On a recent trip to Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, I had the pleasure of visiting Vivobene, a luxury long-stay resort designed specifically for senior citizens and those needing assisted living or nursing care. During my visit, I had the opportunity to sit down with Brad Roberts, the Head of Nursing, who relocated from Australia, bringing with him a wealth of experience in managing aged care facilities. Brad, with his warm demeanor and passion for elder care, summed up the philosophy of Vivobene beautifully: “They are our guests, and that’s how we treat them.”
Vivobene is not your typical aged care facility; it’s a luxurious resort where guests experience unparalleled care in a stunning setting. Set against the backdrop of Chiang Mai’s lush mountains, Vivobene feels more like a holiday destination than a care facility. The resort boasts a serene swimming pool accessible to all, beautifully appointed rooms with modern conveniences, and a focus on pampering the guests. We design every detail to provide comfort, well-being, and above all, a sense of paradise.
What Makes Vivobene Different?
Vivobene is more than just an aged care facility—it’s a haven for those who wish to live their golden years in peace and luxury. Situated just 18 kilometers from Chiang Mai, the resort offers a tranquil environment surrounded by lush mountains, rice fields, and scenic beauty that Thailand’s north is famous for.
Unlike many traditional nursing homes, Vivobene is focused on creating a resort-style experience. Guests have access to a wide range of modern amenities, including a swimming pool (accessible for wheelchair users), wellness facilities, a fitness room, hairdressing salon, and even recreational activities like pétanque and darts. This holistic approach to senior care places wellness and enjoyment at the center of the guest experience.
A Holistic Approach to Senior Care
One of the key aspects that sets Vivobene apart from typical aged care centers is their holistic approach to caring for their residents. Here, the focus is not solely on managing medications, but on providing a loving and supportive environment that gives each guest the time, attention, and care they deserve. This is particularly true for those with neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, where Vivobene offers specialized dementia care through behavior support, memory care, and 24-hour advanced nursing services.
As Brad explained during my visit, the goal at Vivobene is to go beyond the medical model of aged care. Laughter, love, and connection are prioritized. Their nursing team provides personalized care to each guest, ensuring that their dignity is maintained while promoting independence wherever possible.
Assisted Living in Paradise
Every day at Vivobene feels like a day in paradise for its guests. With 80 well-appointed residential units—including pavilion rooms and villas—guests can choose accommodations that suit their personal care needs. The living spaces are modern, barrier-free, and adaptable, allowing for various configurations to ensure comfort and privacy. Partners can live together in connected suites, with options for single or larger multi-room units.
The atmosphere at Vivobene is worlds away from the clinical feel of traditional nursing homes. Instead, it feels more like a luxury vacation resort. Surrounded by nature, the guests can enjoy daily life in an environment where well-being is a priority. Whether it’s taking a dip in the inviting pool, indulging in a massage at the wellness center, or enjoying a meal at the on-site Swiss restaurant, Vivobene offers a lifestyle that’s both luxurious and therapeutic.
A Personalized Care Plan for Every Need
One of the most impressive aspects of Vivobene is its customizable care plans. Whether a guest needs minimal assistance with daily tasks or requires 24-hour intensive nursing care, Vivobene can provide the appropriate level of support through one of their five care packages:
- Assisted Living: For those who are mostly independent but appreciate help with everyday tasks such as laundry, arranging medical appointments, and managing health.
- Essential Care: Offers basic nursing care such as assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, medication management, and vital sign monitoring.
- Comfort Care: Includes round-the-clock nursing support, memory care, toileting assistance, and health management.
- Intensive Care: Provides full hands-on care from morning to night, with specialized assistance for conditions like dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.
- Permanent Care: For guests needing full-time, one-on-one supervision and care, this package ensures 24-hour support with personalized nursing services.
These packages are tailored to meet each individual’s needs, ensuring that residents receive the appropriate level of care as their conditions change over time.
A Resort Designed for Relaxation and Wellness
Vivobene is much more than a care facility—it’s a sanctuary for wellness and relaxation. The resort’s stunning grounds, complete with garden paths, flower-filled courtyards, and breathtaking mountain views, offer the perfect backdrop for a peaceful and fulfilling life. Whether guests are here to recover after surgery or are looking for a long-term stay, the environment at Vivobene helps foster both physical and emotional well-being.
The resort’s award-winning restaurant, Rössli, offers guests a variety of delicious meals, from Swiss and Western dishes to authentic Thai cuisine. Dining here is an experience in itself, and the outdoor terrace provides a lovely place to enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Plus, the on-site bakery is always ready with fresh bread, croissants, and desserts, ensuring that every meal feels like a special occasion.
Why Families Trust Vivobene
Families of the residents can rest easy knowing that their loved ones are not just receiving excellent medical care, but are truly thriving in an environment that supports their happiness and well-being. The resort’s philosophy, driven by love, compassion, and dedication to the elderly, ensures that each guest lives with dignity and joy.
For those living with dementia or recovering from major surgery, Vivobene provides a calming, nurturing space where they can receive the best care in the world. It’s no wonder that families across the globe trust Vivobene with the care of their loved ones.
Final Thoughts on Vivobene
After visiting Vivobene and seeing the incredible facilities firsthand, it’s clear that this luxury aged care resort is leading the way in compassionate, holistic elder care. From the friendly, dedicated staff to the breathtaking surroundings, everything about Vivobene promotes a sense of peace, joy, and well-being for its guests.
For anyone considering long-term care for a loved one—or even for themselves—Vivobene offers an unmatched experience that truly feels like a retreat in paradise. If you’re seeking a balance of luxury, care, and personal attention in a stunning location, I highly recommend learning more about Vivobene.
