Bangkok - Arabstoday
If the likes of the Beckhams, Elle Macpherson and Kate Moss make a resort their go-to spot for when things in the ‘real\' world get a bit crazy, you know it must be something a little bit special. You\'ll find the exclusive Chiva-Som - meaning, appropriately, ‘Haven of Life\' - nestled in seven acres of tropical gardens on the paradisical Hua Hin coast in Northern Thailand (it\'s so heavenly, it\'s the Thai Royal family\'s getaway of choice, dahling). The resort is a gateway to relaxation, pampering and a detox that makes hanging out with What Not To Eat\'s Gillian McKeith look like a fudge-fuelled week at your gran\'s. You can opt for a pampering break, and spend your days lounging about, enjoying Thai massages and the signature Chiva-Som body cocoon, or you can jet in for a detox retreat, of which Liz Hurley is a self-professed super-fan. This strict regime involves healthy foods (most of it juiced), colonic irrigations and lots of yoga - all designed to banish toxins and give your body a fresh start. While you\'ll have to give up some creature comforts, the resort boasts an impressive spa cuisine menu that uses the freshest and healthiest ingredients, and the yoga experts are known to be top-notch - trust us, they\'ll have you feeling comfortable in the downward dog in no time. Chiva-Som has been voted as one of the top three spas in the world in every major list over the past 10 years, so a word of warning: once you\'ve stayed there, you\'ll find it hard to recreate the same sense of Zen anywhere else. You\'re also very likely to spot a celeb or three while relaxing, as the spa prides itself on total privacy and exclusivity, meaning it has a loyal, repeat-visit A-list following. Inside info If the idea of seven days of intense yoga and diet lockdown terrifies you, book yourself on the Taste of Chiva-Som retreat. It\'s bespoke and you\'ll get to try aspects of the clean life - as well as plenty of massages - but you won\'t be doing sun salutations from dusk \'til dawn. Details 73/4 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Prachuab Khirikhan, Thailand Tel +66 3253 6536 chivasom.com More global hangouts Riding House Café, London, England Small plate restaurants are the culinary trend of the moment, and London’s super-chic Riding House Café is the latest to chant the, ‘Why order one dish, when you could have three?’ mantra. This stylish bar-come-brasserie serves up sensational food – the Seared sea trout with crab and leek salad and the Chorizo hash browns are to die for – and the cocktail list has a ‘drinks for two’ twist (giant cocktails to share). So next time you’re in London, venture off Oxford Street to this Great Titchfield Street spot and relax on the antique, bespoke furniture as you sip on a perfectly eccentric Vicar’s Tea Party drink. Call +44 207 927 0840 or visit ridinghousecafe.co.uk Hotel Missoni, Kuwait Bursting with colour, this luxurious hotel is the second collaboration between celebrated fashion house Missoni and the Rezidor Hotel Group, and with 169 chic rooms, it’s a must for anyone travelling to Kuwait. The Cucina restaurant is, in true Italian form, the heart and soul of the hotel, while the Choco Café is a perfect place to indulge a sweet tooth over a cup of coffee. With uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf, the hotel is in the Salmiya district of Kuwait City, which is known for its shopping and dining, so you’ll find plenty to do if you can tear yourself away from your hotel room. Call +32 2702 9300 or visit hotelmissoni.com