ON an exclusive beachside setting in Thailand's royal resort of Hua-Hin, the philosophy of Chiva-Som is embodied in the hospitable Thais who, in line with Buddhist teaching, value reflective social grace and understand the merits of a more relaxed approach to life.

To describe Chiva-Som as simply a "health resort" would rather be like defining Thailand as a country in Southeast Asia. While both are technically correct, neither gives any idea of the extraordinary kaleidoscope of culture, lifestyle, colour and cuisine that are available there.

For many, the concept of a health resort is limited by a narrow view of what constitutes well-being. At Chiva-Som the philosophy is to develop a wider spectrum where mind and body work in unison.

The aims are threefold: to achieve some immediate, tangible benefits, to learn how to extend these into a lifestyle, and to have fun. The accent is always on the positive aspects of health prevention rather than cure, innovation rather than accepted practice, the application of wisdom rather than the passive acceptance of aging.

Which is why it has been given the No. 1 Destination Spa in the World status by Conde Nast Traveller, UK, 2000. Chiva-Som is one of the first health resorts worldwide practising a revolutionary spa philosophy. In this new, comprehensive and holistic approach spa treatments are complemented by medical wellness programmes.

The nature of the medical programmes are biological and non-toxic, and although developed and practised in Europe for many years, they can be related in many aspects to some forms of traditional Chinese medicine. The main goal of the new spa philosophy is the prevention of illness complemented by the idea, when illness is present, of allowing the body to heal itself.

To this end Chiva-Som's medical programmes add a new dimension to the quest for a better quality of health and a better quality of life, one lived with more energy and greater vitality and an increased ability to cope ever more successfully on the physical level with the myriad pollutants in our environment and, on the psychological plane, with stress at home and on the job.

The Spa
At the heart of Chiva-Som is the ultra-modern spa which has an impressive array of facilities. It has been carefully designed to provide a sense of spatial awareness to complement the harmonious ambience. Separate heat treatment facilities for male and female guests feature conveniently appointed changing rooms, saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis, cool plunge pools and relaxation lounges overlooking landscaped courtyards.

The treatment rooms include special therapy rooms for Thai massage as well as various other face and body treatments.

An elegant marble and glass hydrotherapy suite houses six rooms with computerised water massage baths imported from France. The baths are used for a range of treatments including improved circulation, muscle and tissue toning, cellulite therapies and relaxation. A spacious floatation room is also accommodated in this area. Other facilities include a make-up bay, manicure and pedicure and, to complete the top-to-toe programme, a unisex hairdressing salon.

Water Activities
Water plays an important part in the Chiva-Som programme. There is a bathing pavilion, complete with an exercise pool, plunge pool, waterfalls, a large hydro jacuzzi, Kneipp therapy foot bath and a unisex multi-level steam room. Set alongside the beach is a 10x20 metre outdoor pool for swimming, water sports and fun.

Guest Accommodations
In the centre of the Chiva-Som estate lies a cluster of guest pavilions inspired by traditional Thai architecture surrounded by tropical gardens, lakes and waterfalls. Western-style guest rooms are located at the far end of the grounds, with the spacious terrace of each room overlooking the Gulf of Siam. With only 57 rooms and suites, Chiva-Som is an exclusive retreat.

There is a compelling simplicity in the style of the architecture together with a sophistication of detail, which owes much to the use of natural materials such as wood, marble and hand-glazed ceramics. Images of the East and West prevail throughout, and although the atmosphere is elegant, open lounges with soft-running fans give guests a feeling of comfort and relaxation.

Large windows allow natural lighting everywhere and beautiful views of the beach and sea.

Medical Department
On arrival guests receive a private consultation to determine their current state of health to advise an appropriate treatment and activity schedule, suited to their individual requirements and personal goals. A fully qualified team of doctors, nurses and programme consultants, nutrition, exercise and fitness staff and other professionals are on hand to provide specialised advice and guidance.

Many of the programmes are effective in combating certain ailments, stress-related illnesses and cardiac rehabilitation and assisting guests to stop smoking. Chiva-Som also offers the latest treatments aimed at improving the efficiency of the immune system, rejuvenation and anti-ageing.

Spa Cuisine At its Best
No attempt to improve oneself is complete without proper attention to diet and nutrition. The first rule at Chiva-Som is to forget the notion that diet and nutrition equate uninspiring food. A meal of Chiva-Som's acclaimed spa cuisine of Asian and Western specialities proves that low-calorie, nutritious food can be a gourmet experience. And in order to ensure the quality of the food, Chiva-Som grows its fruits and vegetables in its own organic garden.

These are prepared and presented by a team of Thai and international master chefs. The only alcoholic beverages served here are wine and champagne.

Chiva Som's rates include three meals of spa cuisine, served at the emerald-green Dining Room with an air-conditioned area and an outdoor terrace. For those not on restricted diets who can do with extra calories during the day, the Seafront Restaurant serves healthy snacks and beverages, while fresh fruit juices and coffee and tea are available all day at the Open Lounge.

Should you need to lose weight, a qualified dietician can recommend a realistic and effective programme to help you achieve your target. A nutritional analysis and consultation are also available for those wishing to improve their eating habits.

Part of Chiva-Som's mission is also to develop ways to make life fuller, fitter, healthier and more enjoyable for its guest as it strives to offer the most up-to-date and effective therapies available. Chiva-Som takes pride in its respect for the care of the individual. No one is treated as a number or a statistic. A staff to guest ratio of almost four to one demonstrates just how important this factor is.