At COZY, we believe the best journeys begin with connection. And that’s exactly what Mary Wood brings to the table. As the first advisor we’re featuring in our COZY Humans series, Mary sets the tone for everything we stand for: curiosity, care and a deep sense of purpose in the way we travel.
To kick off the series, we spent the day with Mary at The Resort at Pelican Hill—our kind of SoCal sanctuary, with Mediterranean charm and postcard-perfect views. It was the ideal backdrop to dig into her story and share the energy she brings to every itinerary she designs.
Special thanks to Shirley Mar and Person Garcia for the warm welcome and for letting us capture the COZY spirit in such an iconic setting.
Scroll on and discover what makes Mary one of a kind.
So tell us, where do you call home these days?
Mary: I live in North San Diego County, and I love it. Beaches, sunshine, laid-back energy—it’s very me. But I actually grew up on the East Coast, and those summers by the water definitely shaped me. Think steamed crabs, boat days, and fresh corn on the cob. Even though I’ve lived in a few different places, I always come back to the water. There’s just something about hearing the waves that resets everything.
Do you remember the moment you first fell in love with travel?
Mary: It started with a bracelet. My mom had a silver charm bracelet from her travels through Europe, and I used to sit and study it. Each charm told a story. I knew even then that I wanted to see those places myself. Eventually, I did. I moved around a lot, and before I knew it, I became that friend everyone went to for travel advice. That’s when it clicked—maybe this thing I love could actually be my job.
What’s one destination that left a serious mark on your heart?
Mary: Normandy. It was my first time overseas, back in high school. I had studied French for years and finally got to go on this spring break trip—Paris, the Loire Valley, and Normandy. I’ll never forget standing on Omaha Beach, looking out at the landscape, and just feeling the weight of it all. We were just a bunch of teenagers but there wasn’t a dry eye in the group. It made me realize how powerful travel can be when you understand where you’re going. I try to give my clients that same depth every time.
When you’re planning a trip for someone, what’s your secret sauce?
Mary: Listening. Really listening. I ask a ton of questions—What do you love? What pace do you enjoy? What kind of memories are you hoping to make? Travel isn’t one-size-fits-all, and I want to make sure every itinerary feels like it was designed just for you. Because it was.
COZY is all about connection and intention—how do you bring that vibe to your clients?
Mary: I always try to go a layer deeper. Like, sure—we can book a wine tasting. But what if that tasting ends with a home-cooked meal on a local farm in Crete, made with the family who’s lived there for generations? That actually happened for one of my clients recently, and it ended up being the highlight of their trip. That’s the kind of thing that sticks with people. That’s COZY.
What’s a little detail you never forget when crafting an itinerary?
Mary: Balance. Once the itinerary is mapped out, I always ask myself: is this too much? Too little? Have we left space for wandering, surprises, and downtime? Because sometimes, the most magical moments happen when nothing’s planned at all.
What can people expect when they book with you? What’s the Mary experience?
Mary: They’ll be taken care of—period. From the first call to the post-trip check-in, I’m there. Every hotel, tour, and transfer is confirmed (and reconfirmed). And if anything goes off track, I’m your advocate. I treat every client like a VIP, because to me, they are.
What’s next on your personal travel list? Anywhere you’re dying to explore?
Mary: Greece! I’ve been dreaming about it forever. Athens, Crete, Santorini… I can’t wait. I love history and art but I’m just as excited for the food. The Greeks know how to do it right. I’m also planning a trip to Portugal. Beaches, wine, beautiful towns—and probably a suitcase I can’t close by the end of it. My travel list keeps growing. Occupational hazard, I guess.
Let’s finish this off. Fill in the blank: “Luxury is…”
Mary: Luxury is a feeling. It’s comfort, ease, connection. It’s that sigh you let out when you sink into the perfect bed, or the thrill of walking into a room with an incredible view. It’s about meeting people who are proud to share their homeland and getting to be part of that. But above all, it’s about moments in time. The ones that stay with you. For me, it’s the quiet, beautiful moments I get to steal with my daughters. That’s what I cherish most.
Bonus Round—You’ve got a full day at Pelican Hill to unplug. What’s the dream lineup?
Mary: Easy. Breakfast at Pelican Grill with views of the Coliseum Pool (I’m getting the omelet). Then a walk around the property—there’s so much space to just breathe. After that, it’s pool time with a book, light lunch in the sun, and a spa treatment in the afternoon—give me a hydrafacial and I’m happy. Back at the villa, there’s a chilled bottle of wine waiting. I’d wrap the day watching the sunset from the patio, totally relaxed. That’s the dream.
Ready to plan your next trip with Mary?
Whether you’re dreaming of Greek islands, coastal escapes, or something completely personal, Mary’s here to bring it all to life with heart, intention and that signature COZY touch.
Know someone who brings the COZY vibe to life? You might just see them featured next.
Stay close. Stay COZY.
