Twelve Senses Retreat
Minimalist wellness sanctuary meets SoCal surf town — Steiner philosophy filtered through European design sensibility. Sustainability is real, not decorative: 100% solar power, zero-VOC paints, recycled leather walls, ocean-plastic tiles at the outdoor bar.
Book the Aether Suite if you want the only private pool on property — it's a separate two-bedroom space with a full kitchen
Why It Matters
Michelin Guide–selected and a Design Hotels member. One of the few genuinely philosophy-driven lodging properties in Southern California. Owner Anke Bodack spent over a decade building it and the material choices — from charcoal basalt floors to mohair blankets from Weckelweiler Werkstätten — hold up to scrutiny. The Aether Suite adds a private pool.
A 5-room sustainable micro-boutique B&B in a 1958 modernist house rebuilt and expanded by owner-designer Anke Bodack. The whole place runs on Rudolf Steiner's philosophy of the twelve human senses — each room channels one of the five natural elements (Fire, Earth, Water, Air, Aether). Think Ethnicraft oak beds, crystal-charged artworks, artisan ceramics from Tijuana, and Duravit rain showers. Small, deeply personal, and genuinely good at what it does.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Aether Suite
The flagship space — a two-bedroom suite with its own private entry, full kitchen, dining room, living room, and private pool with cabana. Styled in ethereal whites and natural tones with minimal design. Separate from the main B&B rooms in feel: this is a self-contained retreat for couples or small groups wanting full independence. Private covered outdoor patio. JBL Bluetooth speaker rather than B&O.
Queen (x2)
Air Room
Second-floor room with the largest balcony of all standard rooms, 9'–10' ceilings, and an entirely vegan material palette — no animal-derived products anywhere. The handcrafted hammock for two from Object in Tijuana is the big draw. Crystal-charged custom painting by El Løvaas above the bed. Seagrass wallpaper, felt from recycled PET bottles. Duravit 10" rain shower.
QueenEarth Room
The largest of the standard rooms at 295 sqft, on the first floor. Earthy and tactile: cork, 100% wool felt, and recycled leather throughout. The standout is the oversized Duravit freestanding bathtub — plus a separate outdoor shower on the expansive private patio. Marble flooring. Custom paintings by El Løvaas. Small walk-in closet.
Queen
Fire Room
First-floor room channeling the fire element's transformational energy. Handcrafted Shou Sugi Ban wood paneling, artisan copper lamps, and Lagos del Mundo ceramics give it a rich, dark warmth. The 48" in-room fireplace is the centerpiece. Private patio with Acapulco chair set. Walk-in Duravit rain shower behind Zebrano vein-cut marble, charcoal basalt flooring.
King
Water Room
Second-floor room with soaring 10' ceilings and a private balcony. The aqua blue color palette and limestone flooring feel genuinely calming. Handmade Mexa Cozumel hanging chair from Guadalajara on the balcony, plus Acapulco chairs. Duravit rain shower. Handmade mobile by local jeweler Rebecca Norman.
QueenThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
E-bikes available to guests for exploring downtown Encinitas, the coastal path, and Highway 101.
A genuinely quirky local activity — walking with goats in the canyons near Encinitas. Can be arranged through the property.
Paddleboarding lessons can be arranged through the property for nearby coastal access.
Can be arranged through the property. Swami's Beach — a legendary North County surf break — is under 2 miles away.
Private yoga sessions bookable in three styles: Vinyasa Flow, Restorative Flow, or Kundalini. Held on-site, including on the roof deck.
Yoga and meditation on the rooftop deck, open to both guests and locals.
Weekly small-group sound bath led by Walter Pappas, held outdoors by the fireplace with homemade ginger honey tea. Open to hotel guests and locals.
Guided tour of the retreat explaining sustainable building practices, material sourcing, and the Rudolf Steiner philosophy behind the design. Team is happy to share vendor contacts.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Children welcome in all rooms for $100 per day, which includes breakfast. The property notes that parents seeking quiet may find this a distraction.
Organic, locally sourced breakfast for two included with all room rates. Daily changing menu with gluten-free and vegan options. Served 8–10am to room or rooftop.
Common area fridge with filtered alkaline water carafes. Guests can store their own food and drinks.
In Fire and Water rooms. Air and Earth rooms have equivalent speakers. Aether Suite has JBL.
John Masters and other California-made organic toiletries in all rooms.
Colorful library with Cappellini felt chairs and a Knoll marble coffee table.
Expansive shared rooftop with bar, dining area, outdoor fireplace/fire pit, and partial ocean view. Used for breakfast, social gatherings, and private events.
Pets welcome in all rooms for $50 per day.
Private pool with cabana exclusive to the Aether Suite. No shared pool for other rooms.
$2 per stay donated to The Shine Project (local special needs families) via Kind Traveler's Every Stay Gives Back program. Property matches every dollar collected.
The entire property runs on solar energy. Nest thermostats monitor rooms when unoccupied to minimize waste.
Organic vegan manicure and pedicure services available using Sundays non-toxic nail products.
BUILD YOUR TWELVE SENSES RETREAT PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning