E101  New Member – Twelve Senses Retreat

The healthful, spiritual way of life in Encinitas—a vibrant mix of surfers, yogis, and wellness enthusiasts on the stunning Southern California coast—is fully realized at Twelve Senses Retreat. This intimate and holistic four-room/one-suite micro-hotel is a creative hub for art, wellbeing, joy, and healing. Luxury minimalism makes for warm and welcoming yet uncluttered spaces. The four guestrooms each has its own color scheme based on the four elements, with showcased designers including Philippe Starck, Ethnicraft, Lagos del Mundo, and many others. A cozy library boasts two Cappellini felt chairs and a Knoll marble coffee table, while a small pop-up shop offers local crafts and artisanal products.

Originally built in 1958, the structure has been fully rebuilt and expanded with sustainability and eco-friendly principals as the guiding force. Here, guests are embraced in a warm yet minimalistic setting that is framed by recycled, reclaimed, and natural materials. Taking its name from Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner’s 12 Human Senses, the hotel is a hive of mindful luxury, with rooms artfully yet sparingly designed to limit distractions, and each with a color palette defined by the four elements: the grounding earth tones of green ochre, and beige; the charcoal, black, copper, and orange of fire; the soft gray and deep cobalt of water; and the neutral soft whites of air. The hotel’s outdoor roof deck offers tranquil views of a lush garden, while its bar affords one a glimpse of the rolling Pacific. When not connecting with your inner self or a new friend in Twelve Senses’ library or by its fireplace, you can “experience the now” on-property through yoga, meditation, and reiki with locals. And of course, an ocean of surf and paddle boarding is just a short stroll away.

The property’s four rooms, each with an open shower, are uniquely designed to reflect the four elements of nature. The 231-square-foot Air room, with a large private balcony, is designed to be fully vegan and includes a handmade artisan hammock and two handmade Acapulco Chairs. The 299-square-foot Earth features a large private patio, two handmade Ixtapa Lounge Chairs, a beautiful minimal Duravit bathtub, and an outdoor shower. The 293-square-foot Fire boasts dark charcoal materials and red Shou-Sugi Ban cladding, a large gas fireplace, and a private patio. Water, at 265 square meters, presents lots of blue shades, soft flowing materials, and a private balcony with a handmade Cozumel hanging chair.

The hotel’s charred-wood exterior and beautiful deck and balcony are care of the Norwegian artisanal producer Kebony. Through a collaboration with Seaform, a harvester of ocean plastics, the hotel has transformed waste into the stunning tiles found in its rooftop bar. Additional eco-friendly materials include recycled fiberglass for insulation and recycled felt for bottles.