Chiva-Som Hua Hin: Guide & Expert FAQ

Setting: Chiva-Som is nestled in the serene coastal town of Hua Hin, Thailand, offering a luxurious escape surrounded by lush tropical gardens and stunning beachfront views.
Wellness Focus: The resort offers a holistic approach to wellness, blending traditional Thai healing practices with modern therapies. Programmes include detoxification, weight management, stress relief, fitness training, and mental wellbeing, all tailored to the individual’s needs.
Best For (Healing Holidays Expert View): Chiva-Som is ideal for those seeking to restore their health, reduce stress, and enjoy personalised treatments in a luxurious and peaceful environment.
Recommended Stay  (Healing Holidays Expert View): 7–14+ nights to fully immerse in Chiva-Som’s tailored wellness programmes and achieve long-lasting health benefits.

Chiva Som: Signature programmes & exclusive offers

When booking Chiva Som with Healing Holidays, you receive expert programme matching, pre-arrival planning, and access to exclusive perks such as a complimentary room upgrade and wellness credits.

Recommended programmes at Chiva Som

• A Taste of Chiva-Som – The Intro
  What it is: A flexible programme allowing you to sample therapies. Perfect for first-timers or those who want a "holiday" with wellness benefits.
  Ideal for: Relaxation, de-stressing, and short breaks.
• Sustainable Weight Management – The Best Seller
  What it is: Not a crash diet. It combines personal training, metabolic testing, and portion-controlled gourmet meals to retrain your relationship with food.
  Ideal for: Long-term weight loss and metabolic health.
• Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation – The Hidden Gem
  What it is: Chiva-Som has arguably the best Physiotherapy department of any wellness retreat. They treat back pain, post-op recovery, and posture issues using ultrasound, TENS, and manual therapy.
  Ideal for: Chronic pain, injury recovery, and "Tech Neck".

Exclusive benefits when booking with Healing Holidays

We offer more than just a booking. Personalised guidance in choosing the right programme and stay length, pre-arrival coordination, and one dedicated expert contact throughout your journey.

View Chiva Som Programmes & Exclusive Offers

Is Chiva Som the right wellness retreat for you?

The answers below address the most common questions we receive at Healing Holidays about Chiva Som.

What makes Chiva Som unique among wellness retreats in Thailand?

The "Staff-to-Guest Ratio." It feels like there are three staff members for every guest. The level of anticipation is uncanny.

Is Chiva Som medical or holistic?

Chiva-Som is primarily holistic, focusing on a comprehensive, personalised approach to wellness that connects the mind, body, and spirit. While it offers advanced, evidence-based health treatments—including aesthetic, physiotherapy, and naturopathic services—these are integrated into a broader, nurturing lifestyle-transformation experience rather than a strictly clinical, medical environment

How does Chiva Som compare with other wellness retreats in Thailand?

Vs. Kamalaya: Kamalaya is often considered the closest competitor in terms of quality but is generally seen as more focused on emotional healing, burnout, and holistic wellness in a more natural, hilly setting.
Vs. RAKxa Integrative Wellness: RAKxa is a newer, highly specialised Medical Spa that integrates advanced medical diagnostics (genetic testing, etc.) with traditional Thai medicine and holistic treatments. Chiva-Som provides a more traditional, "classic luxury" experience, whereas RAKxa is closer to a modern medical facility.
Vs. Absolute Sanctuary: Absolute Sanctuary is a more affordable alternative, focusing heavily on yoga, Pilates, and detox, making it better for those on a tighter budget, whereas Chiva-Som is a high-priced, luxury-driven experience.

Verdict: If budget is no object and you want the absolute best service, choose Chiva-Som.

Wellness expertise: Therapists & programme support

What specialists are available at Chiva Som?

The in-house wellness team includes:

• Traditional Thai & Chinese medicine practitioners
• Ayurvedic doctors
• Yoga & meditation teachers
• Physiotherapists 
• Nutritionists
• Fitness instructors
• Naturopaths 

What diagnostic tests are offered?

• Genomic testing (DNA)
• Hormone profiling
• Metabolic testing (VO2 Max)
• Body composition analysis

Are programmes personalised?

Yes, programmes at Chiva-Som are highly personalised. Upon arrival, guests undergo a comprehensive consultation with wellness experts to assess their health, fitness levels, and any specific concerns. Based on this assessment, a personalized wellness plan is created that integrates a range of treatments and therapies designed to address individual needs.

Is Chiva Som suitable for guests with medical conditions?

Yes, Chiva Som is designed for wellness, and while not a hospital, it is equipped to support guests with specific needs, provided they inform the team in advance.

What languages are spoken by staff?

At Chiva-Som, the staff are primarily fluent in English, as it is the main language of communication for international guests

Food: Award-winning wellness cuisine

What cuisine is served?

Chiva-Som serves nutritionist-approved wellness cuisine focusing on healthy Thai and international dishes, with an emphasis on organic, locally sourced, and low-calorie ingredients.

Are meals personalised?

Yes, meals are highly personalised at Chiva-Som. Every guest receives a customised, nutrient-dense diet plan tailored to their specific health goals, dietary needs, and allergies.

Can special diets be accommodated?

Yes, Chiva Som can accommodate a variety of special diets.

Will I feel hungry?

No. The emphasis is on nourishment and enjoyment rather than strict limitation, so most guests feel the meals are supportive and satisfying rather than restrictive.

Rooms & Accommodation

What room categories are available?

• Ocean Rooms/Deluxe/Premium (34–54 sq.m.): Feature terraces with sea or garden views, separate bathrooms/dressing rooms, and are decorated with natural textures.
• Juniper Suite (68 sq.m.): Top-floor suite with sunrise views, a terrace, separate living room, and a warm purple theme.
• Anchan Room: Features generous space with adjoining bedroom and living areas opening onto a long terrace.
• Thai Pavilion Suites (96 sq.m.): Inspired by traditional Thai design, located near the water, featuring private salas (meditation spaces) and direct nature access.
• Golden Bo Suite: Ground floor, large suite featuring Thai silks, a private terrace with a shower, butler service, and direct access to the swimming pool.
• Champaka & Jasmine Suites: Large, upscale suites with spacious lounges and expansive views

What is included in the room rate?

Accommodation, personalised meals, wellness assessments, and access to spa facilities; specific treatments may incur additional costs.

What is the price of a stay?

A 3 night programme starts from £1,769pp for shared accommodation or £2,359pp for single travellers during low season. High season rates are £2,999pp (shared) or £4,139pp (single), including transfers, accommodation and full board.

The guest experience: Daily life at Chiva Som

What does a typical day look like?

• 07:00: Beach Power Walk or Tai Chi.
• 08:30: Breakfast (Wheatgrass shot and a la carte).
• 10:00: Physiotherapy or Personal Training.
• 12:00: Daily Massage (Included in every stay!).
• 13:00: Lunch.
• 15:00: Holistic Therapy (e.g., Chi Nei Tsang).
• 17:00: Aqua Aerobics or Yoga.
• 19:00: Dinner (Dress code: Smart Casual).

What spa & wellness facilities are available?

Is the atmosphere strict or relaxed?

The atmosphere at Chiva-Som is best described as relaxed and serene, yet with a structured approach to wellness. It is a place dedicated to calm, where guests are encouraged to disconnect from the outside world, but this is supported by a disciplined, well-organised, and sometimes strict, framework of rules to maintain a quiet, "digital detox" environment.

Is there free time?

Yes, there is free time at Chiva Som. While the retreat offers a structured daily schedule with wellness activities like yoga, meditation, spa treatments, and fitness sessions, there is also ample time for relaxation reflection, and leisure throughout the day.

Personal goals: Is Chiva Som right for you?

Which health goals does Chiva Som best support?

Chiva Som supports a wide range of health goals through personalised, holistic programmes that combine fitness, nutrition, spa therapies, and mindfulness. Guests can focus on stress reduction, weight management, physical fitness, healthy aging, detoxification, and lifestyle change.

Who is Chiva Som best suited for?

Chiva-Som is best suited for individuals seeking a highly personalised, transformative, and luxurious wellness experience.

Is Chiva Som suitable for wellness beginners?

Yes — Chiva‑Som is suitable for wellness beginners. The retreat welcomes guests at all levels of experience and tailors programmes to individual needs, so even if you’re new to yoga, fitness, holistic therapies or structured wellness retreats, you can participate comfortably and benefit from gentle, supportive guidance from expert staff.

Travel planning: Timing & practical advice

When is the best time to visit?

November to February: Cool, dry, perfect (25-30°C).
March to May: Hotter.
June to October: Green season (some rain, but refreshing).

Is Chiva Som suitable for solo travellers?

Yes, it offers a supportive environment, personalised health programmes, group classes and social dining options, including a "community table" for solo guests to meet others.

What is the recommended length of stay?

The recommended length of stay at Chiva‑Som depends on your wellness goals, but most guests find that 5 to 7 nights is ideal for a meaningful experience. For deeper lifestyle changes or weight management programmes, 10–14 nights is often suggested to maximise results and fully integrate new habits.

What should guests pack?

Guests should pack a combination of activewear for wellness activities and "elegant casual" attire for dining.

How far in advance should I book?

Advance booking is recommended, particularly for longer or peak-period stays.

The Healing Holidays booking advantage

Where can I book Chiva Som?

Book via Healing Holidays to access exclusive offers. As a preferred partner, we often provide rates and packages that include complimentary room upgrades and wellness credits that you cannot find on standard booking sites.

Why book with Healing Holidays?

With over 20 years of expertise and recognised as the UK's Best Wellness Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveller in 2026, Healing Holidays provides expert programme matching and honest comparisons. Unlike booking directly, we can objectively compare Chiva Som with other Thai wellness retreats to ensure you find the best fit for your needs.

How do Healing Holidays Experts help choose the right programme?

By understanding your wellness history, goals and expectations, Healing Holidays ensures the most appropriate programme and length of stay for meaningful results.