San Diego. There is no city in the U.S. that can compare. It’s full of culture, history, old California charm, and has a stunning, picturesque ocean front. If you’re planning to visit, plan on experiencing the whole city, and take in the gorgeous views and comfortable accommodations at the Kona Kai Resort & Marina on Shelter Island Village, San Diego.
San Diego is packed with different places to visit, each setting its own unique vibe, making the city as a whole the perfect place to vacation with your family because of all the attractions and sights to see. The climate in San Diego is very mild, typically in the mid-seventies throughout most of the year, and there are usually clear, sunny skies. Travel to San Diego can be enjoyed throughout the entire year, from the hotter months from July to September, to the cooler, “winter” months.
If you haven’t ventured to the west coast, the Pacific Ocean is a grand sight to see, and San Diego has miles upon miles of gorgeous shoreline beachfront for the surf and sand experience, or the water activities and Naval history of the San Diego Bay, where marinas and Navy ships line the shore.
Located in the Shelter Island Village of Point Loma is the Kona Kai Resort & Marina. With the magnificent view of the San Diego Bay, your vacation experience begins from the moment you drive onto the Island and are greeted with views of San Diego to the left, and the marina to the right. Take a stroll along the bay “riverwalk” and watch the sailboats dance in the water. Don’t forget to admire the skyline view with the mountains as the backdrop, as that vantage point is special and unique to Shelter Island Village and Point Loma.
Kona Kai is a timeless San Diego Bay treasure, situated at the very tip of Shelter Island and offering captivating marina and bay views. Classic and slightly whimsical in style, with alabaster walls, red tile roofs and archways, the warm and alluring atmosphere has, for decades, played host to dignitaries and film stars alike. A recent $22 million refreshment offers guests the perfect island respite within bright and bustling San Diego.
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Grounds:
The entire resort is bright, sunny and tropical. Palm trees line the courtyards and walkways, and cheerful decor in the interior spaces provide a relaxing retreat for anyone who visits. Modern furnishings are everywhere at the Kona Kai, from poolside to in the room. Bright whites mixed with yellows and turquoise colors offer a breath of fresh air, and really incorporates the location and brings the outdoors inside.
In re-designing Kona Kai Resort & Marina, the goal was to emulate an iconic San Diego experience. With a nod towards its Spanish Colonial architecture, the lobby includes crystal chandeliers, elegant, classic furnishings in shades of white and dark woods, with distressed brass finish and forged, blackened hardware. Accents in gold and turquoise, emulating the sun and sea, are prevalent throughout. Framed video art moves slowly throughout the day, reminding guests of the very near ocean. Horses made of driftwood add whimsy and texture.
Once you enter the courtyard and see the stunning marina to your right, you are greeted with tropical hibiscus flowers blooming, and huge birds of paradise flowers around every single corner. There are small seating areas adorned with gorgeous fountains and outdoor seating, encouraging you to sit back and take in the laid back San Diego lifestyle and beautiful views. Whether you are in the mood for a stroll along the 11 acres of lush gardens, or San Diego’s only privately-owned beach, there is something for everybody at the Kona Kai Resort & Marina.
Along the marina, the ocean laps up against huge jetty rocks, and a private beach is at your disposal, featuring lawn chairs, picnic tables, a fire pit, and even a small playground, perfect for your younger travel companions. Watch the boats sail in and out of the marina, or spy on the hardworking deckhands on a yacht, but whatever you do, don’t forget to utilize Kona Kai Resort & Marina for all its amenities.
Amenities:
Whether you’re in the mood to swim some laps in the 25 yard long pool (even equipped with designated lap lanes!) or tow your little one around the shallow end, this stunning pool is nestled up against the marina, and has a poolside bar, lounge chairs, hot tub, and rentable cabanas. Once again, stylish decor surrounds you, with tiki torches in the evening and brightly colored furniture to spice up your day of fun in the sun.
If you’re in the mood for a relaxing spa treatment, the SpaTerre at Kona Kai has a variety of different services available to book during your visit. Utilizing exotic Indonesian, Fijian and Thai spa experiences, your treatment is custom designed, just for you. Nurture your body and spirit with a massage on the exclusively heated alpha-quartz sand bed, or treat yourself to a milk & honey wrap.Whether you’re looking for a manicure, or a full body scrub and massage treatment, the SpaTerre will make you feel relaxed and invigorated.
The newly redesigned fitness center has a variety of cardio machines and weights. The view from your elliptical has never been more pretty, since the machines face a massive bay window that overlooks the marina.
Activities also go hand in hand with the Kona Kai Resort & Marina. The onsite activity center can facilitate your family’s perfect activity while you visit. Whether it’s powerboat rentals, jet ski rentals, kayak, pedalboat, or stand up paddleboarding, the open water will call your name and beg to be played in. Explore the island’s eclectic shops, amazing cuisine or scenery with bike rentals, or segway rentals. Family activities are also available, such as s’mores nights, pickup volleyball games, or a beach party with bocce balls.
Lodging:
With 129 guestrooms and suites, Spanish colonial revival meets SoCal coastal charm in every single room. All the rooms are designed with the signature teal colored wall adorned with the seafan design, meant to bring the outdoor charm into your residence. Pops of bright yellow colors are mixed in along with the dark wood and distressed hardware.
Plush white beds with a huge tufted headboard make a dramatic, yet classic combination, inviting you to relax in bed. Before you fall into the bed, make sure to open up your floor to ceiling window and experience your own personal private balcony or patio, with views of either the marina, or the bay.
Each room’s amenities include:
- Private balconies with marina or ocean views
- Complimentary High Speed Internet
- Flat Screen Television with Premium Channels
- Telephone with Voicemail and Data Port
- Refrigerator
- Full Bath Amenities
- In-Room Coffee Maker with Coffee
- Hair Dryer
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Individually Controlled Air Conditioning/Heating
- Room Service
Balcony views are stellar, and we encourage you to sip your morning coffee sitting at the patio table, and look out and truly experience the best of San Diego.
Dining:
Premiering in 2013, Kona Kai’s freestanding all day dining venue, the Vessel Restaurant, offers New American cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Roy Hendrickson, served in a casual, elegant atmosphere. The Chef incorporates local and seasonal ingredients to create a flavorful twist on traditional delicacies.
The design of Vessel leans towards a rustic beach culture, with adornments of driftwood, brass metal, hanging nautical lights, and pirate ship vessels scattered throughout the entire restaurant. The 360 degree bar in the center with plasma TVs showing local scenic photographs is the spotlight of the restaurant, and tables with varied heights allow you to sit with unaltered views.
If you have a large party, private dining rooms are available, or you can choose to eat with your family out on the Vessel terrace. Even at night time, the lights from the parallel Point Loma peninsula, and large marina, teamed with outdoor heaters, make it the picture perfect place to enjoy some delicious cuisine.
If you have children present, we highly recommend ordering them the Lobster mac n cheese, served with cheddar fondue, panko and chives. The small plate size is great for children, or a more youthful children’s menu is available. For adults, a wedge salad is a delicious start to share, or embrace the coastal Mexican influence with a spicy tuna taco to kick off your dining experience. For your main dish, many different varieties of fish are available, or try the tasteful skirt steak, served with an amazing leek and potato gratinée. Make sure to save room for one of the amazing desserts such as key lime pie, or crème brulee.
Sip some after dinner cocktails and relax as the boats pull in and out. If you’re lucky and schedule dinner during sunset, absolutely nothing beats the sunset skies over the pacific.
The Kona Kai Resort & Marina truly has it all, while still being close enough to visit the downtown attractions signature to San Diego such as the USS Midway Museum, The Historic Old Town or Gaslamp District, or Seaport Village. A short cab ride from the airport will take you to the ultimate pacific getaway resort. The Kona Kai will be your favorite San Diego destination, and we’re sure you will create amazing memories at this stunning and laid back coastal casual resort.
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Photo Credits: The Memoirs of Megan | Kona Kai Resort & Marina
