Twelve Senses Retreat

Twelve Senses Retreat in Encinitas, United States, stands out as a Michelin Key Selected property, offering a unique and deeply restorative experience rooted in holistic wellness and sustainable luxury. Guests consistently praise its thoughtful design, impeccable service, and serene ambiance, making it a highly-rated destination for those seeking tranquility and rejuvenation.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Twelve Senses Retreat is overwhelmingly positive, with an "exceptional" rating of 9.5 based on 47 reviews on Booking.com. Guests frequently describe their stays as "beyond expectations," "pristinely clean," and a "pleasure for the senses." The retreat is often lauded as a "zen," "beautiful and relaxing space to heal the mind," offering a luxurious yet cozy and warm atmosphere. Reviewers for Mr & Mrs Smith highlight it as a "spirit-stirring hideaway" where "wellness [is] presented sincerely and stylishly."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently adore Twelve Senses Retreat for several standout features:

• Sustainability & Wellness: The retreat is designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, utilizing full solar power, zero-VOC paints, native and drought-tolerant landscaping, recycled insulation, and plant-based cleaning products. It offers a range of wellness activities, including yoga, massage, and beauty treatments.
• Exquisite Design & Ambiance: With only four rooms, the retreat provides an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. Each room is uniquely themed after a natural element (Fire, Earth, Water, Air), featuring luxury minimalism, warm, uncluttered spaces, and pieces by renowned designers like Philippe Starck and Ethnicraft, alongside Mexican handicrafts. The ambiance is frequently described as "gorgeous and peaceful," fostering a profound sense of calm.
• Personalized, Heartfelt Service: The owner and designer, Anke, receives consistent accolades for her "friendly, gracious, helpful," and "personal attention to detail." Guests appreciate the staff's ability to be attentive while respecting privacy.
• Exceptional, Locally Sourced Breakfast: The daily-changing, organic, and locally sourced breakfast is a significant highlight, described as "impressively healthful" and "delicious."

3. Room Quality

The four rooms at Twelve Senses Retreat are a testament to thoughtful design and comfort, each reflecting one of the four natural elements with distinct color palettes and unique details. The interiors are "visually focused and soothingly spare," offering a "quiet feast for the eyes" for design enthusiasts. High-quality, sustainable materials are used throughout, including limestone flooring made of crushed seashells, Seaform tiles from recycled ocean plastics, Buxkin wall coverings from recycled felt and leather, charred Shou Sugi Ban woods, organic latex mattresses by Ethnicraft, and Coyuchi linens.

Rooms are equipped with modern comforts such as Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speakers, a minibar (including a complimentary half bottle of wine), Ironsmith coffee, Google Nest climate control, Coyuchi waffle bathrobes, Nest thermostats, and Duravit rain showers. Many rooms also feature private patios or balconies, enhancing the sense of a personal sanctuary. For instance, the Fire room boasts smoky interiors, copper lamps, a fireplace, and a private patio, while the Air room is entirely vegan and includes a hammock for two.

4. Dining Experience

While Twelve Senses Retreat does not feature a full-service restaurant, its breakfast offering is a significant highlight and a cornerstone of the guest experience. It is described as "impressively healthful," "organic," "seasonal," and "locally sourced." The menu changes daily and includes artisan breads from local bakery Prager Brothers, fresh fruits and vegetables from Garden of Eden Organics and Coastal Roots Farm, and coffee from Encinitas-favorite Ironsmith.

Guests can expect delectable options like organic avocado toast with poached eggs, colorful berry mixes, wake-up shots, and granola and yogurt bowls, with both vegan and gluten-free choices available. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the privacy of one's room, on a private balcony, in a hammock, or on the scenic rooftop deck. The retreat also offers complimentary half bottles of wine or non-alcoholic beverages in the rooms, and daily sundown cocktails are mentioned as part of the experience.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Twelve Senses Retreat consistently receives exceptional praise, with guests frequently highlighting the warmth and attentiveness of the staff. The owner and designer, Anke, is particularly commended for her welcoming nature, helpfulness, and "personal attention to detail." Guests appreciate that the staff is both friendly and gracious while also respecting their privacy. The property is managed by Jade & Vincent, who bring extensive backgrounds in hospitality and culinary arts to ensure a high level of guest satisfaction.

6. Location & Accessibility

Twelve Senses Retreat is ideally situated in Encinitas, a "free-spirited city" and "laidback beach town" in northern San Diego County. The retreat is located in a residential neighborhood, "just 1 mile from the beach." It's conveniently positioned about a half-hour drive north of San Diego and approximately 25 miles from the San Diego International Airport.

The location offers easy access to local attractions, being "less than two miles from Swamis beach," a popular surf spot, as well as the renowned Meditation Gardens, the Yogananda Center, and the vibrant downtown Encinitas along historic Highway 101. Encinitas itself is celebrated for its meditation gardens, yoga studios, local artisans, healers, diverse culinary scene (including celebrity chef restaurants and vegan options), microbreweries, and wineries. The retreat provides free private parking and offers bike rentals for guests to explore the surrounding area.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a luxury retreat, guests generally perceive Twelve Senses Retreat as offering good value for the experience. On Booking.com, it scores 9.6 for "Value for money." As of February 12, 2026, prices for a 1-night stay for two adults start from approximately $434.45, with another source indicating a rate around $429.66. This price point is considered worthwhile by guests, who often mention that the "room is a great value for the luxurious amenities and delicious breakfast that is included." The comprehensive, organic, and locally sourced breakfast, along with the high-quality amenities and personalized service, contribute significantly to the perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

Finding recurring complaints about Twelve Senses Retreat is challenging, as guest feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The property's small size (only four rooms) means it does not offer a full-service restaurant beyond its lauded breakfast, but this is clearly communicated and not presented as a complaint. One minor consideration mentioned is that "parents seeking peace might find smalls a distraction," suggesting it's primarily geared towards adults or those seeking a quiet escape, although children can stay for a daily fee. However, this is more of a characteristic of a tranquil retreat than a criticism.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. mrandmrssmith.com
4. tablethotels.com
5. expedia.com
6. myboutiquehotel.com
7. twelvesensesretreat.com
8. twelvesensesretreat.com
9. twelvesensesretreat.com
10. thetidalist.com
11. kindtraveler.com
12. michelin.com