Twelve Senses Retreat

Encinitas, California, US
Earth’s Elements Embodied in Serene, Sustainable Inn

The owner of the Twelve Senses Retreat created this serene surf-town oasis with well-being in mind. Inspired by the philosophies of Rudolf Steiner, who posited that we experience a dozen—not merely five—senses, and by her parents’ life of travel, hospitality and nourishment, she created each of the holistic haven’s four rooms with thoughtful ties to Fire, Water, Earth, or Air elements. 

This small luxury hotel in California also showcases standout designer pieces by Starck, Cappellini and Knoll, and offers organic daily breakfast service and a spa/wellness menu, all as an antidote to the jam-packed urban lifestyle.

Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels

A restful retreat created as a haven in which guests can deeply experience the 12 senses that give the inn its name, this updated 1958 home-turned-wellness retreat stands as a hymn to sustainability, mindfulness and natural luxuries. The 12 senses include touch, life, movement and balance, among others, as additions to our standard five, according to the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian thinker, father of biodynamic farming, founder of the Waldorf School movement, and architect.

Each of the intimate retreat’s four holistic rooms is attuned to a particular element, and all are luxuriously minimal and intentionally sustainable. The property’s owner transformed her home in 2019 after her mindfulness practice led her in this hospitality direction, and the renovation focuses on the use of sustainable, beautiful materials. There’s the Norwegian charred-wood exterior, the innovative, eye-catching rooftop deck tiling by Seaform (a harvester of ocean plastics), and hand-picked in-room features such as the earthy, subtly scented cork wall in one room, and the 100% vegan, light and breezy design in another.

Sustainability and stellar design aren’t mutually exclusive, and Twelve Senses’ owner, a color and materials designer by profession, has thoughtfully curated a collection of big-name designer furnishings that add to the property’s luxuriously minimal vibe. Think a small in-house pop-up shop with select artisanal products—a cool marble coffee table by Knoll in the communal library, bedroom furnishings signed Lagos del Mundo and Ethnicraft, and the gorgeous, charred wood from Norwegian artisans, Kebony.


AROUND

A menu of spa and wellness experiences is available, and this intimate retreat is more about relaxing and reflecting than it is about exploring. The aim at this small luxury hotel in California is to create a haven in which guests can “tune out to tune in”, a warm, serene space where creating community and sharing stories is possible for guests in the common spaces, such as the inn’s roof deck and library. 

That said, Encinitas offers a greater platform from which to create a restful, mindful getaway. Located some 25 miles north of San Diego and about an hour south of Los Angeles, Encinitas’ simple pursuits include walks along the wide stretches of sand set under craggy bluffs. But there's also surfing, swimming or stand-up paddleboarding in its sun-sparkling blue waters, taking in its classic, Southern California landscape, and strolling the town’s stunning, lush gardens. Don't miss the Botanic Garden in town, with its more than 4 miles of trails, the Meditation Gardens, or hiking in the Manchester Preserve, minutes inland from downtown Encinitas.


LOCATION

Encinitas, California, USA. Nearest airports: Carlsbad, San Diego, LAX


BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round

 
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Twelve Senses Retreat
Encinitas, California, US
Twelve Senses Retreat
Encinitas, California, US
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Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas, CA, United States | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
BACK TO PROPERTY OVERVIEW
Twelve Senses Retreat
Encinitas, California, US
Holistic Haven

The owner of the Twelve Senses Retreat created this serene surf-town oasis with well-being in mind, and each room is tied to Fire, Water, Earth, or Air elements.

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2 guests
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Select available accommodation below to continue
Inquire to book entire property
Fire Room 1 Br 1 Ba Sleeps 2 Min 1 nights
from $410 /nt
A room to ignite your senses, Fire focuses on invigorating, transformational powers. The deeply romantic space is dark and a little bit moody, created as a passionate space for freedom, strength, and assertion. Its floor is a sensual, deep-charcoal volcanic Basalt, the rich wallpaper created by Buxkin from recycled shoe leather, and the bed’s backing a lushly dense 100% wool felt in near-ebony, offset by handmade copper sconces and warmed by a fireplace burning Sho Suzi Ban wood. A private patio is set with Acapulco chairs.
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Overview 250sqft private patio, Ethnicraft queen bed with organic latex mattress, Coyuchi organic satin sheets, walk-in Duravit rain shower with Zebrano vein cut marble basalt flooring
Air Conditioning With Nest Thermostat
Indoor Fireplace 48” fireplace
Bedrooms 1
Bed Type Ethnicraft queen bed with organic latex mattress
Bathrooms 1
Accommodates 2
Kid-Friendly Families welcome
Pet Friendly
Min. Stay 1 nights
Check-In 3:00PM
Check-Out 11:00AM
Tax 10.00 % for total rate
Sec. Deposit 20.00%
Sec. Deposit Due Deposit amount required with booking via BH. BH pays the owner the deposit with the rental fee payment on payout date
Sec. Deposit Returned Refund of deposit by owner within 7 days after stay
Cancellation Policy Moderate
The guest will receive a refund if the booking is canceled at least 30 days before the start of the stay. If the guest cancels 14-30 days before the start of the stay, they will receive a 50% refund. If they cancel within 14 days of the start of the stay, no refund will be given. All refunds are subject to a credit card fee of up to 3.5%.
Notes Please contact the host for any special events, photo shoots, weddings. We are happy to assist with any planning. For larger groups and photoshoots, there is a different pricing.

No smoking or vaping in any area of the premises, including the roof deck, balconies, patios. No open flame or candles in the rooms. Tea lights are allowed on the roof deck, when in a glass container. Due to COVID, there can be restrictions with gatherings, especially when more than the room count of guests (8/ 9 plus one extra bed).

Request to book
Water Room 1 Br 1 Ba Sleeps 2 Min 1 nights
from $282 /nt
Refreshing and soothing, this space will cool your internal temperature and is designed to bring out the dreamer in all of us. An upper-level oasis, its color palette is oceanic and aquatic, accented by a gray limestone and seashell mineral floor, a walk-in rain shower, 100% wool rugs by Lagos Del Mundo and teal-streaked Shou Sugi Ban wood walls by Delta Millworks.
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Overview 250sqft private balcony on second floor, Ethnicraft queen bed with organic latex mattress, Coyuchi organic sheets, organic alpaca wool duvet, walk-in Duravit rain shower, limestone flooring, handmade mohair blanket
Air Conditioning With Nest Thermostat
Bedrooms 1
Bed Type Ethnicraft queen bed with organic latex mattress
Bathrooms 1
Accommodates 2
Kid-Friendly Families welcome
Pet Friendly No pets allowed
Min. Stay 1 nights
Check-In 3:00PM
Check-Out 11:00AM
Tax 10.00 % for total rate
Sec. Deposit 20.00%
Sec. Deposit Due Deposit amount required with booking via BH. BH pays the owner the deposit with the rental fee payment on payout date
Sec. Deposit Returned Refund of deposit by owner within 7 days after stay
Cancellation Policy Moderate
The guest will receive a refund if the booking is canceled at least 30 days before the start of the stay. If the guest cancels 14-30 days before the start of the stay, they will receive a 50% refund. If they cancel within 14 days of the start of the stay, no refund will be given. All refunds are subject to a credit card fee of up to 3.5%.
Notes Please contact the host for any special events, photo shoots, weddings. We are happy to assist with any planning. For larger groups and photoshoots, there is different pricing.

No smoking or vaping in any area of the premises, including the roof deck, balconies, patios. No open flame or candles in the rooms. Tea lights are allowed on the roof deck, when in a glass container. Due to COVID, there can be restrictions with gatherings, especially when more than the room count of guests (8/ 9 plus one extra bed).

Request to book
Earth Room 1 Br 1 Ba Sleeps 2 Min 1 nights
from $440 /nt
All about the grounding you in the here and now, this restorative space features tactile furnishings and a natural, earthy design palette. An oversized bathtub is situated within the room and an outdoor shower occupies a section of the large deck set with Ixtapa chairs. Botanical elements are part of the décor and the oiled, white oak bed by Ethnicraft is topped with an organic latex mattress. A richly earthy, carbon-neutral cork wall is unique to this room.
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Overview 295sqft first-floor private patio, Duravit freestanding bathtub, Ethnicraft queen bed with organic latex mattress, Coyuchi organic satin sheets, organic alpaca comforter, outdoor shower, small walk-in closet
Air Conditioning With Nest thermostat
Bedrooms 1
Bed Type Ethnicraft queen bed with organic latex mattress
Bathrooms 1
Accommodates 2
Kid-Friendly Families welcome
Pet Friendly No pets allowed
Min. Stay 1 nights
Check-In 3:00PM
Check-Out 11:00AM
Tax 10.00 % for total rate
Sec. Deposit 20.00%
Sec. Deposit Due Deposit amount required with booking via BH. BH pays the owner the deposit with the rental fee payment on payout date
Sec. Deposit Returned Refund of deposit by owner within 7 days after stay
Cancellation Policy Moderate
The guest will receive a refund if the booking is canceled at least 30 days before the start of the stay. If the guest cancels 14-30 days before the start of the stay, they will receive a 50% refund. If they cancel within 14 days of the start of the stay, no refund will be given. All refunds are subject to a credit card fee of up to 3.5%.
Notes Please contact the host for any special events, photo shoots, weddings. We are happy to assist with any planning. For larger groups and photoshoots, there is different pricing.

No smoking or vaping in any area of the premises, including the roof deck, balconies, patios. No open flame or candles in the rooms. Tea lights are allowed on the roof deck, when in a glass container. Due to COVID, there can be restrictions with gatherings, especially when more than the room count of guests (8/ 9 plus one extra bed).

Request to book
Air Room 1 Br 1 Ba Sleeps 2 Min 1 nights
from $370 /nt
Uplifting and cleansing, Air features 10-foot high ceilings, an oversized balcony with a hammock, and 100% vegan materials. Open and rejuvenating, the breezy space brings clarity and calm, spurring creativity and deep exhales of relaxation. Organic Coyuchi sateen sheets and comforters cover the bed, softly hued limestone covers the floor, and sea grass and felt from recycled PET bottles cling to the walls.
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Overview 250sqft private balcony on the second floor, 10ft ceilings, large hammock for two from Object in Tijuana, Ethnicraft queen bed with organic latex mattress, Coyuchi organic satin sheets, walk-in Duravit 10” rain shower
Air Conditioning With Nest Thermostat
Bedrooms 1
Bed Type Ethnicraft queen bed with organic latex mattress
Bathrooms 1
Accommodates 2
Kid-Friendly Families welcome
Pet Friendly No pets allowed
Min. Stay 1 nights
Check-In 3:00PM
Check-Out 11:00AM
Tax 10.00 % for total rate
Sec. Deposit 20.00%
Sec. Deposit Due Deposit amount required with booking via BH. BH pays the owner the deposit with the rental fee payment on payout date
Sec. Deposit Returned Refund of deposit by owner within 7 days after stay
Cancellation Policy Moderate
The guest will receive a refund if the booking is canceled at least 30 days before the start of the stay. If the guest cancels 14-30 days before the start of the stay, they will receive a 50% refund. If they cancel within 14 days of the start of the stay, no refund will be given. All refunds are subject to a credit card fee of up to 3.5%.
Notes Please contact the host for any special events, photo shoots, weddings. We are happy to assist with any planning. For larger groups and photoshoots, there is different pricing.

No smoking or vaping in any area of the premises, including the roof deck, balconies, patios. No open flame or candles in the rooms. Tea lights are allowed on the roof deck, when in a glass container. Due to COVID, there can be restrictions with gatherings, especially when more than the room count of guests (8/ 9 plus one extra bed).

Request to book

4 Accommodation(s)

Fire Room
1 BR | 1 BA | SLEEPS 2
From $410 / nt - 1 nt min.
Available
from $410 /nt
Water Room
1 BR | 1 BA | SLEEPS 2
From $282 / nt - 1 nt min.
Available
from $282 /nt
Earth Room
1 BR | 1 BA | SLEEPS 2
From $440 / nt - 1 nt min.
Available
from $440 /nt
Air Room
1 BR | 1 BA | SLEEPS 2
From $370 / nt - 1 nt min.
Available
from $370 /nt
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