On an exclusive beach side 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.

Chiva-Som, is one of the first health resorts worldwide to practise a revolutionary spa philosophy. In this new, comprehensive and holistic approach, spa treatments are complemented by medical wellness programmes. The nature of these programmes are biological and non-toxic, and although developed and practised in Europe for many years, they are 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.