Twelve Senses Retreat - Encinitas Bed & Breakfast

We stayed at Twelve Senses overnight during our Northern San Diego road trip for 4th of July weekend. This is a simple, modern establishment of 4 well appointment suites (Fire/Earth/Water/Air), each with a cute patio or balcony area. Vibe is like staying at a friend's guest room. We stayed in the Fire Room and it was so lovely. Nice big King bed, fireplace, complimentary snacks and water upon arrival. Our host Anke was super friendly, welcoming and served us a delicious breakfast on her beautiful rooftop. Though we did not spend much time there as we were sightseeing, it was the perfect place to lay our heads and relax when we got home at the end of the day. The main amenity is a serene rooftop. The property is a lovely spot located a short drive to everything Encinitas has to offer. Would definitely recommend!

I’m genuinely surprised this property is rated as a 4-star hotel. While it has some positive aspects, such as being clean and having breakfast served on time, there are several things future guests should be aware of. • The walls are very thin, and you can easily hear conversations and movement from other rooms and downstairs. • Parking is limited, and the room itself is quite small. The table provided is also too small to be functional. • The shower area has no door, so water tends to spill out onto the room floor. • The view is of a neighboring house, a school, and currently, there’s construction involving solar panels nearby, which adds to the street and neighborhood noise. • There is no TV in the room, and all four rooms share one iron and ironing board, which felt a bit inconvenient. The property is essentially a converted house with four rooms and a garage, not located near the beach or in a green area. It doesn’t quite match the expectations of a 4-star hotel—3 stars or less would be more accurate, in my opinion. I had booked for three nights but had to leave after one due to an emergency. When I requested a refund for the remaining two nights, the owner initially refused, even though the cancellation policy on Booking.com wasn’t clear. It took a long and difficult call with Booking.com to resolve the issue and secure a refund. The owner was polite at first, but during our departure, she seemed upset and only offered a brief “hi.” While I respect her and appreciate the breakfast and cleanliness, I believe it’s important to share an honest review for future travelers. In summary: It’s okay for a one-night stay, but I wouldn’t recommend it for longer visits, especially at the current price point.

My dog and I were heading into San Diego and we needed to spend one night in Encinitas before meeting up with friends the next day. I booked this last minute and I'm so glad I chose this place. I absolutely loved it and so did Theo. ||Our room was spacious and beautiful with a deck and 2 chairs outside. It is very stylish and comfortable. We slept very well — we had been on the road all day so a good nights sleep was so necessary. The owner was so helpful and sweet. I wasn't able to meet her as we arrived around 8pm, but we did talk on the phone. She asked about my breakfast options even though it says they'd prefer to know earlier in the day. The next morning after our walk, we returned to a beautiful tray with flowers and my breakfast of granola, yogurt and fruit with a fresh squeezed orange juice. I had already had coffee, but I'm sure theirs would have been delicious as well. ||This is located in a neighborhood and is about a 30 minute walk to downtown Encinitas. It was very quiet while I was there, but it is located across from a school so I imagine it may get busy on some mornings. Unfortunately, my room and the breakfast was all we had time for as we had to get back on the road to meet up with friends. I'd definitely stay here again as it was very relaxing.

What a wonderful surprise! Nestled in a quiet Encinitas neighborhood, Twelve Senses Retreat is a luxurious, eco-curated gem. Every detail is thoughtfully designed—from the artistic touches and natural materials to the beautifully appointed rooms with cozy beds, soft sheets, and the coolest coffee makers, baskets, and lighting. The organic, healthy breakfast was absolutely delicious, and the service warm and attentive. It was such a gift to relax and rejuvenate in this peaceful setting, just minutes from the beach and shops of Encinitas. A true sanctuary!

Sure! Here's your review revised to include all your points, including the high price, in a casual but clear tone: --- Not Worth the Hype—or the Price I live in Oregon and usually love staying at bed and breakfasts over hotels. I was really excited about this one—it looked absolutely charming in the photos. But unfortunately, it didn’t live up to expectations, especially for the price (over $350 a night!). The room was incredibly small—barely enough space for one person, let alone two. The shower setup was super awkward; no matter how quick your shower is, water ends up all over the floor. And the worst part? The noise. You can hear everything happening downstairs and through the walls. Let’s just say the guests next door had a rough night (if you know what I mean 😅), and I didn’t get much sleep because of it. That said, Anke was lovely and I really appreciated the cozy little touches throughout the space. But overall, this place was overpriced for what it offers

Absolutely loved our stay at 12 Senses Retreat! The rooms are beautifully designed with a strong focus on sustainability-stylish and eco-conscious. The service was outstanding,with incredible attention to detail. The delicious organic breakfast was a great start every morning. Anke the owner, brins a personal touch that make the whole experience feel warm and unique. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a thoughtful,relaxing getaway.

The BEST boutique experience we have ever had! The rooms are gorgeously appointed, the breakfast included each day is incredibly delicious, fresh and healthy. Anke is an extremely attentive and gracious host.

Anke, you and your team are simply FABULOUS! It's my third time treating myself to some time off the grid and the perfect way to celebrate my birthday. Can't thank you enough for taking such good care of us. I'm already plotting a trip back. One more room to try :-)

We absolutely enjoyed our stay here. It's not a typical chain corporation hotel, but a beautiful boutique bed-and-breakfast. The room doesn't come with a TV but the whole point of this place is disconnect from electronic devices and relax. We appreciate all the high quality materials used in the room that are handpicked by the owner, and slept so well because of their organic cotton beddings. Their organic breakfast was also delicious. The beach is less than 10 minutes away, and there are great restaurants nearby. It's a small business owned by a woman and I highly recommend it.

This was a wonderful quaint, inviting, and pleasant experience. We were greeted with a couple of individual bottles of bubbly and snacks in our room. Our room was a studio layout with a large soaking tub in the corner of the room. The tub had a bath salt soaking bag and tea lights to set a relaxing ambiance for my wife. Husbands, nothing better than your wife getting into and taking a bath right in front of you am I right ! Not a bath fan myself so the outside shower was fun to use. Privacy comes at a premium so don't be shy . As a bed and breakfast I ultimately rate Twelve Senses on the food. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Just take a look at my photos and try not to drool . Go and enjoy the service, amenities, and food.

The best inn in all of Encinitas. Fresh organic breakfast, proximity to everything you need. Beautiful design. The host and staff are five star. It's perfect.

Such an amazing stay at 12 Senses!! Love the sustainability efforts and attention to detail. Every detail in each room is curated to the theme. I stayed in the air room, which featured an essential oil diffuser and hammock on the balcony. Such a lovely surprise to arrive to wine and some sweet treats! Plus a cute goodie bag to take home. My stay was short but so relaxing. I used the meditation app on the iPod in the morning while laying in the hammock. AND the breakfast was incredible!! I ate my mushroom eggs with toast and yogurt bowl on the rooftop deck and enjoyed an energizing coconut matcha latte. I can't wait to come back when I'm in Encinitas again!

Just returned from an anniversary staycation at Twelve Senses and had a fantastic getaway--highly recommend if you are looking for a comfortable stay in a thoughtfully-decorated place. We booked the Fire room and arrived to find a bottle of Prosecco and a sweet card wishing us a happy anniversary, such a lovely touch. The room is stunning and the bed and bedding is so comfortable and I really appreciated the range of lighting options, from functional lights to warm and cozy. I can't say enough good things about the included breakfasts--we ordered the vegan options (fruit and quinoa one morning, overnight oats the next) with delicious lattes and fresh orange juice. What a luxury to have it delivered to our room so we could enjoy a lazy morning! Anyway, if you want to stay in the Encinitas area, don't bother with the airbnbs in the area, stay at Twelve Senses instead. It's as delightful in real life as their website promises, and you get to support a small-business owner who clearly cares that her guests are happy!

We came across this local gem (we live an hour and half away) by luck and wow, what an experience! It was much needed for my hubby and I to step away, the energy from this place and surroundings are so calming and exactly what we needed. Each and every detail is so well thought out by the wonderful host, Anke, like the room decor, very comfortable beds, wine and chocolates, and oh my goodness the breakfast in bed was a delight ! We are definitely going to be back and make this haven a ritual!

Have to laugh because I think this is the first time I have ever written a follow up / second review for a business. Anke at Twelve Senses incredible. I stayed here once a about a year ago and this experiences exceeded the first which I didn't think was possible. The food is amazing and still organic. The products placed within the rooms are luxurious. Nest AC/heating works great and this is an easy walk to the best restaurants and coffee in Encinitas. Thank you Anke for creating this place!

Such a peaceful hidden gem. We attended a Pop Up Dinner with friends and enjoyed a lovely sunset with wine and a three course dinner by the most amazing Private Chef Francoise Brana. Loved this retreat and look forward to coming back to relax for a Staycation hopefully in the Earth Room with the Bath.

Stunning property, perfectly appointed rooms and the most lovely staff, owner and pup! Every aspect of the space feels so considered from the linens to the decor and delightful menu. Additionally they are dog friendly and offer gluten free and vegan options! Truly a dreamy space, can't wait to visit again!

It is clear the owner is incredibly passionate about the property & business, and she's put so much thought into every design decision. It was amazing to hear about her sustainable choices! We loved the earth room, and owner was extremely kind and hospitable. However, we did go expecting a retreat due to the online branding and reviews.... but the property is across from a school and we had to hear loud track and field announcements the first entire day of our stay. The second day, there was football. The balcony looks over the parking lot and is on a busy corner. I don't enjoy posting a review less than 5 stars, as the owner is lovely, but people who stay should know these details! It is quite expensive for the view and noise. Maybe some tall bamboo can be grown to improve the earth room balcony view? Otherwise, thank you to 12 senses for taking great care of us.

We really enjoyed our time at 12 Senses Retreat. The host is extremely responsive, check in was easy, and the room/property was tastefully done. The highlight for me was the breakfast- delivered right to your door at a requested time. We would stay again the next time we're in Encinitas.

Truly a special and magical place!!! Went to Twelve Senses for a work & wellness retreat, and did not want to leave, left a new person. Anke and her teams hospitality and attention to detail is just perfect. Loved the breakfast (included) each day, which we ate at the rooftop, and tried the yoga class and sound bath, both wonderful. We also took yoga classes nearby at Asteya (Encinitas Wellness Center) which is biking distance, and went running and walking in the beautiful neighborhood and enjoyed Swami beach, and jumped in the ocean. The restaurants nearby for dinner, are amazing too. Loved Pacific Coast Grill, Herb & Sea and the Italian restaurant. I/we cannot wait to go back!!!

Amazing spot for a local getaway. The owner is amazing, super friendly and a great host. She received us as if we were home. The space is simple and super elegant. Less is more. It is peaceful, clean, quiet, and super nice.

I had booked a room at Twelve Senses, but needed to push it back and will update my review once I have. For now, I really want to highlight how amazing and kind Anke has been in terms of working with me to adjust my reservation, no questions asked. What she did not know know is that we are actually dealing with quite a stressful situation with a parent in poor health in the hospital, which is one of the reasons we need to move our reservation, and her understanding has really helped to lessen our stress. But I am not surprised by this because my interactions with her from the start have been nothing less than warm and hospitable. On top of that, this B&B uses organic, top of the line bedding, which is super important to me because i have a lot of skin sensitivities and issues with chemically treated materials. We can't wait to rebook our room and stay here!

Lovely stay here for a night. Excellent host - super responsive and welcoming. Clean, relaxing, nice ambience. Food was delicious - highly recommend!

What an amazing place! Last minute decision to cancel our reservation at another hotel for this peaceful retreat at Twelve Senses. Anke was so welcoming and accommodating. We stayed in the Earth room and truly enjoyed everything about it. Especially the relaxing outdoor shower and gorgeous soaking tub. Beautiful design and serious attention to detail from corner to corner. Will be back for sure! Thank you Anke!