Chiva-Som Sustainable Weight Loss Retreat in Hua Hin, Thailand

Chiva-Som sits in Hua Hin, about three hours' drive south of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand. The property is built around tropical gardens with sea views, and the whole place runs on a wellness routine — but a flexible one. You're not locked into a bootcamp schedule. You'll sit down with a health and wellness advisor shortly after arrival, talk through your goals and current health, and then choose which treatments and classes to fill your days with.

The Sustainable Weight Management programme is built on measurement first. A blood test gives the medical team and nutritionist objective data — cholesterol, blood sugar, markers that influence weight — and a body composition analysis breaks down exactly how much of you is bone, muscle and fat. From there, your personal trainer builds a programme that works in the gym and at home after you leave. The nutritional consultation isn't prescriptive: the nutritionist explains what your body needs and how nutrients affect sustainable weight control, rather than handing you a diet sheet.

Daily life includes up to nine fitness and leisure classes — group sessions with other guests. Personal training sessions run 50 minutes and are suitable at any exercise level, so beginners are fine. Pilates is offered one-to-one in a fully equipped studio, working on core stability, flexibility and postural alignment. Super Stretch sessions are one-to-one assisted stretching with muscle manipulation, 25 or 50 minutes depending on your package.

Longer stays add treatments that target fat specifically. The Slimming Body Mask uses essential oils, plant and seaweed extracts to help break down fatty deposits — a minimum of three treatments is recommended for results. The LPG Cellu M6 Alliance is a machine-based treatment combining two technologies to eliminate fat while improving skin quality. Chi Nei Tsang is an abdominal massage working over the navel and surrounding areas where tension accumulates; it's recommended in courses of three and helps with digestive issues. Colonic Hydrotherapy cleanses the large intestine — one to three sessions are recommended during detox, and guests typically report more energy and mental clarity afterwards.

What separates this from a standard weight-loss retreat is the medical depth. Blood tests, body composition analysis, naturopathic consultations, access to a full naturopathic dispensary of herbs and supplements, and a doctor and nutritionist reviewing your results. You're also choosing from real treatments each night rather than one fixed option — Thai massage, Chiva-Som Signature Massage, Invigorating Massage, Relaxing Foot Massage, Oriental Scalp Massage, Chiva-Som Skin Haven Body Polish, hydrotherapy (Detoxifying Balneotherapy, Floatation or Body Jet Blitz), or a manicure or pedicure.

Hua Hin itself is a beach town with a night market, restaurants and a long stretch of sand. Chiva-Som offers the option of leaving the resort, but most guests stay on property for the duration. Laundry is included (four pieces per day), as are robes and pyjamas, so packing light is realistic.

What's included

- Accommodation for your chosen programme length (5, 7, 10 or 14 nights) - Three wellness cuisine meals per night of stay (starting with dinner on arrival day) - One treatment per night of stay (Thai Massage, Signature Massage, Invigorating Massage, Foot Massage, Scalp Massage, Body Polish, Hydrotherapy, Manicure or Pedicure) - Daily fitness and leisure activities (up to nine classes daily) - Unlimited use of resort facilities (steam rooms, saunas, jacuzzis, cold plunge pools, swimming pools, gymnasium) - Individual health and wellness consultation on arrival - Wellness minibar replenished daily - Laundry (four pieces per day) - Robes and pyjamas - Chiva-Som Collection gift set (tote bag, journal, amenity bag, water flask) - Blood test for Sustainable Weight Management - Body composition analysis (one on 5 and 7-night, two on 10 and 14-night programmes) - Nutritional consultation - Detox supplement set - Personal training sessions (2 on 5-night, 4 on 7-night, 6 on 10-night, 8 on 14-night) - Super Stretch sessions (2 on 5-night 50min, 2 on 7-night 50min, 3 on 10-night 25min, 4 on 14-night 25min) - Naturopathic, Mental Wellness or MBSR consultation (one, choice of) - Slimming Body Mask initial (10 and 14-night programmes) - LPG Cellu M6 Alliance initial (10 and 14-night programmes) - LPG Cellu M6 Alliance follow-up (14-night programme) - Chi Nei Tsang (14-night programme) - Colonic Hydrotherapy (14-night programme)

What's not included

- International flights - Airport transfers (unless arranged separately) - Travel insurance - Additional treatments beyond those included - Additional personal training or Pilates sessions - Alcoholic beverages - Personal expenses and gratuities - Medical prescriptions from the naturopathic dispensary