Kona Kai Resort and Spa 1551 Shelter Island Drive • San Diego • California 92106

For decades, Shelter Island has been a favorite escape for both visitors and locals, and Kona Kai Resort and Spa is the getaway many of them choose. Its picturesque, Spanish-influenced buildings are flanked on one side by a sparkling harbor, and on the other by a grassy park overlooking the open bay with the city's sparkling skyline in the background.

A recent $30 million upgrade has made the resort more fabulous than ever for a destination wedding: Two new buildings house 41 suites designed with a relaxed, California vibe, and they've added an adults-only pool. You also have more indoor and outdoor options for hosting your event, and can combine them in whatever way best suits your celebration.

The resort's two newest waterfront venues are absolutely stunning. Skyline View Park hosts ceremonies and receptions on a lawn at the edge of the bay, accompanied by a spectacular panorama of the San Diego skyline. At the Marina View Lawn, you'll exchange vows surrounded by lush greenery against a backdrop of the colorful marina.

For a uniquely "San Diego" experience, you may want to have at least part of your event on the resort's private beach. Here, an expanse of pristine sand brings guests right to the water's edge, where they have a lovely view across the harbor of Point Loma's hills. Naturally, the beach is a coveted ceremony spot, but its permanent fire pits and cabanas set the stage for an awesome cocktail hour or intimate reception, too.

Inside the hotel, you'll find an array of flexible event spaces, each with an adjoining outdoor terrace. Perched over the harbor, the Point Loma Ballroom is perfect for an elegant reception following a ceremony on the adjacent brick-paved Circle Patio. You could easily have your entire wedding in the Cabo Courtyard, notable for its trickling Spanish-style fountain, steps-away landing just right for exchanging vows, and grassy garden areas for mingling and lawn games. With softly glowing market lights that come on at sunset, it just doesn't get any more romantic.

Kona Kai takes the "resort" part of its name seriously—and that means serious fun. You can borrow one of the hotel's fleet of turquoise beach cruisers for a spin around the island, and rent paddle boards or kayaks from the on-site shop. Each guest room is stocked with a stylishly packaged "S'mores Kit" that you can take down to the fire pits, and the full-service spa offers wonderful relaxation and beauty services.

From the gracious accommodations to the customizable wedding packages, Kona Kai works hard to ensure that you won't have to. Throughout the entire resort, you'll notice an artful blend of luxury and attention to detail that makes events easy and enjoyable … so go ahead and enjoy!