Shangri-La Springs
Our History
The history of the springs begins hundreds of years ago with the Calusa Indians who were the original inhabitants of this area. They used the mineral spring water for medicinal and trading purposes. Then, in the early 1500s, Juan Ponce De Leon discovered the spring in his quest for the Fountain of Youth. Although he never found it, many believed the natural mineral waters running through the spring have special healing properties. This natural mineral spring, which is still flowing on the property today, is the very spring for which the city was named – Bonita Springs.
Gilmer Heitman
The history of Shangri-La Springs starts in 1921 when Gilmer Heitman, considered to be a visionary of Bonita Springs, constructed The Heitman Hotel with 25 rooms along Heitman Avenue, now known as Old 41 Road. The hotel was built as a place to stay for home buyers during construction of their house.
The Heitman Hotel
In 1935, the hotel was sold to Robert and Bess DeFoor for $6,000. But the hotel fell on hard times during the depression and the DeFoor’s sold the property to the Haverfields who expanded the hotel to 50 rooms and changed the name to the Bonita Springs Hotel.
Walter A. Mack
Walter A. Mack, owner Mack Cadillac Corporation in Chicago, then purchased the property and his financial means afforded extensive upgrades. He changed the name to Villa Bonita and added access to a beachfront cabana club on Hickory Island near what we now know as Barefoot Beach.
Dr. Charles Gnau
The next owner was Dr. Charles Gnau. Dr. Gnau was an osteopath and a believer in the healing powers of the mineral water springs. And it was he who is responsible for the installation of the spring-fed pool with a statue named the Indian Maid of the Springs which is still on the property today.
Dr. R.J. Cheatham
In 1963, the property was sold to a neuropath, Dr. R .J. Cheatham. Dr. Cheatham changed the name of the hotel to Shangri-La invoking the image of the pathway to paradise as described in the novel Lost Horizon. Under Cheatham’s direction, the hotel became an institute devoted to the practices of natural hygiene.
Leo Dahlman
In 1993, Leo Dahlman bought the property with the goal of developing Shangri-La Springs into a first class health resort. With a background in historic restoration and hotel management, he restored much of the property to its original grandeur. But, the property fell into foreclosure and became available for purchase in 1998.
The Current Owners
The current owners, Lama Hana
Our organic spa services are designed to help you relax, rejuvenate, and restore your body and mind. We use only the finest organic products, and our experienced therapists are dedicated to providing you with a truly transformative experience.
Our spa policies and etiquette are designed to ensure that all guests have a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Please review our policies before your appointment.
We offer a wide variety of organic products for sale in our spa boutique. These products are all natural and designed to help you maintain your health and well-being.
Our organic restaurant, Harvest & Wisdom, offers a delicious and healthy menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We are committed to providing our guests with a dining experience that is both delicious and sustainable.
Our organic garden is a beautiful and peaceful place to relax and enjoy the fresh air. We grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are used in our restaurant and spa.
Our Shangri-La Springs Tours offer a unique and informative way to learn about the history and beauty of our property. Our tours are led by knowledgeable guides who can answer all of your questions.
We offer a variety of classes and workshops throughout the year, covering topics such as yoga, meditation, cooking, and more. Our classes are designed to help you learn new skills, improve your health, and connect with others.
Our boutique offers a unique selection of gifts, clothing, and home goods. We carry a variety of items that are both beautiful and functional.
Shangri-La Springs is a beautiful and unique venue for weddings and corporate events. Our experienced event planners can help you create a memorable and unforgettable event.
Our event calendar is updated regularly with information about upcoming events at Shangri-La Springs. Be sure to check back often to see what's happening.
- Gold Rated in the Naples Daily News Best of Bonita/Estero
Shangri-La Springs is a popular destination wedding venue and has been awarded a Gold rating in the Naples Daily News Best of Bonita/Estero.
- Advanced Equipment & Technology
We offer competitive pricing and strive to provide the best value for your investment.
- Free Estimates & Consultations
We are committed to environmentally responsible practices, minimizing our impact on the environment.
- Proven Track Record
We are dedicated to continuous improvement and strive for excellence in everything we do.
