CHIVA-SOM RECEIVES GLOBALLY RECOGNISED ORGANIC AGRICULTURE CERTIFICATION 

Pioneering Thai wellness resort's organic gardens receive IFOAM accreditation

International health & wellness resort, Chiva-Som, in Hua Hin Thailand, is proud to announce that its two organic gardens have received Organic Agriculture Certification in accordance with Agriculture Certification Thailand (ACT-IFOAM) Organic Standards on 4 June 2020. ACT is an independent, non-profit organisation that inspects and certifies organic agriculture in Thailand and Asia. ACT-IFOAM Organic Standards and the certification process is accredited by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) headquartered in Bonn, Germany, which is recognised globally.

Chiva-Som organic certification includes the field of “crop production” for vegetables, fruits and herbs, nearly 80 crop products grown in its organic gardens. Some of the accredited produce include bananas, guavas, dragon fruit, aloe, basil, celery, Chinese cabbage, ginger, green eggplant, mango and spinach to name a few.

Corporate Director of Sustainability and Compliance for Chiva-Som, Dilshan David, commented, “Achieving IFOAM accreditation for our organic farms following an extended period of soil development, field studies and experiments, is truly commendable. We are honoured to accomplish this goal which highlights our commitment to promoting a healthier and  more sustainable lifestyle. It is not only growing organic produce but working to achieve self-sufficiency, sustainable production, sustainable waste management, and combat climate change. Our efforts to make our organic gardens the main supplier of fresh and nutrient-rich ingredients for our wellness cuisine will continue with greater success in the future. We hope to promote healthier and happier lives by bringing people closer to nature in every aspect of our offerings.”

He added, “We would like to commend the hard work of our gardeners who work tirelessly to grow the exceptional quality vegetables, fruits and herbs that are free from chemicals and pesticides, along with composting organic waste from the resort to produce nutrient-rich fertiliser – not only taking care of our environment, but protecting our overall health and wellbeing as well.”

Chiva-Som's wellness guidelines promote the consumption of plant-based food. Garden fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs offer a variety of flavours; avoid many health issues caused by meat consumption; contain low amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol; and offer a wide range of nutrients for a healthier body. Vegetarian options in Chiva-Som's wellness cuisine take pride of place. The resort has limited the meat-based food offerings on their menu to include more chicken, fish, and selected seafood options to cater to the food preferences of their guests. World meat production is also having a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions due to the high amount of water consumption, animal food, and poultry waste producing carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. A vegetarian diet not only offers a healthier lifestyle but also contributes to combating climate change.

Chiva-Som offers deliveries of fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables, and flowers directly from its organic gardens locally, reflecting its philosophy of helping the local community to explore and understand their culinary philosophies. From herbs like sweet basil, mint and lemongrass to vegetables such as eggplant, okra and kale.

Chiva-Som reopened its doors on 12 June, 2020. For those that cannot travel to Thailand just yet, the resort is offering Chiva-Som Privilege Wellness Vouchers, which can be purchased for future visits or as a gift for loved ones. Vouchers are available for purchase until 31 July 2020, and are valid for stays up until 31 December 2021. For more information, please contact the reservations team on reservation@chivasom.com. 

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ABOUT CHIVA-SOM

For more than 25 years, the company behind the award-winning Chiva-Som has been a pioneer in transformative wellness practices to global acclaim. Its commitment to an innovative, holistic approach which expertly balances mind, body and spirit, continues to this day with its flagship resort in Hua Hin, Thailand and the latest addition to the Chiva-Som family - Zulal Wellness Resort in Khasooma, Qatar.

Optimal, bespoke wellness lies at the heart of each Chiva-Som experience. With its unique synergy of indigenous traditions and evidence-based wellness, Chiva-Som partners with guests on highly personalised wellness journeys focused on complete lifestyle transformation. At the new Zulal Wellness Resort these extend to the entire family.

Guests are motivated throughout their journey by knowledgeable and caring staff, who address their goals with the unique heart of Chiva-Som Hospitality.

Chiva-Som's genuine approach to wellness extends to the wider community, with educational opportunities and global sustainability initiatives at the core of everything the brand does.

A few recent awards include:

• 'Best Destination Spa' – Condé Nast Traveller The Spa Awards 2020 (UK)
• 'Best Coastal Operation'- Travel Daily 2019 Travel & Tourism Sustainability Awards (Australia)
• '1st in Best Spa'- Traveler's World Magazine 2019 (Germany)
• 'Top ranked Asian Spa in Top 20 Destination Spas'- Conde Nast Traveler The Readers' Travel Awards 2018 (UK)
• 'Top 5 Favourite Destination Spa'- Condé Nast Traveler Reader's Travel Awards 2018 (India)
• 'Thailand's Best Wellness Retreat 2018'- World Spa Awards (UK)
• '#13 of Top 25 in Asia, Best 100 Spa List'- Condé Nast Traveler (China)
• 'Green Era For Sustainability Award'- Otherways Association Management & Consulting Awards 2017
• 'Medi Spa of the year' -  Asia Spa Awards 2017
• 'Outstanding Wellness Spa Destination in Thailand' - Asian Lifestyle Tourism Awards 2017
• 'Top 6 of the Best Overseas Luxury Health and Wellness Property 2017 (1st Runner up)' - Luxury Travel Award (Australia)
• 'Best Global Wellness Resort of the Year' - Spa China Awards 2017

For further information on Chiva-Som please contact:

Flora Gandolfo (flora@bacall.net) or Sarah Harvey (sarah@bacall.net) at Bacall PR Ltd, tel: +44 (0)20 7630 2880