Nestled on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees, just about two hours from Springfield, Monkey Island is a jewel of the Midwest—a place where luxury meets recreation, and family memories are made against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. For Ryan Stoner, an avid golfer and local insurance professional with Premier Insurance, the area, and its premier resort destination Shangri-La Resort, is more than just a vacation spot; it’s a second home and a gateway to his roots.
“I grew up in the area, just 10 miles down the road, spending a lot of time on the lake,” Ryan shares, reflecting on his deep connection to the area. Three years ago, he seized the opportunity to purchase land on Monkey Island, a decision that has enriched his life and that of his family. Today, Ryan owns and rents out a five-bedroom, five-bathroom unit between the championship and par three golf courses, where every bedroom offers breathtaking views of the lake or the golf course.
“Last season was more successful than I expected,” he says, noting that renting out the property has proven rewarding.
For golfers like Ryan, Shangri-La’s reputation as a golf destination is well-earned. The resort boasts a 27-hole championship course, featuring three nine-hole layouts: Legends, Heritage, and Champions. Each course offers its own unique appeal, catering to players of all skill levels. That appeal extends to the 18-hole Par 3 course, aptly named Battlefield.
“It’s one of the top Par 3 courses in the country,” Ryan says. The course pays homage to military history, with vintage World War II planes displayed in the resort’s military park and a clubhouse adorned with tributes to veterans. “The owner is a big military guy, and it shows in the way he’s incorporated history into the resort,” Stoner adds.
While golf is a major draw, Shangri-La offers far more than just fairways and greens. For Ryan’s family, the abundance of family-oriented amenities is what sets the resort apart. “For me, it’s the combination of family fun,” he says, pointing to features like the pickleball courts and a wiffle ball field that’s a replica of Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. For Ryan, who grew up cheering for the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves, the field offers an opportunity to build memories with his family.
On weekends, the wiffle ball field comes alive, with lights staying on late into the night. “You’ll see kids from five to 15 years old and even grandpas with their grandkids out there playing wiffle ball,” Stoner says. It’s a slice of Americana that adds to the resort’s charm, creating an environment where multiple generations can bond over shared activities.
Another standout feature is The Anchor, an indoor/outdoor recreation hub that offers several indoor sports facilities, an arcade, and simulators for both race cars and golf. “It’s becoming a place that’s not just seasonal,” Ryan explains, noting how The Anchor’s year-round appeal is attracting visitors even during the off-peak months.
Shangri-La’s transformation into a year-round destination has been a game-changer for the region. “It’s getting to the point where people are coming from all around,” Ryan observes. Whether it’s for a weekend getaway, a golf tournament, or a family reunion, the resort offers something for everyone. Its picturesque views of Grand Lake serve as a constant reminder of why it’s one of Oklahoma’s most beloved destinations.
For Ryan, Shangri-La is more than just a place to unwind; it’s a tribute to the enduring allure of Grand Lake and the spirit of community that thrives there.
Shangri-La’s transformation into a year-round destination has been a game-changer for the region.