True wellness extends beyond the individual — it begins with how we care for the world around us. Our sustainability efforts span three interconnected pillars: energy and emissions, water stewardship, and waste management, each reflecting our belief that responsible operations are inseparable from the Chiva-Som experience.
Our company is committed to sustainable operations through continuous efforts to reduce our environmental impact. We focus on energy conservation and efficiency improvements, support the use of renewable energy, and work towards reducing overall emissions. These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.
Since 2009, the resort has invested in renewable energy through the installation of 176 solar thermal panels that generate approximately 71,000 kWh of energy per year for water heating. This system reduces reliance on LPG gas, improves energy efficiency, and helps lower operational costs while cutting carbon emissions by around 25 tons annually. The resort continues to explore further solar energy expansion to increase renewable energy use and support long-term sustainability goals.
In 2024, we have upgraded several major high-energy systems essential to daily operations, including cooling systems, lighting infrastructure, and other electrical equipment. These enhancements were implemented to improve overall energy performance, reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity, and lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy consumption.
A significant milestone was the replacement of high-efficiency chiller, delivering superior energy performance and reduced maintenance requirements. In addition, air-conditioning units in the staff canteen and changing areas were also replaced with newer, energy-efficient models. These upgrades reflect our ongoing commitment to investing in smarter technologies that support long-term environmental responsibility and operational excellence.
As part of our commitment to advancing cleaner energy solutions, we continue to support the adoption of alternative energy in our operations. In 2025, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations were installed in the resort’s parking area, offering complimentary access for guests and special charging rates for our staff. This initiative encourages low-emission transportation and enhances convenience for environmentally conscious travellers. Looking ahead, we are exploring opportunities to source EV limousines and electric rental vehicles for guest services, further reducing transportation-related emissions while enriching the sustainable guest experience.
We place strong emphasis on cultivating energy-saving awareness across all levels of the organisation, encouraging staff to take simple yet meaningful actions in their daily work. These include switching off lights, air-conditioning, and office equipment when not in use, optimising temperature settings, maximising natural daylight, and ensuring equipment is properly maintained for efficient performance. Regular internal communications and training reinforce responsible energy behaviour, fostering a culture of shared accountability and continuous improvement in reducing overall energy consumption as we advance toward a lower-carbon future.
Water stewardship is a fundamental part of our sustainability commitment, recognising water as one of our most precious natural resources. We are dedicated to managing water responsibly across all aspects of our operations — from efficient consumption and reuse initiatives to continuous monitoring and system improvements. By fostering awareness among staff and guests alike, we aim to create a culture of shared responsibility in safeguarding water for future generations.
Responsible wastewater management has been integral to our operations since the resort first opened more than three decades ago. From the very beginning, we invested in a comprehensive on-site treatment system designed to safeguard water resources and minimise reliance on freshwater supplies. All wastewater is processed through an advanced Activated Sludge system, which effectively removes contaminants and hazardous substances. Also, continuous monitoring ensures that treated water consistently meets appropriate environmental standards and poses no harm to surrounding ecosystems.
Once treated, the reclaimed water is stored in an on-site lake with a capacity of up to 6,750 cubic metres. This water is reused for landscape irrigation and cleaning of walkways, reducing reliance on natural freshwater sources and maximising resource efficiency. By reusing treated water and avoiding discharge into the sea or public drainage systems, we demonstrate our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and the responsible protection of natural resources.
Understanding the growing challenges of water stress, we have undertaken a comprehensive water risk assessment to evaluate potential risks to our property and surrounding watershed. This assessment enables us to better understand local water availability, climate-related impacts, and operational dependencies on water resources. The insights gained guide our water management strategies, helping us strengthen resilience, optimise water use, and proactively mitigate potential risks. By taking a data-informed approach, we ensure that our operations remain responsible, adaptive, and aligned with long-term water security.
We use recycled materials wherever possible such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) wood products and biodegradable packaging. Other plastics, glass, metal and paper products are sent to local recycling centres. Organic waste is converted into animal feed for local farmers and compost for our gardens.
Effective waste segregation is a fundamental part of our responsible waste management strategy. All waste generated on-site from both guests and staff across accommodation, kitchens, offices, and operational areas is carefully collected and separated into clearly defined categories. These include organic waste, recyclable materials such as paper, plastics, glass, and metals, as well as non-recyclable waste. Clear signage, designated collection points, and ongoing staff training ensure that segregation is carried out consistently and effectively throughout the resort.
Reusable materials are identified and repurposed whenever possible, extending their useful life and reducing the need for new resources. Recyclable materials are consolidated and sent to approved external recycling partners to be processed responsibly. Only residual waste that cannot be recovered is directed to landfill, minimising our environmental footprint.
Food waste management is an essential part of our circular resource approach. All food waste generated from our kitchens and dining operations is carefully segregated and redirected for beneficial reuse rather than disposal. A portion is delivered to local farms to be used as animal feed, while the remainder is sent to our on-site organic garden for composting and transformation into natural fertiliser, supporting our farm-to-table cycle.
By closing the loop in this way, we reduce landfill waste, enrich soil health, and strengthen local partnerships. Looking ahead, we are exploring third-party certification for our food waste programme to enhance transparency, credibility, and continuous improvement in line with recognised best practices.
Reducing single-use plastics is a key priority within our sustainability journey. We are committed to minimising plastic waste across our operations by eliminating unnecessary single-use plastic items and replacing them with reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable alternatives wherever possible. From guest amenities to back-of-house operations, we continuously review and redesign our processes to reduce plastic dependency. Through thoughtful procurement, staff engagement, and guest awareness, we aim to prevent plastic pollution at its source and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
One of our flagship sustainability initiatives, our on-site drinking water bottling plant represents a bold step towards a plastic-free future. By producing our own drinking water for both guests and associates, we significantly reduce reliance on externally sourced bottled water. Using advanced reverse osmosis technology, we ensure exceptional purity and quality while maintaining the highest safety standards. By bottling water on-site, we eliminate the need for single-use plastic bottles and substantially reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation and logistics.
Sustainability Efforts
We have thoughtfully redesigned our in-room amenities to significantly reduce plastic use without compromising guest comfort. Single use containers have been replaced with elegant refillable dispensers where appropriated, while minibar beverages are now presented in glass bottles. The printed Room Directory has been replaced with a QR code displayed on a wooden stand, reducing paper and plastic consumption. We have also introduced toothpaste tablets and solid cream bars and replaced plastic-wrapped loofahs with paper bands. Our blankets have been upgraded to 100% cotton ensuring long-term reusability, and stainless-steel flasks are provided for guests to refill drinking water throughout their stay.
Experience Chiva-SomAt Chiva-Som, our connection with nature begins with the way our resort was thoughtfully designed and built. From the outset, careful consideration was given to preserving the natural terrain and minimising disturbance to the surrounding biodiversity. Local and natural materials were prioritised wherever possible, allowing the resort to blend harmoniously with its environment while reducing environmental impact. Beyond our property, we actively support the protection and restoration of local ecosystems. Our initiatives include the preservation and rehabilitation of nearby mangrove forests, which play a vital role in coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration. Complementing these efforts is our own certified organic garden, where vegetables and herbs are cultivated using natural methods that promote soil health and biodiversity.
We promote organic agriculture and on-site food production as a way to protect the environment while providing fresh, healthy ingredients for our guests. Our organic farms in Hua Hin are dedicated to cultivating a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and ornamental plants that are used throughout the resort.
The farms grow more than 100 varieties of produce, including nutrient-rich greens such as watercress, rocket, mustard greens, fresh salad leaves, aromatic herbs like rosemary, and a variety of microgreens. All farming practices follow internationally recognised organic standards and are certified by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), ensuring that cultivation is carried out responsibly and without the use of harmful chemicals.
By growing ingredients locally through natural farming methods, we support soil health, encourage biodiversity, and reduce transportation-related emissions. This farm-to-table approach not only enhances the freshness and nutritional value of our cuisine but also reflects our long-standing commitment to sustainable agriculture and responsible food systems that benefit both people and the planet.
Our Wellness Cuisine
