Travel | Destinations

Global hangout: Chiva-Som, Hua Hin

Make like an A-lister and treat yourself to a Zen retreat at this detox resort in Thailand

By Farah Andrews, Scene magazine
Published: 00:01 January 12, 2012

Image Credit: Supplied picture
The exclusive Chiva-Som resort is nestled in seven acres of tropical gardens on the paradisical Hua Hin coast in Northern Thailand.

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If the likes of the Beckhams, Elle Macpherson and Kate Moss make a resort their go-to spot for when things in the ‘real' world get a bit crazy, you know it must be something a little bit special.

You'll find the exclusive Chiva-Som - meaning, appropriately, ‘Haven of Life' - nestled in seven acres of tropical gardens on the paradisical Hua Hin coast in Northern Thailand (it's so heavenly, it's the Thai Royal family's getaway of choice, dahling). The resort is a gateway to relaxation, pampering and a detox that makes hanging out with What Not To Eat's Gillian McKeith look like a fudge-fuelled week at your gran's.

You can opt for a pampering break, and spend your days lounging about, enjoying Thai massages and the signature Chiva-Som body cocoon, or you can jet in for a detox retreat, of which Liz Hurley is a self-professed super-fan. This strict regime involves healthy foods (most of it juiced), colonic irrigations and lots of yoga - all designed to banish toxins and give your body a fresh start.

While you'll have to give up some creature comforts, the resort boasts an impressive spa cuisine menu that uses the freshest and healthiest ingredients, and the yoga experts are known to be top-notch - trust us, they'll have you feeling comfortable in the downward dog in no time.

Chiva-Som has been voted as one of the top three spas in the world in every major list over the past 10 years, so a word of warning: once you've stayed there, you'll find it hard to recreate the same sense of Zen anywhere else. You're also very likely to spot a celeb or three while relaxing, as the spa prides itself on total privacy and exclusivity, meaning it has a loyal, repeat-visit A-list following.

Inside info

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If the idea of seven days of intense yoga and diet lockdown terrifies you, book yourself on the Taste of Chiva-Som retreat. It's bespoke and you'll get to try aspects of the clean life - as well as plenty of massages - but you won't be doing sun salutations from dusk 'til dawn.

Details

73/4 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin
Prachuab Khirikhan, Thailand
Tel +66 3253 6536
chivasom.com

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