Discover the Harmony of Nature and Sustainability at Twelve Senses Retreat: A Holistic Oasis of Design and Wellness

Twelve Senses Retreat, Encinitas is a bed and breakfast hotel, where holistic wellness is at the forefront of the experience. The hotel interiors are inspired by the natural elements of Fire, Water, Earth, and Air - designed with a sustainable approach to nature and to the guests’ well-being. Allow yourself into a full relaxation as you enjoy curated food and drink service throughout the day. With your Daycation Pass you will have complimentary access to all of the hotel programing and also a curated food and beverage menu, to enjoy throughout the day.

The History

For more than a decade, the dream of creating the Twelve Senses Retreat had been a cherished aspiration for its Owner Anke Bodack. Gratitude filled her heart as she finally welcomed visitors to the retreat. A close friend recently remarked that every aspect of her life had seamlessly converged to pave the way for this remarkable venture, a sentiment that resonated deeply within her.

In her childhood, her father's frequent travels painted vivid pictures of inspiring adventures and encounters. His non-conformist spirit, boundless passion, and holistic approach to life became a guiding light. Meanwhile, her mother, a relentless creative force, filled their home with warmth and generosity, hosting impromptu feasts for guests who often became cherished friends.

Nurtured by such parents, the founder developed an enduring passion for hosting. Creating spaces for friends, fostering camaraderie through shared meals, and engaging in meaningful conversations became a soul-enriching activity. Professionally, as a Color & Material Designer, her creative journey intertwined with a deep love for the environment. Her dedication to bringing spaces to life through meticulous attention to detail and eco-conscious choices was unwavering.

The seed of opening her own bed and breakfast was planted during a transformative trip to the Valle De Guadalupe with dear friends. Visiting La Villa De La Valle, owned by Phil and Eileen, left an indelible mark. Witnessing their journey from leaving careers in Los Angeles to building a life centered around high quality, artisanship, and sustainability was profoundly inspiring.

A decade later, with unwavering support from friends, family, architects, and builders, Anke realized her dream with the completion of Twelve Senses Retreat. Her sense of pride was matched only by her humility. The retreat proudly joined the esteemed Designhotels group, an entity that had long been a wellspring of inspiration for her travels and hosting endeavors.

Sustainable Architecture

In crafting the Twelve Senses Retreat, a deep commitment to authenticity, minimalism, and sustainability guided the design process. The creators sought products and materials that resonated with passion and expressed a mindful yet minimalist language. They meticulously curated spaces that showcased the true essence and beauty of materials, emphasizing authenticity and sustainability.

The retreat's interiors were carefully adorned with artisanal products and materials sourced locally and internationally, including collaborations with artisans from Mexico and Europe. Key contributors to this vision included Object in Tijuana, instrumental in providing accessories and furniture, and Marrea Decor, renowned for their exquisite pillows and throws. The bedding, including organic sheets, was sourced from Coyuchi, The Mattress Makers, and The Woolroom.

At the heart of the design philosophy was a holistic approach that prioritized both guests and the environment. By incorporating natural, sustainable, and honest materials, the retreat not only provided a nurturing haven for its visitors but also paid homage to Mother Earth. The realization of this vision was made possible by an exceptional team, including the creative input of individuals like Stephen Moneypenny and Thokozani Mabena, who contributed to the initial sketches and ideas. Offset Design and Drafting meticulously crafted the plans and details, ensuring all aspects were ready for permitting. The construction itself was executed by Alliance Green Builders (AGB), a team dedicated to green and sustainable building practices.

The exterior wood is made with Accoya, an eco-friendly wood product, made from sustainable softwood from Delta Millworks. It has been modified with a process called acetylation, a cutting-edge patented technology. The modification enables it to resist rot, defy the elements, and stay strong for decades. Shou Sugi Ban is an ancient Japanese treatment process which “chars” wood and provides a highly durable finish which lasts for decades. It withstands fire, protects from insects and is water proof.

All interior rooms have walls cladded with Shou Sugi Ban and a colored stain, representing each of the 4 elements. Experience the colors, the beautiful smell and the wonderful texture of the wood. The Earth room features a Beetle Kill wood, which has been re-purposed by Delta Millworks. All paints are PPG Zero VOC products. They do not out-gas harmful chemicals and thus provide better indoor air quality, and are as well less harmful to the environment as paints which contain VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). Native and drought tolerant plants around the property save an abundance of water as compared to typical landscaping.

Local and Organic Food Made With Love

At Twelve Senses Retreat, guests are treated to a wholesome breakfast experience featuring predominantly organic and locally sourced items, including gluten-free and vegan options. The focus is on seasonal fruits and vegetables, allowing guests to savor nature's bounty with gratitude. The retreat prides itself on sourcing most of its produce from local farms and markets, bread from the esteemed Artisan bakery Prager Brothers, and coffee from Ironsmith in Encinitas.

Guests can indulge in a thoughtfully crafted breakfast made with love and joy, with a menu provided in their rooms for personalized choices. The retreat's rooftop deck offers an ideal setting for private events or parties. The space can be tailored to individual preferences and comes with the option of a private chef and bartender. Guests can relish the expansive bar and dining area, complete with a glimpse of the ocean and a cozy fire pit. To enhance the experience, complimentary 1/2 bottles of wine or non-alcoholic beverages are provided in the rooms, and guests are welcome to bring their own drinks and food for a truly personalized touch.

Anke Bodack | Owner

 “Our sustainable B&B is designed around well-being for our guests and mother Earth.”