Город Бонита-Спрингс торжественно отметит 100-летие исторического отеля Shangri-La

City plans proclamation to honor 100 years of Shangri-La SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY Shangri-La Springs will mark a significant milestone in its history with a celebration noon to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8 as the City of Bonita Springs honors the historic property’s 100th anniversary with an official proclamation presentation by the mayor and members of the Bonita Springs City Council. The proclamation ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. on the grounds of Shangri-La Springs and will commemorate the establishment of the hotel in 1926 by developer Gilmer Heitman, Sr., whose vision helped shape the early development of Bonita Springs. Joining the celebration will be Gilmer McCrary Heitman, IV (“Mike”), Gilmer Heitman’s great-grandson, along with his wife, Melanie, and children, representing the family whose legacy remains closely tied to the history of the hotel and community. Also participating will be Wendy Cheatham Newman, daughter of naturopath and homeopath R.J. Cheatham, who purchased the property in 1965 and transformed it into the renowned Shangri-La Health Resort. Together, the Heitman and Cheatham families represent two defining chapters in the property’s century-long history. Gilmer Heitman was far more than the builder of the Bonita Hotel. He was one of Southwest Florida’s most influential early entrepreneurs and civic leaders, helping shape the economic future of both Bonita Springs and Fort Myers during the first half of the twentieth century. After arriving in Fort Myers in the late 1890s, Heitman organized Lee County’s first telephone system, founded real estate and insurance companies, developed residential subdivisions, served as president and director of the Bank of Fort Myers, and held leadership positions with the Lee County Chamber of Commerce and several regional land development companies. Recognizing the tremendous potential of Bonita Springs during Florida’s land boom, he helped develop Bonita Springs and constructed the Bonita Hotel in 1926 to welcome prospective homebuyers while their homes were being built. His entrepreneurial vision helped lay the groundwork for the growth of Southwest Florida, making the Bonita Hotel, today’s Shangri-La Springs, not only a historic landmark but also a lasting symbol of the region’s early development. The property’s next transformative chapter began in 1965, when R.J. Cheatham purchased the Bonita Hotel and reimagined it as the Shangri-La Health Resort. Guided by the natural hygiene philosophies of Herbert M. Shelton, Cheatham created a nationally recognized wellness destination centered on wholesome food, fasting, natural therapies, and healthy living. His vision introduced thousands of guests to a holistic approach to wellness and established Shangri-La as one of Florida’s most distinctive health resorts. Growing up at Shangri-La, Wendy Cheatham Newman experienced that philosophy firsthand. As one of six children, she helped operate nearly every aspect of the resort, from guest services and groundskeeping to preparing natural foods and growing sprouts for guests. Her participation in the centennial celebration honors her family’s stewardship of the property and the enduring influence of Shangri-La Springs as a place of wellness, hospitality, and community. “A Little Summer Soul,” a free community gathering is to continue 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with: - Live music and entertainment - An artisan market featuring local artists, craftspeople and vendors - Organic dining options from Harvest & Wisdom (reservations required) - A cash bar offering beer, wine and soft drinks - Complimentary valet parking “Shangri-La Springs has been part of the story of Bonita Springs for a century,” said Lee Bellamy, general manager of Shangri-La Springs. “We are honored to celebrate this milestone alongside both the Heitman and Cheatham families, whose vision and stewardship helped shape this remarkable property across generations. We are equally grateful to the City of Bonita Springs for recognizing the importance of preserving and celebrating the history that continues to connect our community.” The significance of the anniversary extends beyond the hotel itself. The City of Bonita Springs derives its name from the mineral springs located on the Shangri-La Springs property. Long before the city was incorporated, the springs attracted visitors seeking the reputed healing qualities of the mineral-rich waters. Recognizing the area’s growth potential, Gilmer Heitman constructed the Bonita Hotel in 1926 to accommodate prospective homebuyers while their residences were being built, helping establish the foundation for the community. The participation of both the Heitman and Cheatham families underscores the lasting connection between Shangri-La Springs and the people whose vision helped shape its first century. Their presence provides a rare opportunity for residents and visitors to celebrate a living piece of Bonita Springs history while reflecting on the property’s evolution from the Bonita Hotel, to the Shangri-La Health Resort, to the nationally recognized historic destination it is today. Today, Shangri-La Springs remains one of Southwest Florida’s most distinctive historic destinations, encompassing eight acres of botanical gardens, a boutique hotel, an organic restaurant, a full-service spa, and the natural mineral springs that inspired the city’s name About Shangri-La Springs Established in 1926, Shangri-La Springs is a historic boutique hotel and wellness destination located on 8.5 acres in the heart of beautiful downtown Bonita Springs, Florida. Centered around the natural mineral springs that gave the city its name, our lush tropical grounds features guest accommodations, an organic spa, Harvest & Wisdom – our organic restaurant and a variety of indoor and outdoor event spaces. For 100 years, Shangri-La Springs has offered guests a place of tranquility, celebration, and renewal. For more information, please visit shangrilasprings.com and its social media pages at @shangrilasprings. Shangri-La Springs is located at 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Check back to Florida Weekly for more honoring the property’s 100 years.