USP Its Personal Discovery Retreat offers a series of diagnostic procedures designed to “pro-actively find out how your body is withstanding the ravages of time”.

AMBIENCE This “haven of life” is a beautiful and well-run resort located on the beach of Hua Hin within seven acres of lush tropical gardens some 220km south of Bangkok.

EXPERIENCE The five-day programme mixes “alternative” procedures such as reflexology with ostensibly scientific, medical-sounding ones like bio-terrain and live blood analysis. A series of charming therapists took body-fluid samples, looked deep into my eyes, probed my abdomen, showed me my blood cells, stuck things where the sun don’t shine and generally prodded me about. Good for spa staples such as fruit wraps but stick to your doctor for diagnosis.

FOOD The cuisine is healthy and flavoursome and there’s even a spa cooking course. I’m told the prescribed cure for my “acid system” is a diet heavy in alkaline-producing foods, but the list of 200 food types provided is just downright confusing.

IN CROWD Thailand’s most fashionable spa resort - Kate Moss, Serena Williams and the Beckhams have all signed the visitors’ book.

WALLET WATCH Tropical Locations offers Chiva-Som’s Personal Discovery Retreat from £2,252pp. A spa package, with daily massage, fitness activities and £115 credit for treatments, costs from £1,772pp. Both are for seven nights, full-board, based on two sharing, with flights from Heathrow and private transfers.

NEED TO KNOW Chiva-Som, Thailand (0066 32 536 536; www.chivasom.com); Tropical Locations (020 7229 9199; www.tropical-locations.com)

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