Kona Kai is a San Diego Bay treasure, situated at the very tip of Shelter Island, offering captivating marina and bay views. Having recently undergone a $22 million refreshment, I wanted to check out what all the buzz was about at Kona Kai. The warm, alluring, tropical atmosphere is inviting and the casual island luxury creates the perfect, relaxing getaway. Are you in need of a vacation? Join me for a visual getaway.
The beach vibe begins as soon as you walk in the door. The crisp white sofas are a new addition and brighten up the lobby. It was like walking into an interior decorating studio.
I don’t know if I was more captivated by the view outdoors or in. (If you know where to buy this wallpaper, fill me in. I want it!)
Vessel Restaurant uses reclaimed barn wood to set the tone. Adding to the cool factor, the lamps are made from reclaimed cardboard.
Although the pool is waiting for its facelift, it still looks fantastic. As we basked in the San Diego sun, we took in the picturesque scenery of the fabulous yachts housed in the marina and the lushes green gardens.
The turquoise dream continues on the man-made, sandy beach equipped with fireplaces for a true SoCal evening. (S’mores anyone? Just ask the front desk. They have kits, increasing the cool factor by 100%.)
The night is as warm and inviting as the day. Cool evenings take on a new meaning. 
The ideal, yearly temperatures in San Diego create a unique situation where there is no need to do things behind closed doors. My weekend was a breath of fresh air, mingling indoor and outdoor living. Kona Kai gave me that beachy, relaxed feeling where family-time can be enjoyed and it’s the only thing that matters.
Bucket List Publications 
Two words: Back yard.
Two more: Thank you.
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This may be our first vacation without the baby. . .thanks for the tour! 🙂
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Thanks for coming with me 🙂
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love the reclaimed barn wood.
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Me too! I want it for a dining table and other furniture. So beach like. 🙂
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Looks like a nice place to stay for a vacation.
Thanks for sharing.
Irene
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That is so lovely. I always love your pictures. Wish I could crawl through the computer and be there.!
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Wouldn’t that be a great way to travel! I wish 🙂
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We just moved to SD! I will definitely check this place out. Thanks for the great post!
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Awesome! Where did you move from?
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We were stationed in Guam for the last three years.
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I love San Diego. Looks like a great spot.
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Love the turquoise everywhere. Hope you had a quieter evening!
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I did; thank you. 🙂
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Sigh. Ah, to sit in the sun again. Looks gorgeous and so inviting.
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Having grown up in La Jolla during the 50s, I remember the Kona Kai as the hotspot, the place to sneak into as a teen and check out if anybody who was anybody was staying there. Good to see it has a new life.
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Leslie, so glad to see you are still living and enjoying your life. Now, that’s what’s up! 🙂
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I’m going to San Diego next week. Why didn’t I know about this place? Any recommendations for fun things to do?
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Tons! What age group? What type of activities?
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11 and 13 year old girls who are easy to please.
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San Diego Zoo, San Diego Safari Park, Balboa Park, Sea World, The Gas Lamp District, ride a trolley, and visit one of the awesome beaches. 🙂
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Thanks. I have most on my list. We are staying at Hotel del Coronado which seems to have quite a bit to offer as well. Just hoping for great weather.
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It’s always great weather 😉
That’s an awesome hotel with tons of fun things around. Is this your first time in San Diego?
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Wow! Love the interior.
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Oh my goodness, I am in love with all that reclaimed wood in the restaurant decor! Looks like you guys had a fabulous time – thanks for sharing!
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vibrant in a subtle way. very nice. looks comfy.
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Welcome to San Diego! You couldn’t have picked a better time to visit, the weather has been utter perfection.
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San Diego Beauty!
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