Sasha Huang

Sep 25, 2023

How to Deal with Stress & Emotions with Chiva-Som Hua Hin's Wellness Director Chanyapak Suwankantha

INTERVIEW

Crowned as the 'Best Destination Spa in the World' in Condé Nast Traveler 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards, Chiva-Som Wellness Retreat takes the lead when it comes to wellness in Thailand.

Set across seven acres of lush greenery in Hua Hin, the luxury wellness hotel takes a holistic approach when it comes to reconnecting our mind, and body, to nature. Chiva-Som gathered industry experts and renowned treatments to guide its guests on their wellness journey, whether it is mental or physical health. Every experience is crafted to allow guests to enjoy the utmost comfort, relaxation and rejuvenation. From nutrition to spa treatments to recreation, Chiva-Som takes care of all those on a path to improve themselves. To get an insight into Chiva-Som’s mission and its amazing achievements, we sat down with the Wellness Director of Chiva-Som, Chanyapak Suwankantha.

1. What does the word ‘wellness’ mean to you?

Wellness refers to the state of being in good physical, mental and emotional and health. It involves taking care of oneself through healthy lifestyle choices such as eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, managing stress and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.

Wellness also includes maintaining positive relationships social connections pursuing personal growth and development. In essence, wellness is the holistic approach to maintaining overall health and wellbeing.

2. How do you define sustainability and how does it relate to wellness?

Sustainability refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves creating systems and practices that can be maintained over a long period without depleting natural resources or harming the environment.

Sustainability is closely related to wellness because the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities depends on the health of the planet. A sustainable lifestyle promotes a healthy environment, which in turn supports the health and wellbeing of people. For example, living in a polluted environment can have negative impacts on physical health, while being surrounded by nature can have positive effects on mental health.

In addition, sustainability and wellness are intertwined because they both involve taking a holistic and long-term approach. Just as wellness involves considering all aspects of one's health and making choices that support overall wellbeing, sustainability involves considering the social, economic and environmental impacts of our actions and making choices that will benefit us and the future generations. By promoting sustainability, we can ensure a healthier, more equitable and more prosperous future for everyone.

"Remember, everyone's needs are different, so it's important to find what works for you and prioritize self-care in your daily routine."

- Chanyapak Suwankantha, Chiva-Som Hua Hin Wellness Director

3. What makes Chiva-Som different from other wellness retreats?

Chiva-Som is a luxury wellness retreat located in Hua Hin, Thailand, that has been operating since 1995. It is known for its comprehensive approach to wellness, which incorporates traditional Eastern healing practices with cutting-edge Western medical technology.

There are several factors that set Chiva-Som apart from other wellness retreats. One of the most significant is its personalized approach. Each guest receives a customized program that is tailored to their individual needs and goals based on a comprehensive health and wellness assessment conducted by a team of experts. This includes consultations with nutritionists, fitness trainers, physiotherapist, spa therapists, dermatologist and other specialists who work together to create a program that addresses the guest's specific health concerns.

Another factor that sets Chiva-Som apart is its holistic approach to wellness. The retreat offers a wide range of programs that encompass all aspects of health and wellbeing, including physical fitness, nutrition, spa treatments, stress management and emotional wellbeing. In addition, Chiva-Som has a team of experts in traditional Eastern healing practices, such as Traditional Thai Medicine, Chinese medicine and meditation alongside Western medical professionals to offer a truly integrated approach to wellness.

Chiva-Som is also known for its beautiful location and top-notch accommodations, which provide a peaceful and relaxing environment for guests to focus on their health and wellbeing. The world-class retreat dwells on seven acres of lush tropical gardens boasting elegant rooms and suites as well as a variety of amenities such as a private beach, swimming pool and fitness center.

Overall, Chiva-Som's personalized approach, holistic approach and eco-friendly yet finest accommodations are some of the factors that set us apart from other wellness retreats.

4. Do you have a wellness routine in terms of dealing with stress or feeling overwhelmed?

Sure, here are some wellness practices that I use to reduce stress.

Mindfulness meditation: I practice mindfulness meditation regularly 10-15 mins before bedtime which can help reduce stress and increase feelings of calm and relaxation. Find a quiet place to sit, focus on my breath and let go of distracting thoughts.

Exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce stress by releasing endorphins and improving mood. I enjoy beach walk for at least 3 times a week. Being near water has been known to have a calming effect on the mind and body which can help relaxing and releasing anxiety, being in nature and breathing in fresh sea air can also improve mood and increase feelings of happiness.

Deep breathing: Take a few moments to practice deep breathing exercises throughout the day. This can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. I call it emotional spa.

Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night to help my body and mind to recover from the stresses through the day.

Connect with others: Spending time with friends, family and connecting with the others can help reduce feelings of isolation and stress.

Self-care: Take time to do things that can help me to relax and rejuvenate, such as having a massage, reading a book or spending time in nature. Prioritizing self-care can help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

Remember, everyone's needs are different, so it's important to find what works for you and prioritize self-care in your daily routine. If you find that stress is influencing your daily life, admit it and consider seeking help from a mental health expert who can provide you guidance and supports.

5. What do you hope guests will take away from their stay and experience at Chiva-Som?

Chiva-Som's goal is to provide guests with a holistic and transformative wellness experience that enables them to return to their daily lives feeling refreshed, renewed, and inspired. Whether guests are seeking to improve their physical health, manage stress, or simply relax and recharge, Chiva-Som aims to provide an environment and experience that supports their individual needs and goals. They can expect to take away a deep sense of relaxation, rejuvenation and empowerment. Through the resort's various wellness programs and activities, guests can learn new skills, gain insights into their health and wellbeing, and create positive habits that they can carry with them long after they leave.

6. Is there any exciting up-coming news for Chiva-Som that we can look out for?

We just newly launch our new service ‘Genomic Testing’ to support our guests’ specific wellbeing goals. The testing results will be conveyed to guests by specialised genomic and health counselling experts, then our Chiva-Som wellness team will recommend suitable programs for the guest’s specific genetic makeup from exercise, sleep protocols, treatments as well as advice on optimising nutrient intake and other lifestyle choices. The resort is constantly evolving and introducing new wellness programs, treatments and experiences as well as ever-changing wellness treatments from our visiting consultants to enhance guests' overall wellness and wellbeing. Stay up to date to any exciting upcoming news on @chivasomhuahin social media and at www.chivasom.com to plan your wellness journey with us.

All imagery is provided by Heavens Portfolio.

Book your wellness trip at Chiva-Som HERE