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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.
Kona Kai Resort and Spa
1551 Shelter Island Drive
San Diego, California
92106
Nearest Airport: SAN
Relaxing and beautiful… the resort had great views and wonderful amenities
rickycO7467NP
I hardly leave reviews but our stay at Kona Kai was one of the best stays we had as a family. It started with Bino who was phenomenal and took such good care of us! He truly went above and beyond. Same with Rudy who checked us out. We booked through Chase Edit and were upgraded to their Junior suit room. The suite was clean and beds were comfy. Huge bathroom with a soaking tub and separate shower. It was more than what I expected and we had a great view of the marina! Everyone on the property was so helpful and nice. Sadly, only booked for a night but it was a perfect staycation.
Desiree C
I’ve been to Kona Kai several times only for dinner. I asked for a regular room but it was designed and decorated like a suite. Breakfast is a buffet or à la carte. Kona Kai has the best hotel gym I have ever experienced. Plenty of free weights and machines. The adult only pool has a bar, but before it’s opened in the morning the area should be checked for bird feces.
GoPlaces07863737287
Awesome property, great staff, beautiful amenities. Our room was over an hour late and we were supposed to have a King sized bed. We had to manage with two queens (they felt more like twins or fulls). Aside from that the experience was good.
Gregory C
The location of the Tokai is really unsurpassed. It is beautiful. It is quiet it just dawn for me. It is convenient. There’s really nowhere else like it in One of the things we like is it is a beautiful resort with understated elegance, and it never seems busy even when it’s it before I get in see. We will in room 121 which is an upgrade to a junior suite and it was great our view of the Bay San Diego about 150 feet away pretty fabulous and we could walk out our sliding doors with the dogs at any time of the day or night. As a final touch, we did have dinner at Best’s restaurant on Friday night before we took the concert down the road at Humphrey and it was a great meal. When you travel, good meals can make or break your vacation experience and definitely helped make part of ours. The value for the room was excellent so as you can tell from reading this, I’m a big fan. This is the third time stay there and I have no doubt in my mind that will be coming for time within the next 12 months.
blacksoxredux - Costa Mesa, California
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