Kona Kai Resort and Spa
San Diego, California
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About the Hotel
Set on 11 acres of tropical gardens at the tip of Shelter Island, Kona Kai Resort & Spa offers a laid-back luxury escape that feels worlds away from the bustle of downtown San Diego. The waterfront resort combines Southern California's relaxed coastal lifestyle with upscale amenities, featuring a private beach, marina, lush landscaped grounds, and panoramic views of San Diego Bay. Guest rooms and suites embrace a contemporary coastal aesthetic, with many offering private balconies, marina or bay views, and spacious layouts designed to maximize the resort’s idyllic waterfront setting. Guests can spend their days lounging at either the family-friendly pool or the adults-only Paloma Pool, enjoying private cabanas, exploring the bay by bike, or simply unwinding amid the resort’s serene island atmosphere.
The resort’s dining and wellness experiences further enhance its appeal for luxury travelers. Vessel Restaurant + Bar serves coastal-inspired cuisine with sweeping waterfront views, while poolside bars provide cocktails and casual fare throughout the day. At SpaTerre, guests can indulge in personalized massages, facials, and wellness treatments complemented by eucalyptus steam rooms, relaxation spaces, and a fully equipped fitness center.
Location
Kona Kai Resort and Spa
1551 Shelter Island Drive
San Diego, California
92106
Nearest Airport: SAN
Amenities & Services
- Pool
- Spa
- Childcare
- Fitness Center
- Restaurant
- Bicycles Available
- Bar/Lounge
- Room Service
- Pet-Friendly Rooms
- Kids Club/Programs
- Beach Access
- Marina Access
- Hot Tub
- EV Charging
Reviews for Kona Kai Resort and Spa
Somewhat disappointing experience
This hotel is in a great location, with lovely views, but the rooms are outdated & worn & is in need of a major renovation. The Vessel restaurant is extremely overpriced, as is the parking.
Beth D
Rocky to Smooth
Our stay started off rocky with our initial room being pretty mediocre for a resort style feel. Our room was changed for the better the next day and this suite had nice amenities. I thank the front desk for this change. Location of the Kona Kai is very quiet and a bonus was having a bayside view of the USS Abraham Lincoln arriving in port after a lengthy deployment. Staff was friendly and helpful.
Sarah B - Durham, North Carolina
Great location, service could have been better
Great location but lacks amenities. The pool area bar is only open thrsday - Sunday...and you can't get food within the resort if you stay monday-wednesday. Even with the restaurant being open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the service stinks because they are undermanned.
ucarbajal1
Kona Kai Resort
Attended a family wedding on Shelter Island very nice location to stay views all around both front and back of hotel. Nice pools, meals we felt pricey so we immersed ourselves with local restaurants where we had delicious food without gauging the pocket book. Convenient to walk to most places or just walk along the board walk to watch all the boats on the bay. There is a concert venue Humphreys at Half Moon Bay right down the street if you want a nice intimate place to see a concert. If fishing is your fancy there are many charters daily from the harbor in town or sightseeing.
stanf0rdj - Denver, Colorado
Great getaway.
It was great to have a view of the beach and marina. To walk around the resort. The birds, sea lions, the passing boats and ships, sunsets, very clean and cared for grounds, pool and jacuzzi. Genuinely nice staff all over the place. Next time we’ll bring grandkids.
Stirling H
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