Retreat, Retreat!
Prestige Singapore|September 2019
A three-day programme at Chiva-Som gives Grace Tay some much-needed physical and mental remedy, leaving her wishing for a long-stay wellness rehab
Grace Tay
Retreat, Retreat!

Pinch therapy is a thing. So is smack therapy. And whoever first said, “take a breath” to halt panic attacks knew what they were talking about. All this I learned from a few short, immensely fruitful days remedying my enervated self at Chiva-Som International Health Resort in Hua Hin, Thailand.

It is a three-hour drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The ride, though in a faultlessly comfortable Mercedes-Benz E Class and for the most part along smooth highways, is sadly longer than the flight from Singapore. If you’re prone to cabin fever and don’t want to risk bad traffic, consider flying private directly to Hua Hin Airport.

I checked into Chiva-Som with my share of baggage: a sleep deficit the size of Venezuela, the pressure of overdue story deadlines looming over my head and project reports due all at once, and run-of-the-mill ennui. So, although here I was in a tranquil Thai resort complete with a lake with a waterfall and lush tropical greenery, looking forward to a reset and rejuvenation, I was by no means in a state to let go, relax and be present.

The first forced intervention really helped: digital devices (including e-readers) are strictly prohibited from use except in your own room or the Library to ensure privacy for guests as well as to encourage a digital detox. Wonderful! I had an excuse to be uncontactable for most of my three days here.

I immediately missed my phone camera though, when zipping around by buggy for a quick introductory tour of the picturesque seven-acre compound. The resort only has 54 rooms – a mix of suites, rooms, and villas – and a good number of fitness studios, open-air workout spaces, indoor and outdoor pools, and wellness facilities. Everything is within an easy 10-minute-or-so stroll, one point to the next.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 2019 من Prestige Singapore.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 2019 من Prestige Singapore.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من PRESTIGE SINGAPORE مشاهدة الكل
Double Take
Prestige Singapore

Double Take

Although somewhat dismissed by the contemporary art world as gimmicky, works that incorporate optical illusions remain immensely popular with the general public. Perhaps it speaks to our inherent need for something slightly magical in our everyday lives.

time-read
6 mins  |
September 2024
Plugged Into Wealth
Prestige Singapore

Plugged Into Wealth

Fintech advocate Carney Mak is bullish on disruptive technologies, but preaches deep understanding of business models before diving in.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
Going for Green
Prestige Singapore

Going for Green

SIMON ROGAN's visionary approach of cooking in tune with nature is inspiring chefs in Asia to be more sustainable.

time-read
6 mins  |
September 2024
TABLES TURNED
Prestige Singapore

TABLES TURNED

They could have their pick of the best schools, but more young super achievers from Asia are going to a hotel academy a choice they believe opens up more doors.

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024
PRECIOUS HISTORY
Prestige Singapore

PRECIOUS HISTORY

Cleef Arpel TACHA VASSILTCHIKOV res her insights the jewellery house Peers preserving its patrimony and Heritage.

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024
MARKS OF DISTINCTION
Prestige Singapore

MARKS OF DISTINCTION

A clasp-free necklace that could be easily put on by the wearer, without assistance.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
Colours of the Season
Prestige Singapore

Colours of the Season

Thanks to K-pop stars, analysing colours to personalise make-up has surged, with theslategs service available from the boutique of Korean. brity make-up artist JUNG SAEM MOOL.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
MAKING OF AN OPUS
Prestige Singapore

MAKING OF AN OPUS

In Hermes’ Barénia, in-house perfumer CHRISTINE NAGEL has realised a decade-long dream that harks back to her childhood stories.

time-read
6 mins  |
September 2024
Everywhere Care
Prestige Singapore

Everywhere Care

Serums from homegrown skincare brand Blé de Fonty target more than just the face.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
Pucker Up
Prestige Singapore

Pucker Up

Lip moisturisers are essential in Singapore’s air-conditioned environment. We share our personal favourites and introduce lip care that go the distance.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024