ChoZen Eco-Retreat

What ChoZen Eco-Retreat does

ChoZen Eco-Retreat is a privately held eco-tourism and regenerative agriculture operator based in Sebastian, Florida, operating a 40-acre wetland sanctuary adjacent to the 22,000-acre St. Sebastian River Preserve. Founded in 2018 by Tony Cho and Ximena Cho, the for-profit entity (ChoZen Retreat, LLC) runs immersive wellness retreats, day passes, eco-tours, group retreat hosting, and wellness classes (ChoZen Flow, Lunar Alchemy sound healing, cacao ceremonies), with a parallel 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm—the ChoZen Center for Regenerative Living (CCRL)—managing conservation, education, and grant-funded programs including the first Volunteer Wildlife Rescue Chapter in Indian River County. The underlying operations are built on closed-loop regenerative agriculture, permaculture design, and wetland restoration across 3 miles of subtropical trails, supported by a 200+ volunteer base and partnerships with IDEAS For Us, Fleet Farming, Wildpath, and The Nature Conservancy.

Revenue is generated through five streams: overnight retreat stays (quote-based), day passes and wellness experiences (Eventbrite, pay-as-you-go), seasonal artisan markets with 25+ vendors per event (transaction-based), group retreat hosting for organizations (professional services model), and grants/donations routed through the CCRL nonprofit (including the USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grant, 2023-2025). Customer acquisition is primarily community-led and event-driven via the 40-acre physical site, supplemented by organic social media (Instagram, Facebook), email newsletters, and earned media including USA Today coverage and endorsements from Dan Buettner (Blue Zones) and Nathalie Kelley. In 2023-2024, CCRL reported educating 7,000+ individuals, growing 1,261 lbs of produce, composting 2,000 lbs of food waste, engaging 339 seniors through USDA-funded urban agriculture, and generating $50,000+ in third-party vendor revenue across six seasonal artisan markets.

The business is small-scale (1–10 employees) and founder-led. A material event in 2025 is the death of co-founder Ximena Cho on June 17, 2025, which leaves Tony Cho as the sole principal and introduces leadership continuity risk. Co-founder Tony Cho is extending the brand into publishing with the forthcoming book "Generation Regeneration" (available August 2026), signaling a thought-leadership and consulting monetization track. No external institutional capital, private equity, or secondary offerings are disclosed; funding to date consists of the USDA grant and charitable donations.

Name

ChoZen Eco-Retreat

Legal name

ChoZen Retreat, LLC

Website

https://chozenretreat.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ChoZen Eco-Retreat is a privately held Florida-based operator of a 40-acre wetland sanctuary offering wellness retreats, eco-tours, and regenerative agriculture programs, serving individual wellness seekers, seniors, schools, and group retreat clients through a for-profit LLC and an affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wellness Retreat Services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Wellness Retreat Centers (Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness) (THAGAMAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Eco-Resorts (Full-Service Sustainable Resorts in Natural Settings) (THAAAHAB), Fitness & Performance Retreats (Bootcamps, Sports Conditioning) (THAGAMAH), Wellness & Retreat Stays (Yoga, Spa, Detox) (THAMADAJ)

Keywords

• Eco-retreat services
• Wellness retreats
• Regenerative agriculture
• Nature immersion
• Conservation programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Sebastian

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Retreat Stays: Overnight accommodations and retreat programs for individuals and groups seeking wellness, nature immersion, and regenerative living experiences. Booked via website inquiry and discovery calls.
2. Day Passes and Wellness Experiences: Day retreat passes (ChoZen Wellness Escape), wellness classes (ChoZen Flow), and specialized experiences like cacao ceremonies and sound healing journeys sold through Eventbrite.
3. Artisan Markets: Seasonal markets featuring local artisans, makers, and wellness entrepreneurs. Supports local small businesses while generating platform revenue and vendor participation fees.
4. Group Retreat Hosting: Organizations can host their own retreats at the facility. Booked via inquiry form and discovery calls, targeting corporate groups, wellness communities, and educational institutions.
5. Grants and Donations: 501(c)(3) nonprofit CCRL receives grant funding (USDA UAIP Grant for senior agriculture education) and charitable donations to support regenerative programs and scholarships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ChoZen Eco-Retreat operates a 40-acre sustainable eco-sanctuary and regenerative retreat center in Sebastian, Florida, offering overnight wellness retreats, day passes, nature eco-tours, wellness classes (ChoZen Flow), sound healing ceremonies (Lunar Alchemy), and group retreat hosting. The property includes a regenerative farm, 3 miles of subtropical trails, the Sonic Temple sound-healing space, and wetland restoration areas, complemented by a nonprofit arm (CCRL) delivering educational programs, artisan markets, and conservation initiatives.

Product overview

ChoZen Eco-Retreat operates as a unified wellness and regenerative living platform consisting of a physical retreat center and multiple programmatic offerings. The core product is ChoZen Retreat itself—a 40-acre eco-sanctuary in Sebastian, Florida offering nature-based wellness experiences and accommodations. This is supported by ChoZen Farm, the regenerative agriculture arm focused on food production and community farming. The ChoZen Center for Regenerative Living (CCRL) serves as the nonprofit hub and educational backbone, managing conservation initiatives, senior wellness programs, and the Fleet Farming urban agriculture initiative. The product portfolio includes wellness programming (ChoZen Flow, Lunar Alchemy ceremonies, Wellness Escapes), educational experiences (Eco-Tours, Earth-to-Table Discovery, Farm Volunteer Days), community markets (Artisan Market), and conservation initiatives (Chozen Air Initiative, Wildlife Rescue Chapter). All offerings interconnect through the regenerative living philosophy, with farm produce feeding retreat guests, educational programs teaching regenerative practices, and community events supporting local economies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ChoZen Retreat Stays Overnight accommodations and retreat programs on a 40-acre eco-sanctuary for individuals and groups seeking wellness, nature immersion, and regenerative living experiences.
• ChoZen Farm Regenerative agriculture initiative focused on soil and ecosystem regeneration, community farming, permaculture eco-tours, volunteer days, and earth-to-table food production.
• ChoZen Flow Wellness Classes Nature-inspired fitness and wellness modality combining forest bathing, qi gong, yoga, meditation, and primal movements for holistic well-being through intentional movement.
• Lunar Alchemy Ceremonies Moon-based wellness ceremonies featuring cacao ceremonies, guided meditation, and sound healing journeys within ChoZen's Sonic Temple, offered during new and full moon phases.
• Nature Eco-Tours Guided nature walks on 3 miles of subtropical trails through wetlands led by on-site soil specialists, showcasing regenerative land practices and local biodiversity.
• Farm Volunteer Days Weekly Friday-morning community farming activities partnering with Fleet Farming to engage volunteers in regenerative agriculture and ecosystem restoration work.
• ChoZen Artisan Market Seasonal artisan markets held every second Sunday from October through May featuring local farmers, artisans, makers, educators, and regenerative practitioners with 25+ small businesses per event.
• ChoZen Wellness Escape Day Pass Curated day retreat experience designed for movement, mindfulness, and nature exploration, offering day passes for guests to experience the retreat's wellness offerings.
• Earth-to-Table Discovery Field Trips Immersive educational field trip programs for children and teens featuring permaculture tours, farm-to-table lunches, and regenerative agriculture presentations aligned with school curricula.
• Group Retreat Hosting Organizations can host their own retreats at the ChoZen facility, targeting corporate groups, wellness communities, and educational institutions. Booked via inquiry form and discovery calls.

Quantifiable outcome

• 7,000+ individuals educated on regenerative living and ecosystem awareness
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• WildpathcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2024ChoZen partnered with Wildpath to conserve 1 million acres of the Florida Wildlife Corridor through the Chozen Air Initiative. Wildpath uses storytelling and immersive media to inspire conservation and reconnect people to wild Florida. Through productions like Path of the Panther, they elevate awareness of environmental issues and advocate for protection of natural corridors.
• Fleet Farming (IDEAS For Us)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 September 2023ChoZen Farm hosts Fleet Farming urban agriculture programs as part of a two-year USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grant. The partnership establishes community gardens, farmlettes (edible front lawn gardens), hosts monthly ChoZen Farmers Market, and delivers senior-focused agriculture education targeting 900 seniors to grow 1,000 lbs of produce. Fleet Farming's bike-pedaled urban agriculture program transforms lawns into micro-farms to increase local food accessibility.
• Florida Wildlife Corridor FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-produced and donated $100,000 to Path of the Panther documentary, sparking widespread dialogue around wildlife corridors. The Foundation champions protection of connected, conserved lands throughout Florida to ensure survival of native wildlife and health of natural ecosystems through policy, storytelling, and partnerships.
• IDEAS For UscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal environmental non-profit and UN-accredited NGO focused on advancing sustainability through local action. Develops programs tackling energy, food, water, waste, and ecology through education, workforce training, and community engagement. Has led over 2,000 environmental action projects in over 33 countries.
• The Nature ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the world's leading environmental organizations working to conserve lands and waters for future generations. Science-based, collaborative approach supports biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable development in Florida and beyond.
• Wild FloridaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership to advance wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts and enhance biodiversity protection. Supports expansion of rescue and rehabilitation efforts at ChoZen's facility.
• By The River Senior CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit senior living community providing healthy, affordable, and environmentally conscious lifestyle for aging adults. Key partner in CCRL's senior-focused agriculture and wellness programs, hosting activities under USDA grant.
• The Village of KashiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpiritual and intentional community located along the St. Sebastian River, rooted in ecological stewardship and mindful living. Supports sustainable agriculture, interfaith dialogue, and healing through connection to the land. Provides training facility for senior agriculture education.
• Indian River Neighborhood Association (IRNA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks to protect the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding natural resources through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Focus on responsible growth and environmental stewardship aligns with local conservation and sustainability efforts.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Miraval Arizona: Wellness-focused resort offering immersive retreats with yoga, meditation, sound healing, and holistic programs. Comparable in blending immersive wellness programming with nature-based environments and premium pricing.
• The Ranch Malibu: Luxury Malibu wellness retreat known for structured fitness, plant-based nutrition, and nature immersion. Competes for the same premium wellness traveler and corporate retreat buyer.
• Esalen Institute: California holistic retreat center offering workshops in meditation, yoga, bodywork, and personal growth on coastal property. Comparable as a holistic, retreat-focused venue with a programmatic nonprofit-style model.
• Red Mountain Resort: Utah wellness retreat offering fitness, hiking, and mind-body classes in a nature setting with all-inclusive packages. Comparable model of bundling lodging with structured wellness programming and group retreat offerings.
• Cal-a-Vie Health Spa: Boutique California health spa offering fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition programs with overnight stays. Similar appeal to wellness seekers and corporate groups on a curated small-property footprint.
• Blackberry Farm: Tennessee luxury resort on a large working farm offering farm-to-table experiences, wellness programming, and event hosting. Similar combination of regenerative agriculture narrative, immersive nature experiences, and group retreat hosting.
• The Lodge at Woodloch: Pennsylvania destination spa resort offering immersive wellness retreats, mind-body classes, and nature-based experiences. Similar reliance on group/corporate retreat bookings alongside a la carte wellness programming.
• Civana Wellness Resort & Spa: Wellness resort and spa in Arizona's Sonoran Desert offering daily wellness classes, guided hikes, sound healing, and discovery-call-based retreat bookings. Closely mirrors ChoZen's nature-led wellness model with multi-channel event programming.

Broad incumbents

• Salamander Resort & Spa: Virginia equestrian estate resort offering spa, wellness, and culinary programming on a 340-acre natural setting. Larger established destination resort that overlaps with ChoZen's nature-based group retreat and event positioning.

Emerging players

• Green Gulch Farm Zen Center: California Zen center with working organic farm offering meditation retreats and farm volunteer programs. Overlaps with ChoZen's regenerative agriculture-plus-mindfulness programming and nonprofit-style educational mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/chozenretreat
• Facebookfacebook.com/livechozen
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chozen-retreat

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ChoZen Eco-Retreat