CHIVA-SOM, HUA HIN, THAILAND
Vaipanya Kongkwanyuen, General Manager
PROPERTY’S RESPONSE TO EVERCHANGING TRAVEL REGULATIONS
Based on the new regulations from the Thai Government, from 22 December 2021 until further notice, guests can travel to Thailand through the Phuket Sandbox or Happy Quarantine (Alternative Quarantine) schemes due to the temporary suspension of the Thailand Pass for all new Test & Go and Sandbox applications. From 11 January 2022, Krabi, Phang-Nga, and Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao) Sandbox programs will also be available.
Key Covid-19 Prevention Measures enforced at Chiva-Som:
• Guests are required to take an ATK test upon arrival
• Guests are required to wear a mask in all public areas of
the resort
• All Chiva-Som staff have been fully vaccinated
• Chiva-Som is now officially SHA Plus+ certified
— The SHA (Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration) certificate is awarded by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to hotels that meet pandemic-level safety, sanitation, and health standards
Transportation
On the car journeyto Hua Hin, we strongly recommend against making any stops to ensure that your route remains ‘sealed’ as per Thai Government requirements. If it is necessary, such as a restroom emergency, the driver is only permitted to stop at two designated and approved locations.
ENSURING PEACE OF MIND
As a leading wellness destination, we give the utmost importance to Covid-19 safety measures for our guests and staff’s peace of mind. Sanitization and disinfection of the resort is conducted daily in accordance with the standards set forth by PPHO (Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Public Health Office) and SHA (Safety and Health Administration) Plus +, while ATK tests are being conducted on the general staff population on a regular basis. The VUCA (Vaccine, Universal Prevention, Covid Free setting & ATK Test) policy is applied and promoted to raise awareness for guests and staff at all times.
LESSONS LEARNED
Since the Resorthas remained open throughout the Covid-19 situation, specific sanitation and proper hygiene standards have become part of our new normal. We’ve also become more vigilant about staying on top of the changes that are happening locally and globally, allowing us to be more proactive and react faster to sudden changes. A good example of this is our online wellness service, which has been developed and launched from the start of the pandemic. This innovative approach helps us stay connected with our guests and provide them physical and psychological support, when needed.
TRAVELER EXPERIENCE AND PREFERENCES
Everyone who visits Chiva-Som comes with the purpose of improving their health, as well as relax and pamper themselves in various aspects including physiotherapy, fitness, holistic, dietary nutrition, and spa. During this time, Covid-19 has made people more keenly aware of having a strong immune system and the need for wellness to support that. Our guests have started to really utilize their time here by attending a lot more sessions than usual.
UPDATED TRAVEL CHECKLIST
Ever-changing situations and information regarding traveling can impact plans at the last minute. For example, airports may suddenly close, flights could be delayed or cancelled, or there may be different requirements to enter different countries. Therefore, watching the news, researching the destination you are traveling to, staying on top of entry requirements and policies, and keeping in regular contact with the hotel/resort you are staying at is vitally important. Aside from masks and hand sanitization, good nutrition and hydration will help keep your immune system on guard during your travels. You can prepare food in advance, such as a good quality nut and seed mix, baby carrots, protein bars with minimal refined sugars, or other food items that are easy to carry in your bag.
We’ve also become more vigilant about staying on top of the changes that are happening locally and globally, allowing us to be more proactive and react faster to sudden changes.”