Chiva-Som

A well known destination spa, Thailand's Chiva-Som is now the world's first and only health resort to offer more treatment rooms than actual guest rooms! The recent addition of 19 new treatment rooms in the health and wellness area of the resort takes the total to 70—13 more than the 57 guest rooms—which means you'll never have to wait for an appointment. The approach is a truly holistic integrating health, wellbeing, fitness, medical and mind issues, offering 150 treatments by 85 highly qualified practitioners—many graduates from the Chiva-Som Academy in Bangkok. Located in the historic royal city of Hua Hin, about three hours by car from Bangkok, the resort is set on a beach amid tropical gardens and lotus ponds. I have friends who love it and go back year after year; others who have said it's no longer the 'real deal' and they are more concerned with making money than making your well-being improve. The Thai-style pavilions offer top-notch accommodations, but most guests come here for the unrivaled spa, health and fitness facilities—everything from a watsu pool to a medical rehabilitation studio. Each guest is assigned a Health & Wellness advisor on arrival, who will guide and assist with all aspects of your stay, making sure you leave in better shape than you arrive. The resort is strict on food and drink: a carefully controlled but very good Spa Cuisine is offered and alcohol is discouraged. The resort also operates to strict environmental policies—a big thumbs up.

Packages from $1,500 for three nights.