Asia’s first serious destination spa continues to coax and nurture even the weakest-willed into shape. Never one to rest on its laurels, every year Chiva-Som adds new and improved treatments to ensure it remains recognised as Thailand’s leading health resort. In addition to a host of life-changing retreats aimed at achieving everything from fitness and weight loss, through detox, holistic healing to good old fashioned pampering, this year saw the introduction of Vasti Ayurvedic treatments, using warm medicated oils to treat anything from lower back pain to relieving shoulder tension and helping the digestive system. This adds yet another string to Chiva-Som’s already impressive bow – Vasti or no Vasti, Chiva-Som provides a health fix like no other.

Luxurious yet relaxed, Kamalaya (a tropical paradise built in a jungle ravine – with knockout views of the beach) has carved itself a real detox niche. If a top-to-toe toxin purge is needed, this is the place to go. Since opening in 2005, not only have Kamalaya’s Detox programmes garnered world-wide acclaim, its Stress & Burnout programmes have also become hot property, expertly tackling the underlying causes of stress and finding ways to dissolve and manage it through personal mentoring sessions and meditation. Guests also benefit from fantastic naturopathic lifestyle consultations and nutritional guidance, plus there’s a host of restorative treatments and therapies to enjoy, all of which conspire to help bring back a sense of balance, making this a true retreat for mind, body and soul.