Kona Kai Resort Offers New Suites and A Private Beach

Located at the end of the Shelter Island strip, San Diego’s Kona Kai Resort lies between the big San Diego Bay and the quiet marina.

The resort is a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Diego, but still only 10 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes to Balboa Park or the Gaslamp Quarter.

Newly renovate suites offer beautiful views of the marina and bay from a pretty patio. Rooms have wood floors; bright floor rugs, large drapes and chairs; abstract orange light fixtures; a nice flat screen television and shutters that open to the large tub and bathroom.

Bathrooms feature double sinks, roomy soaking bathtubs, lighted mirrors and big showers. We loved the large containers of Noble House Coconut Mango shampoo, conditioner and body wash products.

The lobby keeps with the hotel’s Old Spanish Colonial design and has huge ceilings, a beautiful fireplace, white sofas and bright blue chairs. Upstairs is a cozy seating area and down the hall is the intimate spa and bright open Vessel restaurant. The intimate Spa Terre offers facials and massages on heated alpha-quartz sand beds.

The Kona Kai Marina is on one side of the resort with a view of the 520 boats, kayaks and paddleboats that go in and out of the marina. Guests can rent sailboats and other water toys. There is also a beautiful adult pool overlooking the marina and a second family pool next to the private beach. Dual pools make a nice choice for family and adult guests. The private beach is the perfect place to gather around fire pits, watch the sunset, and share s’mores.

The entrance of the resort is located across the street from a pretty walking path, park and the huge San Diego Bay.

Offering panoramic waterfront views, the Vessel Restaurant + Bar offers al fresco dining overlooking the marina or cozy inside tables and booths. Appetizers include clam chowder, Ahi tuna tacos, fried mushrooms, green hummus, calamari and a variety of salads. Entrees include salmon with winter squash, pork chops with mustard parsley spaetzle, flat iron steak with potatoes, linguini Bolognese, chicken, cheeseburger and sea bass. Desserts include crème brulee, chocolate ganache, ice cream and sorbet and key lime pie. Breakfast dishes include cereals, oatmeal, omelets, eggs Benedict and pancakes.

Kona Kai Resort is the perfect off the beaten track getaway providing a peaceful romantic weekend, tranquil workspace or family beach trip.

Located at 1551 Shelter Island Drive, reservations at 619.221.8000 or at https://www.resortkonakai.com.