MEET JADE & VINCENT
At the heart of our bed & breakfast, Twelve Senses Retreat Encinitas, is a shared belief: that true hospitality is an art—one rooted in care, beauty, wellbeing, and a deep respect for nature and place. Our story is a global one, shaped by decades at the world’s most iconic hotels, and grounded today in sustainability, design, and a slower, more intentional way of living.
Jade
Born in Los Angeles and educated at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, Jade has spent her life immersed in the world of hospitality. Her career includes more than ten years with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, where she refined her approach to service across exceptional destinations known for both elegance and soul.
Her journey carried her from California, to Bora Bora (where she met Vincent), to Paris, working at the renowned Four Seasons Hotel George V, and onward to Mauritius, where she continued her Four Seasons career and welcomed the birth of their daughter. Becoming a mother deepened Jade’s belief that the most meaningful hospitality is rooted in warmth, presence, and care.
Today, Jade is also a local, women-owned business owner, holding a California contractor’s license and specializing in interior finishes. Her design philosophy emphasizes natural materials, sustainability, and spaces that feel calm, restorative, and deeply human—values that define every room and shared space of the property.
Vincent
Born in Auvergne, France, a region rich in culinary heritage, Vincent trained at culinary school in France before building an international career at the highest level of hospitality.
He has worked with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in Geneva and Bora Bora, the legendary George V in Paris. He also led a team at Potel et Chabot, one of France’s most esteemed culinary institutions for private events. He later served as Executive Chef at LUX Belle Mare in Mauritius*, before moving to the United States as Executive Chef of the Pendry Hotel with Montage Hotels.
Beyond professional kitchens, Vincent’s greatest joy is cooking at home—especially alongside his daughter. Teaching her to cook, sharing meals, and passing down a love of food are central to his belief that food is about connection, nourishment, and love.
Our Table, Our Garden, Our Community
Breakfast at our property is a reflection of how we live. We source ingredients from our own garden, as well as local farmers, bakers, and purveyors who share our respect for quality, seasonality, and the land. Menus change with the seasons because nature leads the way here.
We serve what we truly love to eat—simple, beautiful food made with care. Every dish is prepared as if our guests are an extension of our own family, gathered around our table. This philosophy is about more than taste; it’s about nourishment, balance, and wellbeing.
A Grounded, Thoughtful Way of Hosting
Jade and Vincent’s paths crossed in Bora Bora, but their vision found its home in Encinitas, California—a place that reflects their love and appreciation for the ocean, the garden, community, and a healthy, grounded lifestyle. Their bed and breakfast blends European refinement, California ease, and a holistic focus on wellbeing, sustainability, and mindful living.
From natural design and restorative spaces to seasonal food and heartfelt service, every detail is guided by intention. This is a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and feel genuinely cared for.
Welcome to our home. We’re honored to share it with you.
MEET ANKE
Twelve Senses Retreat was born from the vision of its founder, Anke, whose lifelong passion for hosting, design, and sustainable living shaped this unique wellness sanctuary in Encinitas, California. Drawing on her background as a Color & Material Designer, Anke created a space where thoughtful craftsmanship, environmental care, and natural beauty come together.
Inspired by her parents’ spirit of adventure, creativity, and hospitality, as well as her travels and encounters with artisans dedicated to quality and sustainability, Anke spent over a decade bringing this dream to life. With the support of family, friends, and a talented design and building team, she established a retreat that invites guests to slow down, reconnect, and experience mindful comfort.
Today, we continue to honor Anke’s vision and the foundation she built—a place designed to nourish the senses and foster meaningful, restorative experiences.
Video and photo credit: Ohiko Co., Chris Chu, Austin John, Kaylee Ohiko, Frausty Film
