Tell us about Chivitr, where did the name come from?
Pronounced “chii – wit”, the word means “life” in Thai. The origin of the name for the retreat was that I wanted to create something that was a reflection of my life – my experiences – my passions and interests. However, as time moved on, and my vision for the retreat began to crystalise, I also realised that what I aimed to create would have a life-changing impact on guests and visitors who came to experience what Chivitr now offers.

The general feel of the place is very Chinese, where does this come from?
Simply put, the architectural look and feel I have aimed to create is a testimony to my own ancestry and heritage. My great grandparents began their lives in Hainan Island, China, before they immigrated to Thailand and made Phang Nga home, where they raised their family and my grandmother.

Do the Thai people take a lot of their influence from Chinese beliefs?
Yes, there is a lot of Chinese influence in Thai beliefs to this day. For instance, the lunar New Year is celebrated, along with other traditionally Chinese festivals and holidays.

What are these Chinese elements present in Chivitr?
The five ancient Chinese elements of earth, metal, water, wood and fire are represented in various ways at Chivitr. For example, five of our eight suites bear these five titles. Another example is our inclusion of five indulgent elements which emulate the five Chinese elements in our signature massage – a 3½ hour experience aimed primarily at couples, although also available for single guests.

How does this translate into your vision for Chivitr? Is there a dominating thought or belief involved?
In two ways – first of all the architecture and interior finishing applied throughout Chivitr very much encapsulates the Chinese influence. Secondly – the ethos of traditional Chinese medicine forms a core part of our approach to treatments and wellness at Chivitr.

What is the Thai philosophy on wellness? How do you define wellness?
In my opinion, the traditional Thai take on wellness is this: eat simple food; think simple and positive thoughts; sleep well; exercise; create a rhythm to one’s life.

Is Wellness all about therapy? What else does it involve?
Complete wellness is, in my opinion, a combination of four fundamental elements: good balanced nutrition and diet; regular movement and exercise; good quality of sleep; and a healthy mindset. Any one element missing from one’s overall approach to life and wellness will have a negative impact.

There are many unique dishes in your offerings; what is your approach in preparing them?
Our core aim is to show our guests and diners that healthy food doesn’t need to be bland and boring, both to look at and to eat.

We use only fresh and natural ingredients, wherever possible, organic produce. We aim to create innovative flavors and texture combinations. We want our guests to leave Chivitr not only understanding that healthy food can be exciting and flavor-packed, but that the dishes that are experienced here at Chivitr can be recreated back at home, using produce that can easily be found and adapted locally.

Let’s talk about Khun Or, are you from Thailand? Tell us a bit about your history.
I was born and raised in Thailand, then through my 20s and 30s spent time studying, then working and living in the U.K. and Italy. I returned home to Thailand in 2006.

For the past 20 years I have held a passionate, personal focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. That focus was sharpened 5 years ago when someone very close to me was diagnosed with a serious life-threatening illness. The illness was overcome, through lifestyle and dietary changes, and input from integrative medical specialists.

This experience inspired me to conceptualise, and then create Chivitr. A five-star retreat dedicated to helping others in similar circumstances to find the knowledge and support to change their lifestyle and improve their health, whilst embracing traditional ways to strengthen their body and mind.

Your healthy approach to living demands some change in the typical lifestyles that are supposed to be “healthy.” How is it different?
Everyone is different. Everyone’s body and metabolism is different. Everyone gets enjoyment and a sense of achievement and wellbeing in different ways. Everyone has different amounts of time to commit to a wellness lifestyle. If one can simply focus on the core elements of good balanced nutrition and diet; regular movement and exercise; good quality sleep; and a healthy mindset – and flex these and focus on these in a way that proves effective for oneself, then that will establish and maintain a ‘different’ approach to sustainable and effective wellness.

Changes don’t have to be radical or huge. For example, simply paying greater attention to how and how long we chew our food before swallowing it can make a tangible positive difference to our overall wellbeing.

Are there any special offerings at the Chivitr over the next few months that you can tell us about?
We are in the midst of revising and updating our ‘standard’ night packages to include several more spa and wellness experiences for guests booking these. So, more Chivitr for the same investment!

Please share a few parting words, nuggets of wisdom.
We can’t tell you that fixing your diet will cure every disease; or that detoxifying will cure your cancer; or that managing your stress and exercising will be miracle cures that make you slim. Illness and health are more complex than that. What we can tell you, with a deal of certainty, is that when you get these areas of your health wrong, your susceptibility to illnesses will be triggered. Existing illnesses are worsened. The chance of a cure moves further away.

If you are in need of a ‘reset’ in life, to re-establish priorities and to care for yourself better, some external expertise, input, and help can bring one to a new and improved state of balance.

We just need to take the first step. The statement attributed to Lao Tzu sums it all up – “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”