Some people collect souvenirs. Others collect memories. Vikas Dudheker collects rhythms of travel.
As one of our COZY Advisors, Vikas brings that same spirit into the way he designs trips. He has explored more than forty-five countries yet still finds joy in the unexpected. Calm, curious, and deeply intentional, he approaches the world with care. That perspective shapes every journey he creates for his clients.
We spent an afternoon with him at the Regent Santa Monica, where he shared the rituals, stories, and philosophies that inspire him to design trips that feel both personal and authentic. Scroll on to discover why Vikas is the kind of advisor you will want by your side for your next adventure.
So tell us, where do you call home these days?
Vikas: Manhattan Beach is home. I have lived in a few other places across the country, but nothing compares to putting my feet in the sand after long flights and time changes. That simple ritual resets me. Home is where I can cook, relax, and spend time with the people I care about.
You have visited more than forty-five countries. Which one surprised you the most?
Vikas: Japan. People often think of Tokyo first, but the country has so many layers. There is the tradition and calm of Kyoto, the snow in Hokkaido, and the beaches of the Miyako Islands. The food is outstanding, the people are welcoming, and everything feels clean and well cared for. It is a destination that keeps giving.
You are known for being a points and loyalty expert. What advice would you give to travelers who want to be smarter with rewards?
Vikas: Focus on building points with American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards. These programs are flexible and allow you to transfer points to many airline and hotel partners. That flexibility unlocks opportunities for business class flights, hotel upgrades, and special stays. Branded credit cards can work if you are loyal to one airline or hotel, but they limit you. Amex and Chase give you freedom.
Every traveler has that one story they love to tell. What is yours?
Vikas: South Africa. I spent days on safari tracking the Big Five, went cage diving with great white sharks the next morning, and then wine tasting in the Cape Winelands the following day. It felt like living three different lives in one trip. Those are the experiences that remind me why I love to travel.
How do you make sure a trip feels personal for your clients?
Vikas: I ask questions and listen closely. I want to know your pace, your style, and the little details that matter most. Then I build the trip around those things. It could be the hotel that feels right for you, a restaurant that only locals know, or an experience that adds a layer of surprise. That is when travel feels like it belongs to you.
Luxury is such a personal word. What does it mean to you?
Vikas: Luxury is freedom. It is the freedom to slow down or to move faster when I am curious. It is never having to compromise. Luxury is waking up to a view that makes me forget about my phone, tasting food that has a story, and having the space to enjoy it all.
What would your dream COZY day look like?
Vikas: I would begin with coffee on a terrace that overlooks the ocean. Then I would go on an adventure, maybe a safari or rappelling down waterfalls. In the afternoon I would rest, swim in the pool, nap, or spend time in the spa. In the evening I would take a cooking class and end the day with a cocktail outdoors. That would be the perfect balance.
Which destination is calling you right now?
Vikas: Vietnam. The cities have so much energy, but there is also calm in places like Ha Long Bay. I imagine walking through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, eating pho and banh mi, and then relaxing on the beaches. It is a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Before we let you go, what was it really like spending time in the Presidential Suite at Regent Santa Monica?
Vikas: It was incredible. The Presidential Suite combines oceanfront views with modern elegance and feels distinctly Californian. I played pool, had a cocktail, and relaxed on the couch. The suite was luxurious, but also comfortable and peaceful. That balance is exactly what I look for when I design trips for my clients.
Ready to plan your next trip with Vikas?
Whether you are dreaming of Japan, South Africa, Vietnam, or your own version of a COZY day, Vikas will design a journey that feels unforgettable.
Stay close for more stories from our advisors.
And as always, stay COZY.
