Shangri-La Springs becomes a Blue Zones Project recognized organization

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (Oct. 4, 2019) – Shangri-La Springs, a historic property in downtown Bonita Springs was named as a Blue Zones Project recognized organization with a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 1.
Shangri-La Springs has a healthy organic focus with an on-site garden, Harvest & Wisdom farm to table restaurant, full-service spa, unique event space and under-renovation hotel rooms that will have plush organic linens and bedding. The mission of the 8.5-acre retreat in the heart of Bonita Springs is to bring guests and visitors back to basics in harmony with themselves and the environment.
“Our goal is to be a center in the community focused on relaxation, rejuvenation and health,” said Lee Bellamy, Shangri-La Springs general manager. “Our property promises a unique blend of culture, nature and local history, where residents and visitors alike can find sources of enriching cuisine, art and spa experiences.”
Shangri-La Springs meets many criteria on the Blue Zones Project best practice list, including:

• Encouraging people to bike to the property by having bike racks
• Promoting consumption of water and no-sugar-added beverages
• Maintaining a garden for seed-to-table dishes, educational classes and tours
• Offering healthy foods and snacks, including plant-based menu items
• Inviting people to walk on the property and promoting volunteer opportunities for community events
• Hosting a variety of well-being, Blue Zones and educational events
• Remaining tobacco free

“The collaboration between Blue Zones Project and Shangri-La Springs is a very meaningful partnership,” said Chante Pemberton, Faith-Based Organization and HOA lead, Blue Zones Project Southwest Florida. “This great organization has the capacity to touch many lives and impact the well-being of the Southwest Florida community.”
Up next, the property is working to have the on-site restaurant Harvest & Wisdom Blue Zones Project Approved. More than 640 area companies and 200,000 individuals are now participating with Blue Zones Project Southwest Florida, a community-by-community, well-being improvement initiative designed to support longer, better lives through sustainable changes to environment, policy and social networks. Principles are based on lifestyles in Blue Zones areas, which are pockets of the world where people live longer with less chronic disease and higher quality of life.
Brought to Southwest Florida by NCH Healthcare System, in collaboration with Sharecare, Inc. and Blue Zones, LLC, Blue Zones Project is a vital part of Southwest Florida’s well-being improvement initiative that encourages changes in the community that lead to healthier options. For more information about Blue Zones Project Southwest Florida, visit southwestflorida.bluezonesproject.com.
About Shangri-La Springs
Built in 1921, Shangri-La Springs offers a variety of unique services including a stately property with an organic garden, fitness studio, organic restaurant, full-service organic spa, gift shop and event and wedding venue rated GOLD in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. The Blue Zones Project recognized organization specializes in offering guests a nexus of beneficial practices, activities and engagement opportunities that include wellness classes, art shows and special programs. A range of natural and organic treatments and products including facials, massages, eucalyptus steam room, far infrared sauna and private garden lounge are offered at the Spa at Shangri-La Springs, which was rated SILVER for Day Spa in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. The organic farm-to-table restaurant Harvest & Wisdom, with an ever-changing menu crafted with produce fresh from the on-site garden, locally sourced organic proteins and organic beverages, is open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch. In addition, the historic property is undergoing interior renovations to open as a full-service boutique hotel that will feature 21 guest rooms, outdoor dining area and conference room in the Great House. Renovations are also underway for six guest rooms located in Villa Ascona, a building positioned near the property’s courtyard, perfect for spa weekends or bridal party accommodations. Shangri-La Springs is located at 27750 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs. For more information call 239-949-0749 or visit www.ShangriLaSprings.com.
About Blue Zones Project
Blue Zones Project is a community-led well-being improvement initiative designed to make healthy choices easier through permanent changes to a city’s environment, policy, and social networks. Established in 2010, Blue Zones Project is inspired by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Fellow and New York Times best-selling author who identified five regions of the world—or Blue Zones—with the highest concentration of people living to 100 years or older. Blue Zones Project incorporates Buettner’s findings and works with cities to implement policies and programs that will move a community toward optimal health and well-being. Currently, 50 communities in ten states have joined Blue Zones Project, impacting more than 3.3 million Americans nationwide. The movement includes communities in California; 15 cities in Iowa; Albert Lea, Minnesota; the city of Fort Worth; and communities in Southwest Florida, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Oregon, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Blue Zones Project is an exclusive partnership between Blue Zones and Sharecare. For more information, visit bluezonesproject.com.
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