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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
Terrible and would not recommend for a family or anyone wanting to watch the fireworks for the 4th of July. We picked this location for the Fireworks specifically, but we could not see them from our balcony. The elevator did not work in building 3 properly, the trash was overflowing, the ice machines were either really loud, did not work or were out of ice, except for building 8, that was the best one.
Shahanna T - Lodi, California
Our family spent two nights at Kona Kai in a marina view room to celebrate our son's birthday. We had a wonderful time! Room was very nice and staff was friendly and accommodating. Dinner at Vessel was amazing. We will definitely be back!
smanganiello
Would. Not return. Front desk staff are not personnel at all. Upon check in room smelled of sewer. Also parking key didn’t work so I couldn’t leave parking lot freely. Understaffed during the busiest day of the year. July 4th.
Abel C
There are some lovely things about this place but it really isn't quite resort quality. There is no transparency in what you are charged at the hotel and so at the end you may end up with a huge bill but it's so confusing the way they break everything down that you'll never be able to figure it out! Locals use the amenities so don't plan on getting a fire pit unless you're going to camp out at one really early. There will be underage children in the adult pool. And locals in the pool as well. The private beach is to the marina and has all the fire pits on it so don't think "day at the beach." The place is clearly understaffed. Only one security staff in the evening, none in the day. The waitress covered all the tables inside and out for dinner. I will say they have plenty of towels at the pool.
wagnerderivative - Denver
Great atmosphere we got upgraded room with a great view to the bay really really made our stay special staff was warm and friendly from check in to check out
Marvin M
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