Twelve Senses Retreat | Every Stay Gives Back

YOUR POSITIVE IMPACT

February 2026 - Present: The Shine Project Foundation

$ 10

helps cover the cost for one individual to participate in a special needs event

100 %

donated to The Shine Project Foundation

$ 2

dollars per night funds The Shine Project Foundation

2023 - 2025: Changing Tides Foundation

259

days of nutritious meals provided for one girl during the Changing Tides Foundation Mentorship Program

$ 2590

total funds raised

Charity Mission

Bridge the gap between special needs families and their communities.

 

Why is it important?

The Shine Project Foundation meets families at some of life’s most vulnerable intersections — where raising a child, teen, and or an adult with special needs can collide with emotional strain, financial pressure, and feelings of isolation. In these moments, Shine restores dignity, hope, and momentum by surrounding families with compassionate support and meaningful community connection.

Through free inclusive enrichment programs, caregiver wellness events, trusted resource connections, and direct support, when possible, Shine helps ease the invisible burdens families often carry — from everyday essentials to navigating complex systems of care. By creating safe spaces, fostering belonging, and building bridges within the community, Shine allows caregivers to focus on their families' growth and well-being rather than simply surviving. Every program is a reminder that families are seen, valued, supported — and never alone on their journey to thrive and SHINE.

How do they do it?

Shine Project Foundation bridges the gap between special needs families and their communities by creating inclusive, joy-forward programs that nurture connection, confidence, and care well beyond school and home. Through initiatives like The Discovery Arts Showcase, which celebrates creative expression and ability; The Beach Fun Day Series, offering accessible coastal healing experiences; Family Field Day and Picnic, designed for low-stress, welcoming togetherness; and their Holiday Festival, which helps to make the holidays brighter with the gift of connection. Programs such as Caring for  Caregivers acknowledge, empower, and replenish parents’ emotional well-being, while Food to Grow at a local regenerative farm connects families to nourishment, nature, and community through hands-on food experiences. Together, these programs operate as a compassionate holistic ecosystem, pairing resources with relationship-building to ensure special needs families feel supported and seen as cherished members of their community.

How you can #TravelKindly:

  • Reserve a stay at Twelve Senses Retreat, where every stay gives back. Each stay includes a donation to The Shine Project. Reserve Now. 
  • Follow @theshineprojectfoundation on your socials to stay up to date on upcoming volunteer opportunities and events. 
  • All of Shine Project’s events, projects, and opportunities are free to special needs families and only made possible with the generous donations of donors and sponsors. Be a part of their adventure simply by staying at Twelve Senses Retreat, or if you’d like to contribute more and donate to a specific project or to their organization, you will surely change lives for many people.
     

About Twelve Senses Retreat

Located in an iconic So Cal surf town, Twelve Senses Retreat provides a prime location for exploring the region’s stunning coastline and beaches, as well as the vibrant and eclectic local community of Encinitas, which is known for its surf shops, coffeehouses, vintage record stores, and foodie scene.

The four-room micro retreat is just two miles from legendary Swamis Beach, which draws surfers from around the world. It’s also close to popular local attractions like the renowned Yogananda Center and Meditation Gardens and downtown Encinitas, where you’ll find a mixture of celebrity chef restaurants, vegan cuisine, craft breweries, and wineries.

Kind features at Twelve Senses Retreat include low-water landscaping, a recycling program, solar energy, eco-friendly bath products, food offerings featuring organic and locally sourced ingredients, and dedicated vegan and vegetarian menu items. Book directly with Twelve Senses Retreat and positively impact the local community with Changing Tides Foundation. 

 

Learn more about the partners

Twelve Senses Retreat The Shine Project Foundation

Learn more about Kind Traveler's Every Stay Gives Back community impact program