What: Chiva-Som. Where: Hua Hin, Thailand. Sanctuary: The Thai translation of Chiva-Som means “haven of life.” The spa (or “health resort”) visually embodies the meaning of its name. Guests at Chiva-Som are treated according to their mental, physical, and spiritual needs. Spa Setting: The beachfront city of Hua Hin, with the deep-aquamarine sea as a backdrop. Greetings: Upon arrival, a personal program is formulated for each guest, based on what he or she hopes to achieve at the spa (such as stress reduction, fitness improvement, holistic health, physical renewal, spa pampering, or weight management).

Signature Treatments: The detox retreat, which will place you on a monitored cleanse, accompanied by herbal detox supplements, colonic hydrotherapy, lymphatic drainage, and reflexology. For those looking for a beautifying and relaxing treatment, Chiva-Som’s signature Skin Smoothing Salt Scrub will jump-start good circulation and make your skin silky smooth. Or try the Oriental Foot Ritual (imagine nightly reflex-point massage sessions with exfoliation and steaming, herb-infused towels covering your legs and feet). Desperately Seeking Zen: Extensive holistic health options help guests to detox, boost metabolism, and transform digestion in natural ways. Treatments combine ancient practices with modern principles (Chinese rituals, Indian Ayurvedic traditions, Western naturopathy, and energy therapies). Contact: Chiva-Som is located at 73/4 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuab Khirikhan, Thailand, 77110.