As wellness tourism is on the rise post-COVID, Chiva-Som in Thailand has launched four new retreats to support the new normal lifestyles. Recognising and proactively addressing guests’ changing needs, the innovative programmes enhance the resort’s already comprehensive retreat offerings, focusing on specific objectives from supporting the immune system and gut health to embracing nature and ageing gracefully.

Immune Resilience

Chiva-Som understands the importance of a healthy immune system, particularly following the challenges of the past year. The new ‘Immune Resilience’ retreat offers a multidimensional approach, incorporating mindful exercise, nutrient-rich cuisine and detoxifying treatments. Guided by the resort’s team of consultants, guests will learn how to build and maintain resilience throughout their retreat and beyond. The programme includes massages and drainage therapies to remove blockages in the lymphatic system; outdoor fitness classes to improve overall health and fortify the immune system; and a variety of holistic wellness therapies such as shirobhyanga, yoga and meditation to cultivate deep tranquillity of the mind. A nutritional consultant will tailor a meal plan, recommending either intermittent fasting or the resort’s nourishing wellness cuisine, depending on individual requirements. Available for five or seven nights.

Gut Health

The health of the digestive system plays a crucial role in maintaining immunity and preventing disease, with new research every year supporting the idea that it is the most important aspect of health optimisation. Chiva-Som’s ‘Gut Health’ retreat offers a highly personalised meal programme that places natural ingredients, probiotics and fibre at the forefront to restore the integrity of guests’ digestive function. The retreat is supported by a range of treatments including Chiva-Som’s signature detoxifying abdominal massage, probiotic-infused colonics and pranayama breathing sessions to provide the foundations for a healthier lifestyle. Available for five or seven nights.

Nature’s Embrace

Chiva-Som’s ‘Nature’s Embrace’ retreat draws on the restorative powers of nature to heal the body and the mind. As well as a peaceful beachfront setting, guests are invited on guided walks through Krailart Niwate, the resort’s rehabilitated mangrove forest, before switching off with hilltop meditation, Thai healing therapies, outdoor fitness classes and natural, wellness cuisine. Available for three or five nights.

Senior Wellness

Supporting longevity and healthy ageing, the ‘Senior Wellness’ retreat draws on diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices to help senior guests preserve their ability to enjoy life to the fullest. Gentle, low-impact physical activity such as aqua-exercise helps build core stability, muscle strength, joint flexibility and bone density, whilst biofeedback enhances emotional stability and improves the quality of sleep. Guests can also enjoy newfound energy, as well as increased cognitive function, through nutritious, balanced meals designed by the chefs. Available for five or seven nights.

General manager of Chiva-Som, Mr. Vaipanya Kongkwanyuen, says: “Chiva-Som is proud to be at the forefront of wellness innovation, and we are constantly revising our offering based on the latest research as well as guest feedback. We are confident that these new retreats will address some of the key health goals of our guests, and ensure they continue to get the most from their visits to our Haven of Life”.

As part of the retreat programmes, guests will also receive an individual health and wellness consultation; three wellness meals per night of stay; a complimentary physical analysis and skin consultation; access to daily fitness and leisure activities; unlimited use of the Water Therapy Suites; a complimentary daily treatment per night of stay; and a post-stay consultation and home exercise programme.

Thailand is expected to announce the opening of travel without quarantine from Bangkok to Hua Hin from November 1 to fully vaccinated international travellers using a ‘sealed route’ whilst staying at a SHA Plus+ certified resort or property. Chiva-Som spearheaded the Hua Hin Recharge campaign, which has achieved an initial vaccination rate of over 83% in the local community, and has already received the SHA Plus+ certification.