Shangri-La Springs
A hidden community oasis in Bonita Springs
Entering Shangri-La Springs, located behind a wall just off Old 41 in Bonita Springs, is like stepping into a secret world—an oasis of nature, art and serenity. The one-time 1920s-era hotel today feels like an enchanted hidden garden, but the goal of the property’s owners and management is to let the community in on the secret. The public is always welcome to enjoy the grounds for the local natural treasure it is—free of charge.
Describing itself as “a center for vitality through healing arts and nature,” Shangri-La Springs has a focus on natural and organic offerings, a commitment that is consistent throughout its array of services. The on-site spa focuses on organic treatments, while the dining room, which is open for lunch, offers garden-to-table fare sourced from the on-premises certified organic garden and orchard. In addition to the spa and dining room, Shangri-La has a range of programs, including yoga, meditation, dance and various retreats.
Shangri-La Springs was founded as a hotel in the early 1920s by the Heitmans, a prominent Southwest Florida family that was developing nearby property. They wanted a place to house potential real estate customers, explains Andrew Sroka, president of Shangri-La Springs.
Through the next century the property changed hands several times, becoming a health spa for Hollywood in the ’30s and ’40s and a health retreat emphasizing natural therapies in the ’70s and ’80s. Its current owners acquired the property in 1998 through the Lama Hana Land Trust and closed it for several years of renovation before relaunching in its current incarnation.
The essential magic of Shangri-La lies in its rich natural environment. Shangri-La is home to the very springs for which Bonita Springs is named. Nearby the storied springs stands a massive Mysore fig, a huge and majestic tree indigenous to India. It is one of two Mysore figs on the Shangri-La property; only a small handful of these rare trees are found anywhere in Florida. A few steps away, Oak Creek weaves its way through the property. These features are just some of the natural treasures on the grounds.
“Our grounds have over 100 exotic botanicals,” says Sroka. “You really have to experience it in person to get a full sense of majesty; it is incredibly unique.”
The land is not just beautiful but also productive, as it features a large organic farm. “We had the grounds certified as organic,” says Sroka. “It took a number of years, and now almost half of the 9.5 acres are devoted to our farm.” From herbs to vegetables, the farm’s produce is incorporated into the menu by Shangri-La’s chef.
Shangri-La Springs almost defies categorization, says Sroka. “We offer so many different things. It’s not just a farm, not just a spa and not just a yoga venue. It’s really a very integrated portfolio of all of those, which is fed by the history of the springs and its role in the development of Southwest Florida, and our goal is to stay authentic to this history and to protect, preserve and keep it viable.”
To get a sampling of Shangri-La Springs’ diverse offerings, general manager Zawi Borsa recommends signing up for the “Day of Bliss” experience. The $135 package “really captures everything,” says Borsa. “You can take a class—either yoga or dance—have lunch and enjoy a spa treatment.” The full-service spa offers everything from massages to facials to body treatments, and is equipped with a couple’s massage room, an infrared sauna, eucalyptus steam room, locker room and a serene private outdoor courtyard.
Another pillar of Shangri-La is support for the arts, especially local artists. The gift shop features work by area artisans and craftsmen rather than pushing commercial products. “We exhibit local artists all the time,” says Sroka, “and every second Wednesday we open up the facilities and have wine, and the artists interact with guests.”
Describing the mission of Shangri-La Springs, Sroka says, “Our goal is to be a center for the community.” Shangri-La is “still blossoming, still evolving to provide what people are seeking. There is so much going on and growth plans for the future. We are donating the property to other local nonprofits, holding events, co-programming with schools and striving to be a center of vitality for the community and our customers.
“No one that has ever been here has not felt something special,” Sroka concludes. “Without trying to define what that is to each individual person, you leave Shangri-La knowing that you have been somewhere special.”