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By N. A. Ross
 Chiva-Som International Health Resort
73/4 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin
Prachaub, King Khan 77110
Thailand
Tel: +66-32-536-536
Email: reserv@chivasom.com
In search for peace and relaxation, I’m staying at Chiva-Som, an exclusive resort/spa hotel on eastern Thailand’s royal beach, Hua Hin.
Returning from Japan, I decided to fly back to Paris via Bangkok so that I can take some days of total rest; a welcome break from business negotiations in Tokyo. Even though I spent time, prior to my business meetings, at Hoshinoya a hot spring spa in Karuizawa (see article in Destinations), I felt the need to take my mind off dickering, and arguing fine transaction points with my clients. And, where was the best place to do so than Chiva-Som, which translates in English as “Haven of Life”.
The resort/spa is situated in almost 3 hectares of land, in a cluster of Thai-style pavilions, surrounded by tropical gardens with soaring palms,, lakes, and waterfalls. The 57 rooms and suites are designed with a luxuriously exotic mixture of tropical and  European styles that combine the use of Asian woods, Italian marble and hand-glazed ceramics. Floor to ceiling windows overlook verdant gardens. Thai silks and ceiling fans add to a sense of the tropics.
Chiva-Som’s spa is an ultramodern facility that offers holistic paths to revitalising mind, body and spirit with over 90 traditional or alternative therapies and luxurious beauty regimens that utilize essential oils, herbs, and other botanicals in conjunction with exercise and low-calorie meals prepared with produce from the resort’s own organic gardens. Ten medical programs incorporate traditional Chinese medicine. An aquatic therapy pool, an exercise pool, multi-level steam room, and a flotation room are amongst the different options available. Diverse fitness activities include Tai Chi, Yoga, and Pilates. There are also outdoor massage pavilions and Thai massage pavilions. The Chiva-Som Experience Retreat is the choice of many guests as it allows maximum flexibility for treatments. During the initial Health & Wellness  consultation, they help you select those treatments that suit your goals best.
The Emerald Room is the fine dinning restaurant for the resort offering gourmet couisine by a team of Thai and international chefs. There is also a pool and beach-side restaurant with traditional Thai dishes, prepared and cooked in the spa’s unique style. Fresh juices, coffee and tea are served all day at the Orchid Lounge.
Everything at Chiva Som is very quiet and calm, and on departure I felt well looked after, rejuvinated and truly relaxed.
© June 2006 LuxuryWeb Magazine. All rights reserved.
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