CHIVA-SOM HUA HIN WELCOMES 2026 WITH A YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION OF HOLISTIC WELLBEING ROOTED IN THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL THAI MEDICINE (TTM)

Reaffirming its dedication to Thailand’s cultural and healing heritage, Chiva-Som Hua Hin enters 2026 with a wellbeing concept rooted in Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM) as its guiding wellness philosophy for the coming year.

With a history spanning more than 2,500 years, Traditional Thai Medicine is a holistic healing system centred on harmony between the body, mind, and environment. It has been embedded in Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s offering since the resort’s inception and remains fundamental to its integrative approach to balancing physical, mental, and emotional health. Time-honoured treatments - including therapeutic bodywork, movement disciplines, and herbal remedies - are delivered by the resort’s experienced certified TTM practitioner, drawing on the indigenous wisdom for which the country is renowned.

TTM’s deep attunement to nature’s rhythms and seasonal shifts is reflected in Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s operational ethos, which is born of the belief that personal wellness and the wellbeing of the planet go hand in hand. Since opening in 1995, the resort has been globally acclaimed for setting new standards not only in integrative health and personalised wellness, but also for championing responsible practices that respect individual and social wellbeing and the natural environment.

“Traditional Thai Medicine is a key part of Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s core philosophy, upon which our approach to holistic health has been built for more than three decades,” says Vaipanya Kongkwanyuen, General Manager of Chiva-Som Hua Hin. “As we welcome 2026, we honour this ancient wisdom not only through therapeutic practices, but by inviting guests to reconnect with nature, rhythm, and balance in everyday life. By integrating time-honoured Thai healing traditions with modern wellness, we continue our commitment to nurturing mindfulness and sustainable wellbeing practices for long-term vitality and wellbeing, for both people and the planet.”

Influenced by Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, yet distinctly Thai in its emphasis on seasonal rhythms, environmental influences, and natural remedies, TTM continues to be practiced today, seamlessly integrated into Thailand’s modern healthcare and wellness landscapes. At its core is the concept of the Four Elements (Dhatu) - Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire - which influence individual constitution, health, and emotional balance. When these elements are in equilibrium, vitality and wellbeing naturally follow.

Throughout 2026, Chiva-Som Hua Hin will spotlight one element each quarter, shaping wellness themes that guide treatments, group activities, movement, nutrition, and cultural experiences. Guests will also be invited to complimentary bi-weekly sessions, Thai Wisdom for Element Balance, guided by Chananchida Banyeam, Senior TTM Practitioner and Holistic Therapist, exploring how elemental balance can be applied across spa therapies, fitness, nutrition, daily habits, rest, and lifestyle. Throughout the year guests may also explore TTM treatments, including Thai Massage and the Traditional Thai Herbal Joint Poultice, where warmed herbal compresses ease joint tension, stimulate circulation, and support elemental balance using time-honoured Thai remedies.

Clockwise from top left: Neuromuscular Exercise; Chi Nei Tsang; Thai Boxing; H2O Body Complex

Fire (Dhatu Fai) – January to March 2026

The year began with Fire (Dhatu Fai), the element of transformation. Fire is responsible for warmth, digestion, metabolism, and emotional intensity. It enables the body to convert food and experiences into energy. When balanced, Fire supports strong digestion, steady energy, and emotional clarity. When excessive or depleted, it may manifest as inflammation, fatigue, irritability, digestive discomfort, or burnout.

During Q1, Chiva-Som’s offerings are designed to gently activate and harmonise the Fire element, supporting metabolic vitality and renewal.

January: Awakening Inner Fire

The opening month focuses on gently activating metabolic energy and inner vitality. Guests are invited to experience Metabolic Breathing, a complimentary diaphragmatic breathing practice designed to increase oxygen intake and boost metabolic rate, supporting sustained energy and vitality. Energy Awakening sessions, offered as complimentary group experiences or personalised one-on-one sessions (with charge), use rhythmic breathing to de-stress the body, encourage cellular cleansing, and guide participants into a deep meditative state. A Fire-inspired cultural ritual, Floating Flower with Candle, symbolises light, creativity, and renewal, with fresh flowers and softly glowing candles arranged in water as a mindful expression of inner warmth.

February: Strengthening & Circulation

February’s programme channels Fire into movement, circulation, and physical strength. An energising Beach Power Walk along Hua Hin’s shoreline combines cardiovascular conditioning with lower body toning and core activation. The Crystal Massage & Quantum Healing – Hot Basalt Back Ritual harnesses the Fire element through heated basalt crystals gliding along energy channels to release tension, enhance circulation, and awaken inner radiance. Complementing this is the Total Body Instability Exercise, a dynamic complimentary workout using an instability mat that mimics aquatic movement on land to promote strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.

March: Activation & Flow

March brings Fire into fluid motion and energetic flow. Complimentary Aqua Box classes combine boxing techniques with water resistance to deliver a high-energy aquatic workout that enhances cardiovascular endurance, coordination, and core stability. Vacuum Cupping (TCM), offered with charge, integrates warmth and gentle suction to stimulate circulation, release stagnation, and restore the body’s natural energy flow. Guests can also participate in a complimentary Neuromuscular Exercise Programme focused on improving central nervous system function and muscular control. The month concludes with the Floating Flower with Candle experience.

This quarter, guests are also invited to attend a complimentary talk class, Balance Inner Fire. This educational session explores the Fire element in Traditional Thai Medicine and its influence on emotions, motivation, digestion, and metabolism, while offering practical food and lifestyle guidance to help restore harmony and vitality.

The three daily complimentary wellness cuisine meals that are included in every stay further support the Fire element for guests wishing to immerse themselves more deeply in this philosophy. Menus emphasise baking, grilling and roasting, and fresh salad preparations, featuring fresh, sour, and gently spicy flavour dishes to encourage digestion and metabolic vitality. Highlights include Satay Tofu Skewers with curried almond sauce and cucumber relish, and Nam Tok with a grilled selection of protein, dressed with spicy tamarind sauce. Cooling Rosella Tea supports circulation and balance, while a Bitter Gourd Shot aids metabolism and digestive balance.

From April to June, the focus will be on the element of Wind, which governs movement and communication within the body. This includes the breath, the circulation of energy, and nervous system activity. Wind is closely linked to mental clarity, adaptability, and emotional responsiveness.

From July to September, the element of Water will be explored through a series of activations. Water embodies all bodily fluids responsible for nourishment, lubrication, and circulation, supporting hydration, cooling, and the smooth functioning of organs and tissues.

The year will conclude with the element of Earth from October to December. Earth represents the solid structures of the body that provide form, strength, and stability. It governs physical mass, resilience, and the body’s ability to support movement and posture.

Guests booking in advance benefit from special rates valid for stays throughout 2026:

• Save 20% on retreat bookings made at least 120 days in advance with a minimum three-night stay

• Save 15% on retreat bookings made 90 to 119 days in advance with a minimum five-night stay.

  
  

Rates start from THB 24,000++ (approx. GBP 565) per person, per night in an Ocean Room Double on full board with a raft of wellness inclusions.

Please visit www.chivasom.com for further information and to book, or book via preferred travel partners.

-ENDS-

ABOUT CHIVA-SOM 

Inspired by the founder Mr. Boonchu Rojanastien's motto "Above All, Enjoy Your Life," Chiva-Som translates to "Haven of Life" in Thai, reflecting its commitment to revitalising the mind, body, and spirit. Where enrichment thrives and lives are transformed, Chiva-Som is a sanctuary of holistic wellness for a transformative lifestyle. This ethos, deeply ingrained since its inception in 1995, has propelled Chiva-Som to the forefront of global wellness. Our flagship Chiva-Som Hua Hin in Thailand, and the recent addition of Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar, exemplify our unwavering commitment to providing guests with the tools to achieve optimal physical, mental, and emotional health. Guided by our knowledgeable and compassionate staff, guests embark on a transformative journey tailored to their individual needs. Our innovative approach seamlessly integrates mind, body, and spirit, fostering a sense of balance and tranquillity. Beyond our resort experiences, Chiva-Som’s approach to wellness extends to the wider community, with educational opportunities and global sustainability initiatives at the core of everything we do.

• ‘The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World: The Gold List 2026’ – Condé Nast Traveler/Traveller

• ‘Serene Coastal Wellness Resort in Hua Hin’ – Robb Report Hong Kong’s Best of the Best 2026

• ‘Traditional Healing’ – Condé Nast Traveller Germany Wellness & Spa Awards 2025

• ‘The Most Loved Wellness Destination’ – Hello Thailand Beauty & Wellness 2025

• ‘Outstanding Award’ – Health and Wellness – Thailand Tourism Awards 2025

• ‘Sustainability Award- Health & Wellness Tourism’ - Thailand Tourism Awards 2025

• ‘Spa Retreat of the Year’ – Compare Retreats Luxury Wellness Travel Awards 2025

• ‘Best 100 Hotels in Asia-Pacific’ – Tatler Best Asia 2025

• ‘Best Wellness Retreat’ - Tatler Best Thailand 2025

• Best 100 Hotels in Asia - Tatler Best Asia 2024

• ‘Travel & Leisure/Spa’ - Marie Claire UK Sustainability Awards 2024

• ‘Wellness & Spa Retreat’ – Thailand Tourism Gold Awards 2023

• 'Best Destination Spa in the World' - Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards 2022

• 'Fighting Fit' - Tatler Spa Awards 2022

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Iustina Roman (iustina@frogandwolfpr.com), Christina Dendrinou (christina@frogandwolfpr.com), Leanne Barton (leanne@frogandwolfpr.com), Nat Frogley (nat@frogandwolfpr.com) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@frogandwolfpr.com) at Frog & Wolf PR.