Having lunch with Doctor Niwat Polnikorn at the Chiva-Som Emerald Room was a most enlightening experience.
While we were savoring the cuisine, Dr Niwat provided his insights about the journey of Chiva-Som from beginnings as a private retreat for the founder Boonchu Rojanastien, the father of current CEO & Chairman Krip Rojanastien. After opening as a health retreat some 21 years ago, the journey continued towards worldwide recognition as an iconic destination for travellers seeking a rejuvenation and wellness sanctuary. Dr Niwat is the Clinical Professor, Cosmetic Surgeon and Skin Laser Specialist who holds the position of Medical Director of the Niranlada Clinic at the Chiva-Som.
He is a world-renowned cosmetic dermatologist and surgeon, active in clinical service, teaching and research. Dr. Niwat was the first to introduce laser treatment for dermatology to Thailand in 1982. About The Chiva-Som The Chiva-Som mantra, represented by the tri-part logo is about healing the body, mind and spirit. Guests, or perhaps we should say clients, are those who have niggling doubts about their health status. They are not really satisfied with their quality of life. Hospital treatment is probably not what is needed, but an assessment, a plan and then a medically supervised program to achieve that healing. They may also be looking for ‘time out’ from a stressful lifestyle where they can experience privacy, calm and reflection.
We can’t name names, but the clientele includes well known celebrities from the world of show business, international sport and even the royalty of other nations. Allan Lamb, former England cricket Captain, writing for the Daily Mail UK: “After many years of abusing my body during my cricketing career, I decided it was time to find out what damage I had caused – and visiting a spa seemed the easiest way to do it. I am not normally a ‘spa man’ but I instantly fell for Chiva-Som. I didn’t realise it is possible to escape from the temptations of everyday life and still enjoy a refreshing and relaxing stay.”
The options to participate in personal rejuvenation activities are diverse, multiple and holistic. Just a quick scan of a weekly schedule reveals a huge range of options such as beach running/power walking, stretching classes, aqua aerobics, yoga, Pilates, Qui Gong Therapy, detox cooking and Rolfing to name just a few. There are at least a dozen activities available everyday. However always as part of a planned program so the choices are not overwhelming or intimidating.
About Niranlada Medi-Spa Within this framework, the Niranlada Medi-Spa complements Chiva-Som’s wellness approach with the latest developments in both modern aesthetic treatments and micro-invasive cosmetic surgery. The name Niranlada means ‘eternal beauty’. This includes laser skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal, laser for dilated veins, facial redness, hyper-pigmentation and sun-spots, tightening of face and neck, acne treatment, cellulite treatment, lipolysis and contouring and botulinum toxin (botox) and fillers for wrinkles and deep folds. An initial consultation is the basis to discuss personal requirements and to evaluate which treatments are best suited.
Photos become part of a ‘before and after’ comparison to evaluate improvements with time. My own assessment used a VISIA 3–dimensional computerised facial imaging and colour photography to evaluate my skin condition. This was reassuring with no evidence of dangerous skin damage after my misspent youth unprotected at the beach. About The Future Clearly Dr Niwat has a passion for rejuvenation. He proudly displays a portrait by an artist who lost the use of his dominant hand but then trained so that the other hand was able to ‘take over’. Dr Niwat is now developing the means to harvest human stem cells to use in therapeutic techniques. This has already been proven in treating joint deterioration as an alternative to joint replacement.
A purpose made facility is on the drawing board as a future Chiva-Som inspired project. Although we’ve talked about international clients being an important part of the Chiva-Som business model, assessments and programs are also available for Hua Hin residents or visitors. It’s really just a matter of making an appointment for an introduction and then evaluating how your well-being can be managed. An initial 15-minute consultation is complimentary with a facial skin analysis. Treatment or micro-invasive surgery can then be performed on the next appointment at the international standard aesthetic centre.
Chiva-Som International Health Resorts Co. Ltd.
73/4 Petchakasem Road Hua Hin Phone: 66 (0) 3253 6536
Email: reserve@chivasom.com, www.chivasom.com