Less than 30 minutes from downtown San Diego, Encinitas is a coastal haven for surfers, yogis, and creatives. If ever there was a boutique hotel that embodies that spirit, it’s the Inn at Moonlight Beach. A conscious hotel in San Diego that takes wellness to the next level, this eco-sanctuary is reason enough to plan a trip to the seaside communities of North County.
Backstory
Named for it’s proximity to Encinitas’ Moonlight Beach, the Inn at Moonlight touts itself as a ‘Conscious Destination.’ What is a conscious hotel? Good question.
The passion project of Shangwen Chiu Kennedy, a Harvard-trained architecture landscape and urban designer, the innovative property is laser focused on creating an environment that is sustainable, regenerative and life-giving.
And it shows in every intentional detail. That’s why it’s one of our favorite hotels in Southern California.
Along with several like-minded partners, Kennedy purchased the aging property and reimagined it to create a state-of-the-art wellness destination that improves and transforms human health.
A peaceful retreat in an already laid back surf-centric community, the property’s ethos (and the owner’s personal mission) is to ‘empower people to create communities and environments that support well-being and inspire people to flourish, savor their existence and contribute together as part of a global family.’
No harm in that, is there?
The vibe
Your first point of contact is the sign for the property, reiterating that you have arrived at your conscious destination. A brief incline up the drive removes you from the outside world and pops you right in front of the Moonlight Farmstand, an onsite farmstand that’s open to guests as well as the public.
The property is small and intimate and feels like you’re pulling up to a friend’s beach house that’s hidden in a secret garden, tucked away from the world.
Upon entering the ‘lobby,’ which feels part eco-chic boutique, part dining room, you can browse artisanal goods from local sustainable farmers and culinary artisans like the Mikolich Family Honey Farm, Bariani Olive Oil, Imperial California Olive Mill, and Small Batch Jam, CA.
Design
The world’s first WELL-Certified property, the intimate 5-suite Inn at Moonlight focuses on enhancing health through seven areas: air, water, nourishment, circadian lighting (light that provides minimal disruption to the body’s circadian rhythm); a soothing and comfortable indoor environment; relaxation spaces and design to support mental health and wellbeing; and daily opportunities for fitness.
Naturally ventilated by a soft ocean breeze, each suite has an outdoor deck or patio overlooking the garden, design is modern, comfortable, and intentional.
Nourishment
Biodynamic farming throughout the property invites guests to meander and sample seasonal fruits and vegetables.
In the property’s lobby slash common area, there are housemade and locally sourced products and culinary workshops where you can infuse your own honey or olive oil from herbs harvested in the garden.
The staff also dehydrates fruit from the garden and dips them in chocolate for guests to enjoy during workshops, on charcuterie boards or in the daily breakfast basket, which also comes with other assorted locally made goodies.
Meditate
Whether you have an ocean breeze or garden view suite, there are nooks and crannies all over the property where you can lose yourself in meditation. For full immersion in nature, a discreet corner is designated for the Meditation Deck, surrounded by succulents and garden beds.
No need to worry about other guests watching you as everyone is likely floating around in the same state of relaxed bliss, appreciating the serenity of nature and birdsong filtering through the trees.
Wellness
An important part of slowing down is self-care, and for that, this conscious little hotel in San Diego has an abundance of thoughtful details designed to pamper you.
From a private foot soak with fresh flowers and herbs on your balcony upon arrival to handmade satchets of biodynamically grown herbs, teas and bath salts for you to soak in after a long day, wellness is front and center at the Inn at Moonlight.
Consciously grown, harvested, packaged and disposed of, it’s small touches like the bath amenities that make this boutique hotel stand out from others.
What’s nearby
Located in Encinitas, a coastal town in San Diego’s North County. Here are some additional Travara-approved spots nearby.
SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP
A prime patch of real estate perched above Swami’s, one of the best surf breaks in San Diego, is the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens. Free and open to everyone, it’s the perfect place for a sunset stroll.
GOODONYA
An organic eatery and wine bar (they even have an organic wine subscription), Goodonya is a local favorite for meals, or drinks, any time of the day.
FOX POINT FARMS
The ultimate regenerative community, Fox Point Farms is a a place to eat, drink nourish and gather. Co-living with community space and a regenerative farm and market, it was built consciously from the ground up.
FOUR MOONS SPA
This Balinese-inspired respite is a tranquil oasis by the coast. Beauty, healing and wholeness converge amid lush gardens and casitas where modern treatments meet ancient wisdom.
Plan your trip to the most conscious hotel in San Diego
It’s always sunny in San Diego…at least that’s what they say, right? Climate change has changed all the rules, but for the most part, San Diego has moderate temps year round.
December and January can easily find you in flip flops and at the beach. While warm summer weather is pretty reliable, it will always be the most crowded. Beach parking can be tough and the Del Mar Fair turns the freeway into a parking lot. September and October are lovely months to visit also, as the weather is still quite warm, the kids are back in school, and tourists have started to thin out.
Depending on traffic, North County San Diego is only two hours from LA and one from Orange County. If you’re flying in, fly nonstop if you can. The San Diego airport is about 45 minutes from Encinitas and a car will be your best option for exploring the area.
MICHELLE ARELLANO MARTIN
