Chiva-Som Hua Hin

Chiva-Som Hua Hin is proof that luxury can still equate to responsible travel. The luxury resort on Thailand’s Gulf Coast is regarded as one of the world’s premier wellness retreats. With a selection of personalised wellness programs, guests at Chiva-Som can enjoy a peaceful escape amidst luxurious surroundings. Every detail at the resort has been carefully considered, including its impact on the environment and support for local communities.

Awards

Chiva-Som regularly features in lists of the world’s best spas. More impressive, though, is the resort’s commitment to responsible travel. In 2025, Chiva-Som was a winner in the Responsible Thailand Awards, collecting the award in the Responsible Accommodation category. The resort also scored highly in the Responsible Conservation category, finishing as runner-up.

Chiva-Som marked its 30th anniversary in 2025, and recognition from the Responsible Thailand Awards is a fitting way to celebrate its achievements.

Wellness and sustainability

A strong advocate for eco-tourism, Chiva-Som has demonstrated that wellness can be successfully aligned with environmental consciousness. As a member of the Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT), Chiva-Som exchanges knowledge and aligns with global best practices and sustainability trends. The resort is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has to date  achieved an impressive 13 SDGs.

Guests at Chiva-Som receive personalised consultations that consider nutrition, stress management, and mindfulness, while also encouraging sustainable habits that can be maintained long after departure.

Traditional Thai healing practices sit alongside modern medical and therapeutic approaches, creating an integrated wellness model that respects cultural heritage while embracing scientific advancement.

Environmental work

Chiva-Som is designed and built to minimise impact on local ecosystems and protect biodiversity. The resort is now focused on becoming a zero-waste, carbon-neutral property, with ongoing investment in energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable sourcing, and community engagement. Chiva-Som also leads by example through various groups, including Preserve Hua Hin and the Krailart Niwate mangrove ecosystem preservation project.

Preserve Hua Hin
In 2004, Chiva-Som formed the Preserve Hua Hin Group as a community development organisation. Under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the group organises events such as carbon-neutral outdoor concerts, reforestation projects and beach clean-ups. These events aim to promote environmental awareness and preservation, and increase social interaction in the local community.

Krailart Niwate Mangrove Project
This project aims to preserve and regenerate the last remaining urban mangrove ecosystem in Hua Hin and promote scientific understanding, knowledge and appreciation of nature. This is a reconstructed wetland project which also provides a natural environment for the public to walk, relax, and experience the ecosystem.    

Support for local communities

A defining element of responsible tourism is how a business engages with its surrounding community. At Chiva-Som, local employment and skills development are central priorities. The resort employs a significant number of staff from Hua Hin and nearby provinces, offering long-term career development, professional training, and stable livelihoods within the wellness and hospitality sector.

Local sourcing is another key pillar of responsible tourism. Wherever possible, ingredients, products, and services are sourced from nearby suppliers, supporting regional farmers, producers, and businesses. This not only reduces transport-related emissions but also strengthens the local economy and helps preserve traditional knowledge and practices.

In 2024, Chiva-Som launched an initiative to improve the quality of life for the Pa-La-U Karen Village. This off-grid community near the Myanmar border faced critical challenges with electricity and clean drinking water. Chiva-Som helped install drinking water filtration systems, water storage tanks, and improved the kindergarten canteen and classroom facilities.  In addition, solar upgrades have been completed to ensure consistent electricity access for all households in the village.  Supplies have also been donated with reusable linens, study materials, toys and food, amongst the items distributed to the community.