In the heart of Sonoma Valley, surrounded by rolling vineyards and oak-covered hills, COZY held its first retreat at Montage Healdsburg. Over the course of two days, the gathering brought together the founding team and four of our advisors: Vikas Dudheker from Los Angeles, Diana Villegas from Los Angeles, Kherri Jean from Dallas, and Mary Wood from San Diego, alongside co-founders Thiago Fortunato and Aanchal Gandhi.
The retreat was designed not simply as a familiarization trip but as an immersion in the COZY way of travel, where thoughtful experiences, inspiration and connection shape every moment.
A Setting for Connection
Montage Healdsburg provided the perfect backdrop with its Harvest Home, a beautiful and unique four-bedroom residence that became the center of the retreat. Surrounded by lush vegetation and quiet woods, the home offered a sense of privacy and calm that felt rare and special. From the terraces, expansive views opened to the hills with some of the most beautiful sunsets of the weekend. Inside, the residence revealed a unique décor that blended natural textures with modern comfort, creating spaces that were both inviting and inspiring. The group gathered in the living areas for conversation, while quiet corners encouraged reflection. The property became both a home and a hub for creativity, setting the tone for meaningful exchanges and shared inspiration.
Shared Experiences in Healdsburg
The retreat itinerary balanced adventure, discovery, and the kind of dining that Sonoma does best. One morning was spent on horseback, riding along the ridges above Lake Sonoma where sweeping views of water and hills opened up at every turn. It was grounding and invigorating all at once, the kind of experience that connects people with place in a lasting way.
Wine played an essential role in the journey. At Vérité Winery, the group experienced a private tasting of some of the region’s most celebrated vintages. Each glass expressed a sense of place and craftsmanship, while the intimate atmosphere allowed for open conversation and connection.
Evenings brought the group together around the table. The highlight was a private dinner at The Matheson, where Chef Dustin Valette created a menu exclusively for COZY. Each course showcased Sonoma’s produce and creativity, paired with wines that celebrated the valley’s diversity. The dinner was more than a meal; it became a celebration of community, storytelling, and the friendships that continue to define COZY.
Ideas that Shape the Future
The retreat was also about vision. Between shared meals and relaxed moments at the Harvest Home, the group came together to talk about what travel means today and where it is going. Advisors exchanged perspectives on client needs, from the growing demand for personalization to the importance of sustainability and authenticity. These conversations shaped not only how COZY serves travelers, but also how advisors support each other as a community.
It was during these sessions that the team introduced the COZY Pad, the COZY Dashboard, and the COZY Lounge. The COZY Pad will function as a booking platform, a one-stop shop to reserve hotels, flights and more. The Dashboard will centralize client and booking management while streamlining trip planning. The Lounge will become a shared portal for knowledge, updates, and collaboration.
What began as brainstorming quickly turned into a clear picture of how COZY will evolve. The advisors contributed ideas, challenged assumptions and helped shape the future of the company. This spirit of co-creation gave the retreat its energy and underscored COZY’s belief that progress happens when people gather with openness and purpose.
More than a Retreat
The most meaningful aspect of the weekend was the sense of belonging. Stepping away from daily demands created room for deeper conversations, stronger connections and renewed inspiration.
The first retreat at Montage Healdsburg was not only about where we stayed or what we experienced. It was about the community we are building together and the vision we are carrying forward. This was the beginning of a tradition that will continue to grow, shaping the way COZY advisors, partners, and clients connect with travel.
Until the next one, stay COZY.
