As wellness travel evolves, Chiva-Som remains focused on personalised, preventive, and holistic wellbeing. Vaipanya Kongkwanyuen, General Manager of Chiva-Som International Health Resort, shares how the property continues to evolve.
By Naina Nath
Set along the peaceful coastline of Hua Hin, Thailand’s ‘original’ beach resort destination, Chiva-Som has spent more than three decades establishing itself as one of the world’s leading wellness retreats.
Wellness evolved
According to Vaipanya, the biggest shift in recent years has been the growing global focus on health and longevity. While wellness travel was once considered a niche segment, it has become an increasingly important part of how people choose to travel. He explains, “People are more concerned about their health and wellness individually.”
Beyond medical
While many new wellness brands focus heavily on medical diagnostics and treatments, Chiva-Som continues to position itself differently. Vaipanya shares, “If people are unwell, they would see a specialist or a doctor. Instead our focus is on prevention, rehabilitation, education, and creating lasting lifestyle changes that guests can continue long after returning home.”
Personal journeys
One of the resort’s defining features is its personalised approach. Every guest begins their stay with a consultation and is assigned a dedicated wellness advisor. “Drawing from six wellness modalities, including fitness, physiotherapy, spa, holistic therapies, nutrition, and aesthetic beauty, advisors create tailored programmes designed around individual goals, preferences, and abilities. Programmes are reviewed regularly throughout the stay and adjusted when needed,” says Vaipanya.
Time to reset
While guests can stay for as little as three nights, the average stay is seven nights. Vaipanya believes this allows guests sufficient time to disconnect from daily routines and fully engage with the experience. He says, “Wellness is not a destination. It’s a gift of time. The philosophy reflects our emphasis on sustainable habits rather than quick fixes.”
Nature matters
Sustainability remains deeply embedded in the resort’s identity. One of its most significant initiatives is the restoration of a mangrove ecosystem in Hua Hin. Vaipanya shares, “What began with fewer than a thousand mangrove trees has grown into a thriving habitat of approximately 15,000 trees. We also supports community access through a boardwalk and regularly introduces guests to both the mangrove project and its organic gardens.”
India in focus
India continues to be one of Chiva-Som’s most important source markets and ranks among its top five globally. Vaipanya elaborates, “Many Indian guests return repeatedly, often bringing friends and family with them. The property has also expanded its wellness offering for younger travellers, recently lowering its minimum guest age from 16 to 14 and introducing programmes designed to help teenagers better understand fitness and wellbeing.”
Lasting impact
As wellness travel continues to grow, Chiva-Som remains committed to education, transformation, and helping guests build healthier lifestyles. Vaipanya concludes, “Invest in yourself before your body asks for it. After all, wellness is not about reaching a destination. It is about creating habits that support a healthier life for years to come.”
