Erin Michelle Newberg checks out a visionary haven of eco-luxury and tranquility.
WRITTEN BY: ERIN MICHELLE NEWBERG
Raised on an adjoining ashram in Sebastian, Florida, little did Tony Cho know that two decades later, he and his wife, Ximena, would return to purchase 40 acres of protected land within the St. Sebastian River Preserve. Together, they created ChoZen Eco-Retreat, an enlightening sanctuary for families, friends, intimate gatherings, large-scale celebrations, and corporate excursions.
If you’re a South Florida local, chances are you’ve heard of Tony Cho. A well-known figure who has lived multiple lives-from impresario of Miami’s nightlife scene in the ’90s to real estate investor in the new millennium-Cho’s journey took an unexpected turn just before the pandemic. Seeking both sanctuary and preservation, he and Ximena acquired this vast expanse of land, retreating north to weather the storm in their newfound second home. They weren’t alone. Guests who found solace at Cho’s residence during this time included notable friends such as Deepak Chopra and Jewel, adding to the retreat’s aura of transformation and renewal.
Fast forward to 2024, and their vision has fully materialized. ChoZen Eco-Retreat is now a thriving regenerative community, embodying a personal investment in a healthier planet. Quickly recognized as a beacon in the eco-resort space, Tony and Ximena are transforming the industry, setting a new standard for conscious luxury.
Because true luxury isn’t just about aesthetics but impact, ChoZen offers a unique fusion of sustainability, design, and immersive experiences. The accommodations range from a modern, Brady Bunch-style communal home to sleek geodesic domes and even a vintage silver Airstream, ensuring that every stay is an experience in itself.
” Upon arrival, guests are met with a variety of daily activities designed to connect them with nature and local biodiversity. Grab friends, family, or colleagues and embark on an electric boat tour, where you may spot dolphins frolicking through Leica binoculars, alligators basking on the shores, or–if you’re lucky–an endangered bald eagle perched high above. Prefer to kayak? Take one and explore at your own pace. Opt for a guided botanical tour, where in-house experts introduce visitors to the 10,000 plant species growing on the property–complete with tastings along the way. Or perhaps unwind with a massage, cold plunge, red-light sauna, or jacuzzi soak for the ultimate relaxation.
Navigating the grounds by foot or bicycle, guests soon discover that ChoZen is more than a retreat-it’s a community in motion. With communal meals served three times daily, the culinary team crafts menus inspired by seasonal, locally sourced ingredients within a three-mile radius. Sundays bring the ChoZen Artisan Market, a vibrant gathering where visitors can dance, eat, shop, and support local businesses.
Fresh from their Florida Safari Weekend, a recurring monthly signature event, it’s easy to see why ChoZen is a balm for the soul. Designed as a restorative escape from the chaos of modern life, it leaves every guest feeling reconnected, inspired, and at peace.
Conveniently located just two and a half hours north of Miami and a little over an hour south of Orlando, ChoZen is easily accessible from major airports. For those seeking an even swifter arrival, ChoZen Air, the retreat’s private seaplane, offers a direct 40-minute flight from Miami.
No matter how you’ll get here, you may find yourself redefining the meaning of ‘home.’ To learn, visit chozenretreat.com or follow @livechozen on social media.
