Since its founding almost three decades ago, it has been Chiva-Som’s belief that personal wellness goes hand in hand with community and environmental wellness, and as part of its year-long Friends of Chiva-Som campaign, it has joined hands with some of the world’s leading wellness ambassadors to promote healthy living and sustainability.
Celebrating World Mental Health Day on 10th October, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som hosted Susie Ellis, the Chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Institute. As one of the wellness industry’s leading experts and convenors of global conferences, Susie is a strong advocate of finding holistic balance in life, and the importance of mental as well as physical wellbeing. During an online discussion she participated in to mark the occasion, she highlighted the importance of breaking down the stigma associated with mental health, as well as practical steps individuals can take to improve theirs.
As the Middle East’s only full-immersion wellness destination, the setting of Zulal Wellness Resort for the event was particularly poignant, a place where whole families can retreat to reconnect both individually and with loved ones. “Health and wellbeing are not only physical, but also mental and spiritual”, said Heinrich Morio, its General Manager, “and we very much appreciate such a well-recognised and respected leader such as Susie joining us to further the cause of wellness” he continued.
At the Chiva-Som flagship in Hua Hin, Thailand, World Food Day was celebrated on 16th October. Executive Chef Sinchai Srivipa was joined by Chef Maximilian Müller of the two-Michelin-starred Pavillon at Baur au Lac in Switzerland. Together, they presented to the local community the importance of healthy and sustainable eating.
Setting up at the nearby Baan Bor Fai Municipal school, they presented to students the basics of nutrition, the benefits of locally sourced, organic produce not only for their health but also that of the environment, and how to prepare healthy meals that are also delicious. Prior to the event, the Chiva-Som gardening team had also visited, showing the children how to plant and nurture produce in their plot at the school.
Speaking on the occasion, Vaipanya Kongkwanyuen. General Manager of Chiva-Som Hua Hin said, “At Chiva-Som, we recognise the pivotal role that food plays in our lives – it not only nourishes our bodies but also binds communities together. I would like to thank both Chef Sinchai and Chef Maximilian for inspiring the next generation with the transformative power of healthy eating from an early age”.
Community and environmental wellness are at the heart of everything the Chiva-Som team does, with many CSR activities throughout the year, including mangrove planting, medical missions to remote villages, and community marathons.
