The Twelve Senses: An Oasis In the Heart of Encinitas Inspired by Rudolf Steiner
When planning a surf trip to Encinitas with my friends, I aimed to find an ideal location close to downtown and near various surf spots. Since I had never visited this part of California before, I was eager to find the perfect place to stay. Discovering The Twelve Senses, I was reassured by its Design Hotel seal of approval. Based in Berlin, Germany, Design Hotels is a trusted brand and hospitality consulting company that identifies the most captivating hotel spaces worldwide, blending architecture with creativity. Their directory includes both boutique and large hotels, and their recommendations are consistently reliable.
Twelve Senses Retreat is situated within walking distance of some of the best surf spots, including Swami’s and the must-visit Meditation Garden. Designed by German-born Anke Bodack, the retreat is inspired by the twelve human senses, a concept introduced by 19th-century architect and philosopher Rudolf Steiner. From the beginning, this boutique hotel offers the ambiance of a Mediterranean getaway in the heart of Encinitas. Each room represents one of the four natural elements—Fire, Water, Earth, and Air—providing a unique experience for guests.
As part of the hotel's mission, Bodack aimed to prioritize holistic wellness in both the rooms and the overall hotel experience, emphasizing sustainability and the well-being of guests. However, what I found to be the biggest allure, was and is the attention to detail when it came to food and the curation of our daily meals/mornings. With a pamphlet provided each evening, guests have the option to choose from a variety of breakfasts… ALL homemade and incredibly delicious.
The Rooms
The four elements are crucial for all forms of life and have significance beyond their physical presence. They also embody different personality traits and energy dynamics. These elements aim to create balance: fire requires water to be subdued, and earth needs wind to be stirred. You can select the room that aligns best with you, whether it be for its practical function or its energetic resonance.
Fire Room
Fire is attributed to transformational and purifying powers. Invigorate yourself and sense the powerful energy of fire with Sho Suzi Ban wood, hand-made copper lamps. Relax with a large in-room fireplace or lounge on the private patio in one of the Acapulco chairs.
Water Room
The water element is a symbol of our emotional body. It represents dreaming, healing, and regeneration. Refresh your mind and spirit in the peaceful oasis of the Water Room. This room has a spacious balcony with a handmade Mexa Cozumel hanging chair and Acapulco chairs. All in refreshing aqua blue colors and beautiful natural and sustainable materials.
Earth Room
Earth is nurturing, protecting and restorative. It is renewing, growing and has creative energy. Ground yourself and connect to yourself with natural earthy and tactile materials. Soak in our oversized Duravit bathtub, take an outdoor shower or relax in one of the Ixtapa chairs on the expansive and largest of all patios.
Air Room
The air element is associated with the breath of life and attributed with cleansing power. Uplift your senses in the upstairs Air room with 9’-10’ ceilings and the largest balcony of all the rooms. Unwind on a handcrafted hammock from Mexico or on one of the Acapulco chairs. The Air room is designed with only vegan materials.
In addition to the rooms, the terrace on the roof is absolutely perfect for cooking, eating, drinking, and working under the perfect miz of shade and sun. There is a fire pit that adds the perfect touch to an evening under the stars.
Food
Twelve Senses offers a healthy and hearty breakfast featuring mostly organic and locally sourced items, with gluten-free and vegan options available. Focused on seasonal fruits and vegetables, they gratefully serve what Mother Nature provides. Most of their produce comes from local farms and markets, their bread from Prager Brothers Artisan Bakery, and their coffee from Ironsmith in Encinitas. They emphasize serving in-season fruits and vegetables and also receive a farm box from Garden of Eden Organics.
Wellness
As part of the wellness offerings, Anke provides a weekly calendar of great activities, self-care, and therapeutic sessions that include massages, yoga, manicures and pedicures, sound baths, and much more.
The Design
All materials are natural, made from recycled content, and sourced locally whenever possible. The flooring is dark gray basalt volcanic stone, and the shower walls are made of Zebrano Vein cut Marble. To protect and preserve water resources, zero VOC paints are used. The wallpaper, made by Buxkin, recycles leftover leather from the shoe industry into beautiful leather ribs. The wall above the bed is covered in 100% wool felt, embracing the room's dark and cozy palette. The space is adorned with a handmade mohair blanket from Weckelweiler Werkstätten, artisan pillows from Marrea Decor, and many beautiful items sourced from Object in Tijuana.
