My body, coiled into a pose long forgotten, began to subtly activate within minutes, perhaps moments. It’s true, like elephants, the human body never forgets. Years seemed to melt away, transporting me to a more guileless time when 6am Pilates felt a worthy challenge, met with unwavering focus. That particular hour, before the city fully awakened, held a quiet discipline, a commitment that felt both demanding and deeply rewarding. The familiar burn in my core, the gentle stretching of tight muscles—it all flooded back with surprising speed, a testament to the body’s ability to archive physical knowledge.
My instructor, Maha, at Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s renowned wellness sanctuary, naturally couldn’t have known this internal journey taking place in real-time. He saw only a guest perhaps not as inherently flexible as he might hope, a body needing guidance to rediscover its potential. His calm demeanour and precise instructions were a stark contrast to the internal flurry of recognition happening within me.
He likely noted the areas of stiffness, the subtle imbalances, and correctly assessed that consistent Pilates could be beneficial for my physical well-being moving forward. Yet, inside, a whirlwind of introspection spun: “Where, in life and in location, did this movement first become known to me?”. Was it in a basement studio years ago, the walls betraying an impassiveness I now recognise for what it truly was? Or perhaps in a quiet corner of a gym, the sounds of weights clanking a distant hum? These fleeting mental images accompanied each controlled breath and precise micro-adjustment.
Yet, within 10 minutes of guided breath and precise legwork, the internal dialogue faded, replaced by the immediate, invigorating demands of the exercise. The focus shifted from past reflection to present effort, the mind centring on the rhythm of movement and breath. Still, as Golf (my second Pilates teacher the following day) gently noted, I possess an impatience for swift progress, a common trait in our fast-paced world.
Thus, despite my gaze being often fixed on my own abdomen during the hour-long session on the Pilates reformer, there was scant opportunity for deep, mental wandering or protracted navel-gazing of the emotional kind. The apparatus itself, with its springs, straps, and sliding carriage, required a mindful presence and demanded attention to alignment and engagement. Pilates, in its initial form and as it was introduced at Chiva-Som Hua Hin, still carries echoes of its founder Joseph Pilates’ regimented, ballet-core German discipline—a style rooted in precision and strength.
However, what I noticed was the intuitive and deeply informed understanding both instructors held for my body’s intricacies. They didn’t just teach the exercises—they seemed to read my physical history, identifying weaknesses and potential with a knowledgeable eye. Both Maha and Golf conferred after my sessions, and their shared observations allowed me to mentally chart areas needing dedicated attention and conceive tangible ways to foster that progress beyond the retreat.
This considered, personalised approach, this weaving of expert observation and tailored guidance, is, I suspect, the cornerstone for every guest’s transformative journey at Chiva-Som Hua Hin, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all methodology to something truly bespoke.
Chiva-Som Hua Hin Celebrates 30 Years of Transformative Wellness
The Thai wellness sanctuary itself is a vision of tranquillity, nestled within a vibrant, garden-like expanse that spills towards and borders the cerulean expanse of the Gulf of Thailand. The air here is thick with the scent of tropical blossoms and the subtle, salty kiss of the sea breeze. Walking the grounds is a sensory experience, a meditation if ever there was one. Manicured lawns give way to lush, untamed corners, creating a sense of harmonious balance between cultivated beauty and natural serenity.
This sanctuary has welcomed many guests, myself included, who arrive seeking a profound respite, a true reset button for lives often lived at an unrelenting pace. A reset from demanding professional careers that blur the lines between day and often night; from relentless travel schedules that disorient the body’s natural rhythms; and from the often-insane body contortions necessitated by long-haul economy flights in cabins that feel perpetually more confined and less forgiving with each passing year. The journey to Chiva-Som Hua Hin is, for many, the first step in a conscious decision to prioritise well-being.
My visit, fortunately, coincides with a significant and celebratory moment—the resort’s 30th anniversary, marked on 19 April 2025. The atmosphere contains a sense of shared history and deep connection. Alongside the daily array of rejuvenating classes, therapeutic massages, revitalising treatments, and healing therapies, the presence of guests, many of whom are long-standing patrons celebrating their 20th or even 25th stays, creates a palpable sense of homecoming—a gathering of a global wellness family. There’s a comforting familiarity in their interactions with the staff and with each other, a testament to the lasting bonds forged in this special place. When I mentioned to a gracious Swiss lady that this is only my second visit, her genuinely surprised “only?” underscores more effectively than any brochure could, the deep and enduring loyalty Chiva-Som Hua Hin inspires in its visitors.
The resort’s legacy is rooted in family vision—it was founded by Boonchu Rojanastien, with his son Krip now at the helm as the present CEO, and grandson Win overseeing operations as manager, ensuring a continuity of philosophy and care. This family-led ethos is clearly articulated by Krip Rojanastien: “For three decades, Chiva-Som Hua Hin has transcended being merely a destination—it has been a family mission, a personal journey that commenced in 1995,” Krip says. “Now under its third generation of family leadership, Chiva-Som Hua Hin remains deeply dedicated to the core tenets of wellness, community, and sustainability.”
He adds that witnessing “the profound impact we’ve had on people’s lives—be it within our local communities through our outreach programmes or the transformative journeys of our guests—is profoundly humbling. It is particularly rewarding and truly exciting to see the value we continue to offer guests across generations. We’ve had the privilege of welcoming many returning patrons, who now bring their children and grandchildren, who in turn have become a new generation of devotees, finding their own path to wellness here.” This intergenerational connection speaks volumes about the enduring power and relevance of Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s philosophy.
Across the span of three days, this sense of authentic connection and community becomes wonderfully tangible. Informal conversations unfolds naturally, like chats with seasoned guests, such as a delightful Parisian family on their annual Hua Hin escape, who speak with genuine enthusiasm about the unexpected sweetness of the pineapple served at the resort’s Taste of Siam restaurant, a small detail that clearly brings them—and me—simple joy. A serene morning Thai Buddhist merit-making ceremony unfolds with the entire resort staff participating, led by a group of monks from a nearby temple, which offers a glimpse into local traditions and fosters a sense of shared experience. Later, humorous exchanges flow effortlessly during the beachside crab-release ceremony, a charming initiative linked to local conservation efforts. Guests, united by the simple act of returning hundreds of crabs to the sea, share light-hearted jests about inadvertently bolstering the resort’s future seafood supply. “There won’t be a shortage in the coming months,” is the playful, often-repeated refrain, highlighting the relaxed and convivial atmosphere.
Coming Up: Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s Unique Anniversary Experiences
These diverse activities, thoughtfully curated and interwoven with other special events planned throughout the remainder of 2025, actively cultivate a genuine sense of community and create bonds that transcend geographical distance, even for guests who have travelled vast distances, living 10,000 miles or more away. Looking ahead, from 25 to 30 August 2025, a particularly intriguing collaboration is scheduled: Natalie Dau, a Guinness World Record-holding ultra-marathoner and motivational speaker, will join forces with Dawn Sim, a respected yoga specialist and sound healer. They will team up for a transformative programme specifically designed for women, offering a holistic approach to longevity, functional fitness, and emotional well-being. Dau will guide participants through expertly tailored strength training sessions, dynamic functional fitness workshops, and an invigorating beach running experience—activities specifically chosen to target bone density improvement and reduction in bone loss, which are particularly relevant for women’s health. She will also share invaluable insights in an engaging talk on sustaining a high-performance lifestyle. Sim, with her extensive 24 years of practice as an expert in sound healing, mindfulness, health coaching, and yoga, will lead immersive sound bath and breathwork sessions. She will also provide guidance for journaling and conduct mindful yoga classes, offering tools for inner peace and self-discovery. Sim’s scheduled talk will delve into the crucial topic of self-care for emotional and mental health, providing practical strategies for daily life.
These two highly regarded wellness authorities, alongside Chiva-Som Hua-Hin’s insightful resident naturopath, will collectively focus on exploring the vital and often-overlooked connection between hormones, overall health, and vitality. Through workshops and discussions, guests will gain a deeper understanding of how these elements interrelate. The aim is that guests will depart the retreat not only feeling physically and mentally refreshed, but also equipped with practical knowledge and tangible tools to enhance their overall well-being and maintain the positive changes long after their experience concludes and they return to their daily lives.
In parallel with its focus on individual well-being, Chiva-Som Hua Hin demonstrates a strong commitment to wellness and sustainability on a broader scale. This is exemplified by the return of Belgin Aksoy, the visionary founder of Global Wellness Day, for a fourth consecutive year. On 24 May 2025, she will once again lead a vital Medical Mission and Remote Clinic in the nearby region of Pa-La-U, providing essential healthcare services to local villagers with the active participation of Chiva-Som Hua Hin guests, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and community.
Later in the year, on 1 October 2025, the resort will collaborate with acclaimed Korean American chef Dan Bark of Bangkok’s Michelin-recognised Cadence by Dan Bark for World Food Day. Guests will be invited to join this meaningful initiative that provides essential food and beverage aid to communities at Pa-La-U, linking the culinary experience with philanthropic action. Also highly anticipated and currently in the planning stages is a sustainability initiative involving renowned cricketer Zaheer Khan and actress Sagarika Ghatge Khan, details of which are expected to be announced soon, further highlighting the resort’s expanding network of collaborations for positive impact.
What Makes Guests Return to Chiva-Som Hua Hin Again, And Again
Over the past three decades, the wellness landscape has undergone immense evolution and change, transforming from a niche concept to a mainstream pursuit. This has seen the rise of various trends, ranging from the cutting-edge science of biohacking to the increasing popularity of intravenous vitamin drips, treatments that have become almost as ubiquitous and easily accessible as stopping by a Starbucks for a familiar iced Americano.
Chiva-Som Hua Hin, however, has skilfully navigated these changing tides, remaining a steadfast leader in the sustainable wellness space. It has done so by staying resolutely faithful to its core philosophy of holistic well-being, a philosophy that emphasises the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, as well as the importance of sustainable practices for both individual and planetary health.
One particular morning, in between the scheduled anniversary festivities and leisurely beachside activities of enjoying the presence of the local crustaceans, I had the opportunity to meet Keletso ‘Kellie’ Kelosiwang, Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s resident naturopath. In a conversation spanning around 30 minutes, she shares invaluable insights, describing the various personalised ways in which she helps guests on their wellness journeys. Her guidance ranges from offering expert advice on the right types of food combinations to incorporate into one’s diet for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption, to recommending a specific type of natural supplement that can help regulate estrogen levels in males, addressing individual hormonal imbalances. Kelosiwang’s approach is clearly rooted in the understanding that each guest is unique, with their own specific needs and health profile. It’s this consistent, attentive, and deeply personalised approach to well-being that truly sets the staff at Chiva-Som Hua Hin apart and in which they undoubtedly excel.
For many of the resort’s regular and devoted guests, Chef Sinchai Srivipa’s healthful yet unfussy culinary creations served at the Taste of Siam restaurant are, in themselves, a compelling reason to make the journey to Thailand. Mealtimes here are not merely about sustenance—they are thoughtfully curated buffet events. The nutritional values and calorific content of each exquisite dish, meticulously prepared and beautifully presented, are painstakingly labelled, even down to each dollop of honey and passion fruit compote. This transparency empowers guests to make informed choices aligned with their wellness goals. So, even while delicious breads and other carbohydrate-rich options are available and artfully arranged, the portions, while satisfying, are subtly designed to satiate without inducing the heaviness of overindulgence, ensuring guests feel comfortably full but not weighed down, even after indulging in three delightful scoops of ice cream.
The true essence of wellness, and what it authentically represents, crystallised for me during my relatively short three-day stay by the luminous, crystalline shores of Hua Hin. The sea here, a pale, translucent blue that shimmers under the tropical sun, feels like a physical manifestation, a potent gift of clarity. Guests who are drawn to Chiva-Som Hua Hin are not necessarily seeking superficial quick fixes or immediate, magical solutions to complex health issues. Most come to cultivate a deeper understanding, to make more informed, sustainable decisions about their health and long-term well-being.
These profound ‘a-ha’ moments, these shifts in perspective and understanding, often occur subtly, unexpectedly, and without prior announcement. It could happen, perhaps, while savouring a vibrant morning shot of potent, nutrient-rich juice, feeling its vitality spread within; during a muscle-memory-triggering Pilates reformer class that reconnects mind and body in a forgotten language; or even in a simple, unhurried chat with a member of the resort’s exceptional staff, many of whom are not only highly skilled in their respective areas, but are also inherently gifted listeners, possessing a rare ability to make guests feel truly seen, heard, and understood.
Ultimately, what matters most is that these subtle yet significant changes occur, setting guests on a path towards more sustainable well-being, which, as attested by Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s many loyal and returning regulars, is the most compelling, precise, and enduring reason why they choose to return—often for many, many more times than my own “only?” two visits.
