Stayed for 7 nights about two weeks ago. The Resort is small and very quiet, so it is not an action packed place. However people come here to relax, eat healthy (and very good), get some treatment and a lot of opportunities for exercising.

After the seven days I really got a great kick-start to a better lifestyle, not least because of the advice I was given from the Australian nutrition specialist and other staff members, who advice how to get rid of some bad habits.

Rooms and other facilities are good - you can probably find better in Asia for 500 $ a night, but they would not have the other aspects mentioned above.

It is not a cheap vacation, but still well worth the money, if you are looking to spoil yourself the "healthy way".

Actually I came here with my husband in May 2008 (sorry for LATE review). We chose the detox programme and stayed in a Thai pavilion.

Thai Pavilion: Disappointing. The furniture/interior was starting to age but what bothered me more was that there was little desktop space (two small desks and one was occupied by the TV) and the electric current that you activate when you put the key into the slot was noisy. We basically had to take out the key at night in order to be able to sleep. I told my health consultant and she said "Sorry to hear that" (but it's the way it is and we won't change anything about it).

Health consultant: They meet you and check your aims during your stay and explain how they work, take your weight etc. they are generallly speaking ok.

Detox: I really like their detox programme and they have friendly nurses to do the colon irrigation for you.

Facilities: We really liked them. They have a nice sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, relaxation area, dark room and they come and call you for your massage. They have a daily fitness schedule with stretching, step, yoga, aqua fitness etc.etc they also have a turkish steam room where you can go as a couple which I find nice. They have lots of other stuff that I did not see or try.

Massages: You get a daily massage as part of your detox programme, it lasts 45min and not a second longer. You can choose between three kinds of massages. If you want to have a different one, you have to pay the difference. I wanted to try an Indian one but somehow it was not possible as it was "a different department". So much for comprehensive service.

The hotel is located at the beach, the beach itself is nothing special. You can go horseriding at the beach or running, but I preferred to swim in the pool as the beach was full of jellyfish...

Restaurant: The food we did get to eat after our detox programme finished was very good. Saturday's barbecue is very special.

I can recommend this hotel for those that want to shape up, lose weight, detox, relaxation through a holistic approach, and want to enjoy their spa facilities and treatments. For honeymoon or relaxation of another kind, I would go someplace else.

I spent about 1 week in Chiva Som in May 2010 and it was one of my best holidays. The personell is very professional and fulfill all wishes you might have, there is a big variety of spa treatments and of activities like yoga, tai chi, meditation ect. The place offers also detox and other wellness activities. For those who are not doing detox, the restaurants (one at the pool and sea and the second in the main building) offer a big variety of very healthy food. The hotel is located at the sea and has one outdoor pool and small pools inside the spa area.
Childern under 16 years are not allowed at the resort in order to be able to provide maximum relaxation to the guests.
If you are looking for a relaxing, wellness oriented holiday with different massages, body treatments and facials and healthy food, this is the place to be.