Why Families Should Stay at Kona Kai Resort in San Diego

Jul 26, 2017

After an extensive renovation in 2015 that included brand new guestrooms, Kona Kai Resort & Spa, a Noble House Resort in San Diego, is looking forward to welcoming families this summer with a wide variety of activities and amenities that kids and their parents will love.

Kona Kai’s location in the city’s lesser-known but picturesque Shelter Island area makes this property a bit of a hidden gem. With plenty of kid-friendly activities on land and on the water, there is always something fun to do. And, since the resort is off the beaten path, there is no shortage of space to play.

“We have activities for families in every corner of the resort, including swimming in our newly renovated pool, games and live entertainment,” said Kelly Commerford, director of sales and marketing for Noble House Hotels & Resorts. “There is never a dull moment."

Kona Kai’s private beach is the perfect spot to enjoy complimentary family activities such as a beanbag toss, badminton and even giant Jenga. For indoor fun, the Kids Korner off the main lobby offers arts and crafts, a pingpong table and family-friendly movies. And on weekends, the resort has extra-special family activities, such as Friday Night Flix, which features outdoor movies at the pool — with popcorn, of course — and Sunday Family Funday on the beach, where everyone can enjoy the sunshine all day, then make delicious s’mores at dusk.

The on-site Vessel Restaurant was also a beneficiary of the resort’s renovation: It boasts a brand-new 360-degree central bar and a video wall showcasing local landscapes. Vessel’s menu, created by executive chef Roy Hendrickson, incorporates local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients, with an emphasis on seafood. Hendrickson has said that what defines a chef is how he or she uses food bring people together, both in its preparation and in the joy shared when consuming it. The casual, beach-house-style Vessel certainly brings that philosophy to life in its dining room.

Vessel serves breakfast and lunch on weekdays and dinner daily. In addition, brunch is offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (with bottomless mimosas and build-your-own Bloody Marys), and happy hour is available every day from 2 to 6 p.m. Guests can also enjoy live music on Thursdays through Sundays at the marina-front venue.

Another reason Kona Kai is the perfect choice for a family vacation? The resort is close to many area attractions popular with families, including the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego. The hotel even offers special packages for both parks that include two adult admission tickets, late checkout and a welcome plush toy for kids.

For adventurous families who want to make the most of their visit to the city, the Noble Adventure Package includes unlimited admission for two adults to SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for up to seven consecutive days; four hours of bicycle rentals; and a cabana on the resort's private beach for the day, complete with two Dippin’ Dots ice cream treats and two margaritas served to the cabana. Additional adult and/or child tickets are available for purchase at check-in for all park-related packages.

This summer, Kona Kai is offering a special Summer Connections Package for families staying for three or more nights. The offer includes two spacious connecting guestrooms, each with a private patio; a complimentary s’mores kit to be used at the resort’s beachside fire pits; and $50 nightly resort credit.

Additionally, Kona Kai’s recently introduced “Ambassador of Fun” can arrange just about anything at the resort for families, including dining reservations, on-site activities and bikes or paddleboards rentals.

"We welcome families with open arms here at Kona Kai, and we are constantly offering new and exciting amenities to provide the best vacation experience possible for all of our guests,” Commerford said.