Originally Posted by eutow

I don't believe so - it looked to me like the rates quoted were for these specific listed packages. If you go to the reservation request page here it doesn't specify a 3 day minimum, and I am sure if you emailed them they would quote for a shorter time (except perhaps around Christmas and New Year).

That said, if your aim is to visit it for health benefits, I would suggest that you try to go for more than 3 days - it takes a while to start to destress. I prefer to go for 7 nights, and if I can't make the time, then certainly for 5. If you just want to visit a nice resort, then of course even a couple of nights is OK. Let me know if you have other questions.

Originally Posted by francophile

Is it true that the Chiva-Som has a three night minumum? Their web site does not list rates for less than three nights.

http://www.chivasom.com/content/retr...troduction.htm

Originally Posted by eutow

I usually go to Chiva-Som twice a year, and like it a lot. The resort is lovely, and the staff charming. Some of the rooms and parts of the spa are showing their age a bit, but management has been regularly making improvements. Although it is a health resort, and so the food options are all pretty healthy, they are not draconian, and if you get bored with the food (I never have!), it is easy enough to go into town for something unhealthy . When I'm there I don't usually feel like leaving the resort. They run free activity classes all day in case you're interested, but it is just as easy to laze around and enjoy the environment.

Originally Posted by Kettering Northants QC

Chiva Som, near Hua Hin, is supposed to be very nice - Health spa meets Luxury Thai Hotel.

A notch down near Hua Hin
The Sofitel (In Hua Hin)
Anantara
Dusit
Hyatt

Originally Posted by Peter4

I am in Hua Hin now -- my fifth visit here in the past few years.
Any of those resorts suggested above by Kettering Northants QC would be 5-star.
The locals tell me that Chiva Som is 7-star, but I have no first-hand experience.

I will say again, Hua Hin is the best choice for Colin's OP request for, "the best luxury beach resort that is driveable from Bangkok airport."

Weather here now is magnificent: tropical balmy, but not hot and not humid.
This evening has the soft, warm, air that is very soothing.
It provided the perfect atmosphere for our seafood dinner on a deck overlooking the Gulf of Thailand (complete with candle light).

November is "shoulder" season here, so no crowds at all.
Most visitors are middle-age Europeans; including a few families with children.
Hua Hin is popular with Scandinavians and Germans, based on the restaurants I see and the languages I hear.

Hua Hin is the second most expensive resort in Thailand --after Phuket -- so it attracts visitors who are able to afford higher quality accomodations and service.
While there are a few guest houses here, Hua Hin is really not oriented to budget travellers/backpackers.

If any specific questions, you are welcome to send me email or private message.

- Peter
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