You begin your journey from Bangkok airport and cruise 3 hours down the highway to the beachside town of Hua Hin. As you pull up to the retreat you are welcomed by a warming Thai smile, bow, and softely spoken 'Sawadee ka'. The familiar smell of lemongrass, coupled with the trickling sound of the waterfall nearby - you feel instantly relaaaaxed....
Welcome to the Chiva-Som, the 'Haven of life'. After lunch, I head to the spa for my initial wellness consultation where you are weighed (now regret ordering that pad thai AND mango sticky rice for lunch!), your blood pressure is taken, ailments are discussed and goals are set.
What did I want to get out of the next 5 days?
Improve flexibility - yes, weight management - always, fitness - of course, relaxation - most definitely! So I signed up for the 'Chiva-Som Taster' program, which is perfect for first-timers who want to sample a little of everything, so then next time you can choose a more specific program.
The next 5 days went something like this...
Morning:- breakfast + stretch class + 2 x Fitness classes
Afternoon:- lunch + relaxing poolside for an hour + 1 x Fitness class + 1 x Spa treatment
Evening:- daily massage + dinner
This schedule delivered a balance of physical activity, pamper and relaxation and of course food! Speaking of food, you are spoilt for choice. Everything is organic with wheat/gluten/dairy-free options, and a mixture of vegeterian, seafood and meat dishes, each thoughtfully put together and carefully calorie-counted. Between the International cuisine served at the Emerald Room restaurant, and the poolside Taste of Siam restaurant, there was something for everyone's pallet and diet.
If weight loss is your goal and you are visiting over the weekend, save your 'cheat meal' for Saturday's beachside BBQ. The fresh seafood and tender meat skewers on an open-flame grill, paired with a bottle of Bordeaux's finest, is definitely worth the wait (excuse the pun).
If weight loss is your goal and you are visiting over the weekend, save your 'cheat meal' for Saturday's beachside BBQ. The fresh seafood and tender meat skewers on an open-flame grill, paired with a bottle of Bordeaux's finest, is definitely worth the wait (excuse the pun).
Of all the treatments the "Super Stretch" really felt the most beneficial. This 1on1 treatment is whereby a therapists stretches you out, pushing your limits, helping to realign your spine and improve your posture. I also gave Thai boxing a go and even fruit carving - when in Thailand, right!
Ideally, you need one week minimum as it takes a couple of days just to adjust to the Chiva-Som pace, and then your really start feeling the benefits. Even after just five days, although the number on the scales was not any lower (I blame the moreish home-made fruit sorbets, a different flavour every day), I checked out feeling fabulously rested, pampered and one inch closer to doing the splits.
Balance restored and mission accomplished.
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