Good Life Getaways: 4 best wellness retreats in Hua Hin for a relaxing getaway

Could a wellness retreat be an antidote to all the tension we are currently surrounded with?

Now could be the right time. It’s getting kind of stressful in the city; whether it’s the pandemic causing anxiety or the tension kicking in from work as we slip into the summer season. There’s no denying: we could all use a relaxing retreat right about now.

Luckily Thailand is home to the most spiritual and holistic sanctuaries, and undoubtedly, is the ultimate destination for wellness retreats. Not too far from the bustling city centre lies our favourite getaway destination, Hua Hin, which feels cosmopolitan and yet still encapsulates the tradition of wellness resorts. Hua Hin is our lush natural haven that speaks bliss, and needless to say, is the nearest epitome of tranquility for a quintessential Thai retreat. Go for a healthy holiday escape to reboot, reconnect, and relax. Here, we’ve rounded up for you the best wellness retreats in Hua Hin where you can rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.

The Barai

The Barai is one of the most premier luxury spas in Thailand, and the ideal wellness destination for a rejuvenating holiday. Sitting on over 4.5 acres of land, The Barai was named after ‘Barays’ — the large manmade reservoirs created by the Khmers for their daily wellbeing. It was believed to be a part of the healing process, and this is reflect in the resort’s mesmerising and crafty architecture. It was designed to create an emotional impact or a certain mood for us to indulge in a journey of the body, mind, and spirit.

The specialties of The Barai are its customised authentic therapies and signature massages that are inspired by the traditions of ancient Thai rituals, along with the best of Western therapies. Once you are here, expect to let go and enjoy a healthy dining and balanced lifestyle with Yoga and Tai Chi so you can find your inner peace. The entire experience here is centred around the essence of water, and thus, the spa here offers a significant experience you won’t forget. Very holistic.

THE Barai Hua Hin, 29 91 Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Contact +66 32 511 234.

Chiva Som Hua Hin

Shed some toxins at Chiva Som International Health Resort, hailed as one of the world’s leading health retreats. We’ve seen Hollywood celebrities and business tycoons heading to this place, which speaks a lot for when it comes to choosing the best wellness destination. Expect to go into complete zen mode by being close to nature with the natural woods, modern amenities, and local fine skills in their Jasmine Suite, Chempaka Suite, and many more to count. Revitalise your body with their bespoke services and treatments like chakra-balancing, detoxification, spa programs, yoga, and even sustainable weight training. The natural renewal program is also there for those struggling from chronic health conditions.

From Naturopath experts to a hypnotherapist, Chiva Som boasts a range of treatments with a holistic approach and expertise. Who said retreats are boring? The activities here include hands-on cooking classes, pilates, dance classes, golf, and even aqua aerobics. Fancy sound therapy as well? Lucky for you, Chiva Som is celebrating their 25th Anniversary, and to commemorate, they are offering an extended getaway wellness journey for all guests until 31 October 2020. Do some early morning jogs by the beach, breathe some fresh air without worrying about pollution, and eat good food. You might just discover a part of you that you never knew existed.

Chiva Som Hua Hin, 73/4 Petchkasem Road, Tambon Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Contact +66 32 536 536.

Aleenta Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Explore nature’s beauty at Aleenta Hua Hin Resort and harmonise by the seaside. Aleenta offers ancient therapies with signature retreats and customised wellness programs guided by highly-trained practitioners. Think, yogi masters. Think, Ayurvedic practitioners and experts in Asian holistic medicine. Did you ever try Hatha Yoga? This might be the time to refine your self-awareness and let go of all your anxieties. Their therapeutic programs — MIND programs — also include meditation, yoga, and tai-chi to pause and restore. Eat healthy vegetarian meals from the resort’s own organic farm, have a personal consultation, and restore the healing energy flow in your body with their Therapeutic Thai massage. This could be a romantic getaway for couples to re-kindle an old passion or you could take the Eat Pray Love route, too with their Female Traveler package.

Aleenta Hua Hin Resort & Spa, 183, Pak Nam Pran, Pran Buri District, 77220, +66 2 514 8124.

SO Sofitel Hua Hin

Embark on a playful and luxurious retreat at SO Sofitel Hua Hin — a creative wonderland that will take you far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. SO Sofitel Hua Hin is the lavish retreat you would treat yourself to after long hours of work to chill and relax during the weekend. From a cheeky pool bar to well-being experiences at SO Spa and SO Fit, a complete family experience awaits for a FAM-cation. Apart from a 24/7 gym, there is also an 18-hole mini-golf course, Muay Thai, table tennis, and other sports facilities. Afterward, head on their SO Spa to unwind and cleanse your body and soul from well-trained therapists.

SO Sofitel Hua Hin, 115 Moo 7 Tambol Bangkao, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi 76120, Contact +66 32 709 555.

Good Life Getaways
As your guide to the good life, we’re always on the lookout for the best getaways in or from Bangkok. In this series, we’re exploring retreats that are good to nature, good for the soul, and good to know. Be it a mountain retreat or a digital beachside detox, a romantic rainforest rendezvous or an urban hidden gem, here’s where you can get away from it all, and indulge in that Good Life ethos in style.

This article first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok on 16 March 2020.