Experience the new Kona Kai

By Mary Pfeifer

Located on Shelter Island in San Diego, California, Kona Kai Resort and Marina is a unique way to experience San Diego. The property acquired in 2013 and newly renovated by Noble house capped at $22 million. The transformed 129-room cozy two-story mission style hotel sits right on the bay across from houses on the hills of Point Loma and is a quick 10-minute ride from the airport. Escape the cold weather of New York City to wake up each morning to the view of a sea of sailboats and encounter seals sunbathing on the far docks of the marina.

The recently renovated property provides a private bay beach (the only one in San Diego), luxury spa, upscale restaurant, bars, flexible meeting and event space for elegant banquets, themed parties, weddings, and more.

Couples can have a destination wedding on the Bay outside or in the ballroom. It is fun and relaxation all rolled into one place.

Among the resorts Amenities include:
• Spa Terre and fitness center
• World-class Dining at the Vessel, private dining room, Bars & Lounges, Spacious Pool cozy cabanas
• All Rooms have a Private Balcony or Terrace

Activities:
Stand up paddle board (SUP), Sailing, Kayaking– all by the yachts in the marina

The Vessel, Kona Kai's upscale waterfront Restaurant, is a blend of elegant contemporary décor with a moon lit backdrop of boats seen from the large glass windows. Relax with live music out on the patio overlooking the docks.

Some favorite signature dishes include: Spicy tuna tacos, Diver scallops with ratatouille
Enjoy a glass of wine poured from one of the most unique wine decanters made from hand blown glass standing almost 2 feet high.

Take a day excursion to enjoy all that San Diego has to offer:
Dan Diego Zoo, Take a tour on the USS Midway Air Craft carrier museum.
Book a beer tasting at Mission Brewery. In 2007, the owner re-established the brand and relocated the manufacturing and tasting room to Downtown San Diego in the Historic Wonder Bread Building in the East Village. It is considered one of the best craft breweries in San Diego County. The casual friendly staff shared their beer knowledge well.

Spa Terre, the signature spa of Noble House Hotels & resorts is a 7,020-square-foot luxury spa which includes six treatment rooms, two manicure stations, three "pedicure thrones" and a "Zen Den" relaxation room — is the latest of several changes and additions made to the nearly 60-year- old property. Indulge your mind, body and soul. Choose from exotic Indonesian, Fijian, or Thai spa experiences and rituals that are custom-designed to replace stress and tension with the feeling of utter relaxation and renewal. More than just another hotel spa in San Diego, at Spa Terre, nurture your body and spirit with a massage on the exclusive heated 'alpha-quartz sand bed'. Discover the healing power of warm sand to alleviate pain and promote health.

On our last day of our stay we went on a sunset sail on 'Stars and Stripes', a 78- foot past winner of the Americas Cup. The crew of 6 men and one woman was very friendly and clearly enjoyed teaching us. We got to help steer the boat and raise the sails. We passed seals sleeping on the buoys. After the dinner we ended our trip on the beach sitting around the fire pit roasting s'mores.

I look forward to a return trip to Kona Kai after the renovations are complete.

For more information:
resortkonakai.com