A Day in Shangri-La

Members of Delta Pi Delta Alumnae Chapter met for a luncheon on November 11, 2017, at Shangri-La Springs, a health resort located in Bonita Springs, Florida. Shangri-La Springs was originally built in 1921 as a hotel. A natural spring, for which Bonita Springs is named, is located on the grounds of the resort, and subsequent owners were interested in the benefits of the mineral water from the spring. The property has grown into a first-class health resort which promotes physical and mental energy through healing arts and nature. 

After lunch, the business meeting included the discussion and passage of the chapter’s budget for the coming year and revised bylaws; an update on scholarships awarded by the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation; participation of all six Kappa Chi graduates from Florida Gulf Coast University in the Hall of Commitment ceremony; and information about Christmas presents for women and children in area shelters.

Our speaker was the resident botanist, Andrew, who related the history of Shangri-La Springs. He described the tropical vegetation and various buildings on the premises.  He then showed a short video about the resort and took a group of interested members on a tour of the property. 

  

The Shangri-La Inn Resort and Spa marquee

Chinese guardian lions, which were believed to have powerful protective benefits, stand on either side of the entrance to Shangri-La Springs. 

Ronda and Sue at the entrance to the resort

The foyer with a reclining golden goddess

A bird cage in the foyer

Kerry, Phyllis, Carol & Sue

Mary, Carol, Debbie & Susan

Linda, Ann, Valary & Phyllis

Donna, Ronda, Scottie & Darlene

Mary & Margi

Pat, Carol, Sandi & Becky

Donna, Pat & Scottie about to watch the video about the history of Shangri-La Springs

Ronda, Debbie & Susan waiting to see the video

Door leading to other resort buildings on the premises

Andrew, the resident botanist, leads a tour of the grounds

An Indian girl (Calusa, perhaps?) bearing a water jug on the grounds of the spa

One of the giant Mysore fig trees on the premises The Mysore fig is a native of Mysore, India, whose figs are edible. Since 90% of the roots of the tree grow above ground, they are the most noteworthy feature of the tree. Locations of Mysore fig trees, which are comparatively rare in the US, are registered, and  their official measurements  recorded. (The Mysore fig at the Edison Estate was the Florida State Champion until 1999--a tree in Estero now has this honor.)

Mysore fig tree viewed from back

A Gumbo Limbo tree, commonly known as the “Tourist tree,” because the bark of the tree looks like a tourist’s skin peeling from a sunburn.

A mineral springs-fed pool has a statue, the “Indian Maiden of the Springs,” in the center.

A close-up of the maiden

The other giant Mysore Fig Tree which stands among the buildings where programs, dining and private events take place. 

The massive base of the Mysore Fig

The Mysore fig with the water tower in the background

The former water tower

The Octagon Room

The interior of the Octagon Room, being set up for a wedding reception

The swimming pool

A gazebo in the woods

Oak Creek pier 

The creek empties into the Imperial River, which goes to the Gulf of Mexico.

A turtle sunning itself in the middle of the creek

An Australian Narrow-leaved Tea Tree 

Tea tree oil is often used to treat skin conditions and problems. 

An abandoned railway trestle crosses Oak Creek.

The Fort Myers Southern Railroad reached Bonita Springs by late 1925, where a depot was built just south of the Imperial River (the depot has since been demolished but the depot's platform and siding still remain near Riverside Park).