chiva Som for years and their pride in the place really shows. My room was very spacious well designed and comfortable and the food was delicious, creative and good quality. What I particularly liked is that there is a relaxing and comfortable vibe without it being in any way pretentious and staff attend to everything with the minimum of fuss. Will definitely be back!

Chiva-Som Hua Hin redefines luxury wellness, offering a truly transformative experience. From the moment I arrived, I knew this place was different—the General Manager, Khun Vaipanya Kongkwanyuen, personally welcomed me, setting a warm, gracious tone for my stay. The hospitality of the entire staff is beyond compare, with 355 team members attending to just 54 rooms and 74 wellness treatment rooms. Every need is anticipated, every detail meticulously addressed, making you feel genuinely valued and cared for. The hyper-personalized approach began with a comprehensive wellness assessment, crafting a unique journey that blended seamlessly into my three-day retreat. My schedule included therapies like physiotherapy to release travel tension, contrast therapy in an infrared sauna and ice plunge, and Radial Shockwave Therapy for deeper healing. Each treatment was chosen to support my specific needs, from physical recovery to mental clarity. One highlight was the Seiketsu Shiraku Japanese Acupuncture, which balanced my energy and eased lingering stress, a perfect prelude to the Chiva-Som Thai Herbal Signature Massage that used heated herbal packs to release knots and refresh my muscles. Tai Chi, sunrise yoga, and floating therapy further added to the sense of profound relaxation and renewal. Dining at Chiva-Som’s beachside restaurant, overlooking tranquil waves, was another highlight. Nourishing dishes and healthful juice shots paired beautifully with moments of reflection, journaling, and savoring the beauty around me. Chiva-Som Hua Hin isn’t just a wellness retreat—it’s an ultra-luxury escape crafted with thoughtful hospitality and impeccable care, where every element inspires you to reconnect, rejuvenate, and return home transformed.

I was with my family in Chiva-Som. Despite the resort claims to protect the ecosystems, they do not protect the guards that are forced to use tie and full sleeve shirt under 36 degrees. Not even a high-chair. I talked to the management and they mentioned that they can't do anything because it is an external company. Really? Why didn't you ask the external company to change to a breathable clothes? Why didn't you choose another security company? Why didn't you provide a high-chair to the security guard or at least a fan that blows some air? Several guests were very uncomfortable to witness how guards were suffering so much. Naturally the guards sweat and then smell badly which is not nice to guests as well. Resort is also tired and dirty. Management should care more about people (guests and employees) and less about trying to charge extras to guests at all cost. There are much better resorts in the area that care about guests and employees.

My 4 night stay was a little too short. 5 or 6 nights would have been better. On checking in I was greeted with 'Welcome back Mr Kidd'. My last visit to Chiva Som was in June 1999. That's impressive and set the tone for the few days I was there. When I visit a 6 star wellness spa and resort I expect the best and when it meets my expectations I consider that is average for the facility. Chiva Som exceeded my expectations. The hotel operations staff were exceptional all round. Nothing was a problem. The wellness team was superb and so much was inlcuded in the basic package with sensible add-ons at sensible prices. Massage, physio, stretching on-on-one plus group sessions for stretch, tai-chi etc, if you fancy it. The adherence to the times selected for a session was like clockwork and your physio or massager would be ready and waiting to greet you. The organisation was perfect - I did not come across a single hitch. In addition it is often the little things that help to make the difference: 1. Easily readable shampoo, conditioner and bath gel containers. No need to fetch ones specs and still struggle to read the small print. 2. Flat room safe in a leg height drawer - opens upwards like a box - so easy to use. 3. Contemporary light switches, aesthetically right yet easy to use. Specs or instructions not needed. 4. Practical and roomy hanging space and drawers. 5. 4 items per day laundry service within the price. 6. Good worktop desk area for laptop - although we're not supposed to be working the truth is many of us have to do some and a good worktop is a godsend.

Despite being a fine spa I am afraid it is no longer worth the risk of going . Thailand no longer has any testing g requirements to enter the country . Spas there there are not testing any more . However Chiva Som is still requiring a Covid test on arrival and if positive you will be stuck in your room until you test negative despite having paid hundreds of dollars a night to stay and use the facilities . Covid is NEVER going away so with their logic they can never drop that requirement . My advice is don’t risk it and go eg to the new Raksa spa which is not testing .

We thoroughly enjoyed an invigorating and full week at Chiva-Som! Everything at this luxurious wellness destination runs like a well oiled machine - you will enjoy state of the art facilities, meticulous attention to detail and a high standard of excellence. From the soothing surroundings to the wellness advisors who help you curate an experience that meets your needs, the seasoned fitness trainers and instructors, the rehabilitation and physiotherapy experts, the therapeutic spa treatments, to the healthy and exceptionally divine cuisine - everyone and everything is designed to support your well being journey. We loved and highly recommend the mindfulness pranayama sessions, daily yoga, and aqua aerobics classes. We walked away feeling revitalized and can easily see how so many guests keep coming back regularly to Chiva-Som. We miss it already!