Bonita Springs, 15 miles north of Naples, Florida is a charmer. The town’s history dates back 8,000 years ago when prehistoric people lived in the area. These days, if you drive along Old 41 Rd., you’ll find Wonder Gardens, a tourist attraction opened in 1936, stately River Park where you can rent kayaks along the Imperial River, and Shangri-La Springs, a gem of a hotel opened in 1921.
About Shangri-La Springs Hotel in Bonita Springs
The Sangri-La Springs hotel, an historic Bonita Springs establishment, blends the aura of vintage 1920s with a boutique experience for modern tastes. Staying at this beauty is a treat. The creamy exterior of the hotel’s main building reminds me a bit of Rosecliff Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. This is the mansion used in the movie “The Great Gatsby” where Robert Redford played Jay Gatsby and Mia Farrow was Daisy his love interest.
Blending vintage 1920s with Asian influences is an art form here. Guardian lions greet guests at the entrance. A reclining Buddha statue similar to what I saw in Thailand is a feature of the foyer room. Throughout the lush property of plants, majestic trees and flower abundance, small statues and sculptures continue with Asian mixed with Old Florida and Art Deco influences.
The mineral springs the Calusa Indians used hundreds of years ago still flow on the property
About the Shangri-La Springs Property
When the hotel first opened, it served people building homes in the area. These days, folks come for a low-key getaway close to a beach, local flavor, the spa experiences, and the uniqueness of this 8-acre property. The mineral springs used by the Calusa Indians who lived in this region hundreds of years ago, and later discovered by Ponce De Leon as he searched for the Fountain of Youth are part of the Shangri-La Springs offerings. The mineral springs still flow here.
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Guided history tours on certain days highlight the foliage and history of the hotel and spa. Unfortunately, I missed the tour during my stay, but throughout the grounds QR codes on signage offer a self-guided option. At night, light strands turn the grounds into inviting spaces of romance and charm. While I explored the grounds taking in the offerings, I ran across a couple getting married at Shangri-La Springs in a couple of months. They lived in Bonita Springs and frequented the hotel’s restaurant. “Wait until you see this place at night. It’s magic,” one of them said. She was right.
The Guest Rooms
My room at the end of the Villa Ascona, a one-story section of the hotel of 6 guest rooms, was a delight. The king bed’s headboard, a carved beauty, reminded me of where I stayed in Bali. The exquisite chandelier and mirror perfectly complimented the bed with vintage charm. Modern also works well, particularly with the bathroom’s walk-in shower and sleek fixtures. A private backyard patio with two chairs and a table are included with each room.
Room amenities include a large flat-screen TV, a Keurig coffee maker and a refrigerator. What isn’t included is Wi-Fi. There is internet but it’s wired. I didn’t have a cable but borrowed one from the check-in desk for free.
Other Hotel Offerings that are Bonita Spring Gems
Unfortunately, I did not have time to check out the spa or the health-related offerings. There are yoga classes, dance classes, and sound healing experiences depending upon the day. The website’s event calendar is extensive. I did take in lunch at Harvest and Wisdom. This organic, farm-to-table restaurant is a favorite of locals as well. I was given a voucher at check-in that I used at the restaurant to cover most of the cost of my Quiche of the Day meal. The menu changes depending on availability of ingredients.
In addition to the 6 rooms with king beds, there are two multi-room suits. Rooms currently start at $116.00 at Hotels.com. That’s where I booked my room.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
