Some resorts sit near the water. Kona Kai Resort & Spa sits right in it, on its own private stretch of sand on Shelter Island. As San Diego’s only resort with a private beach, this waterfront hideaway pairs marina views with tropical, island-style calm just minutes from downtown.
This four-star resort occupies a prime spot on Shelter Island, with sailboats drifting past the full-service marina and the San Diego skyline glowing across the bay. The private beach means toes in the sand without leaving the property, and the two outdoor pools give you a choice of vibe: lively by day, serene by sunset.
Highlights include the Vessel Restaurant + Bar with panoramic bay views, a full-service spa for slow afternoons, and easy access to Point Loma, Liberty Station, and the airport. It is the kind of place where a morning kayak and an evening cocktail with the marina lights feel equally natural.
Kona Kai is ideal for families who want beach days without the crowds, couples planning a romantic bay-side escape, and boaters or wellness seekers who like their luxury with a side of salt air. Every sunset here feels like a postcard you get to live inside.
Ready for San Diego’s private beach? Book this hotel on Expedia
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Photo: Expedia
