Shangri-La Resort, Oklahoma | Grand Lakes Resort & Marina - Oklahoma Hotels

The luxury Shangri-La Resort is nestled on Monkey Island on northeastern Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees, the ultimate getaway destination.

Resort Grand Lake

Guide to the Oklahoma Spoonbill Fishing Season

Spoonbill fishing season is a world-class fishing experience right here in Oklahoma. People come from all over the world to catch one of the spoonbills, also known as paddlefish. Shangri-La Resort created this guide about the Oklahoma spoonbill fishing season so you can join in on the action. Book your stay today in one of the top luxury resorts in the Grand Lake, Oklahoma, area to join in on this world-class fishing adventure.

A World-Class Fishing Experience in Oklahoma

Spoonbill fishing season is a massive deal in Oklahoma. It draws in people from all over the world to the resorts in Grand Lake to get in on the action. People are drawn to Grand Lake during spoonbill season because the eggs make for some of the world’s best caviar and the prehistoric paddlefish are gigantic. The earliest fossil records of paddlefish are well before the time of dinosaurs. Paddlefish can live to be 50 years old and can grow to a massive 200 pounds and 10 feet long. 

The Paddlefish Research Center

The Paddlefish Research Center is located by Grand Lake and is a little less than a 30-minute drive from Shangri-La Resort. After a day of Oklahoma fishing fun, you can bring your paddlefish to the Paddlefish Research Center to have them cleaned and put into heat-sealed bags for free. During the process, workers collect the eggs from the female paddlefish to sell them on the international caviar market. The funds go towards improving Oklahoma fishing and decreasing poaching.

Head to Grand Lake, Oklahoma, for World-Class Fishing

One of the greatest paddlefish fishing spots in the world is Grand Lake in Oklahoma. The best time to catch paddlefish is during the spring spawning run. This happens from early March through late April. You can book your stay at Shangri-La Resort, one of the best resorts on Grand Lake. We offer plush rooms, fine dining, a luxurious spa, and many incredible amenities. 

Oklahoma Spoonbill Fishing Season Tips

  • Make sure you know the up-to-date Oklahoma fishing regulations with more information on their website.
  • Paddlefish are gigantic, with most weighing at least 50 pounds. Make sure you have fishing equipment that can accommodate their large size.
  • The best way to catch paddlefish is using the rolling and snagging method. You can do this by dragging a hook and weight behind a moving boat. You don’t need to use lures because lures don’t attract paddlefish. They feed on microscopic creatures that live on the lake floor.

Book your stay today at Shangri-La Resort on Grand Lake, Oklahoma, for a world-class fishing experience!

Discover the Anchor During Your Trip to Monkey Island, OK

No matter how much you love the outdoors, there will always be days when the weather is too much to bear. The Anchor is the new 11,000-square-foot activity park at Shangri-La Resort and is the perfect place to find refuge from any bad weather during your vacation in Monkey Island, OK. We are proud to be one of the finest resorts in Oklahoma and are excited to offer this as another deluxe amenity at our resort on Grand Lake. 

Enjoy the Best Gaming Experience in Monkey Island, OK

  • Enjoy thrilling adventures in our virtual-reality games.
  • Another one of our stand out amenities is that we are one of the top golf resorts and feature one of the best golf courses in Oklahoma. No matter the weather, you can still enjoy a fun day of golfing on one of our golf simulators.
  • Enjoy arcade games, shooting simulators and more when you explore The Anchor!

The Anchor Sports Bar and Food Galley

Take a break from your day of exciting activities to recharge with delicious food and cocktails at our sports bar and food galley. While you chow down on refreshments and cocktails, there are multiple TV screens, pool tables, and ping pong tables to enjoy with your friends and family. 

The Anchor Food Galley has many fun food choices, like hot dogs, burgers, salads, mac-n-cheese wedges, flatbreads, and more! The Anchor Sports Bar specializes in martinis, signature rum drinks, and margaritas.

Relax in the Outdoor Lounge Area

Once the sun has set, you can have a dreamy evening relaxing by one of the two firepits. The outdoor lounge also has a fishing pond so you can watch your kids have a blast fishing off the dock or playing cornhole. 

This outdoor lounge area has several opportunities for friendly competition. You can shoot hoops at one of the outdoor basketball courts. Or you could feel like a kid again while you enjoy playing wiffle ball at the miniature Fenway Park replica.

The Racquet Club Facility

No matter your skill level, you can enjoy the outdoor tennis and pickleball courts at the Racquet Club Facility. If you’re a beginner, Todd Kerr, director of the Shangri-La Racquet Club, is available for coaching and instruction lessons. You can also find all the tennis and pickleball gear you need at the Tennis Pro Shop. There are many friendly and knowledgeable team members there who can help you find the right gear! 

The Racquet Club Facility in Monkey Island, OK

You can call 918-257-7781 for more information and to reserve your court time.

Discover The Anchor by booking your stay today at one of the finest resorts in Monkey Island, OK!

Your Watersports Guide to Monkey Island

There’s never a bad time to enjoy watersports near Monkey Island. The waters surrounding Monkey Island are perfect for all kinds of water activities. When you’re on vacation to Northeast Oklahoma, getting out on the water and enjoying thrilling activities is an ideal way to spend a day. 

With our location on Monkey Island, the team at Shangri-La Resort knows a thing or two about watersports. We’re here to help you plan a fun-filled day on the lake. Here’s our guide to watersports near Monkey Island. 

Boating Near Monkey Island

With deep water and wide channels, Grand Lake is the perfect place for boating. On a daily basis, you’ll find boats of all types out on the lake. If you have your own boat, bring it on your trip with you, Shangri-La has a full-service 240 boat slip marina at the resort. Don’t own a boat? Don’t worry; we offer boat rentals as well. Our boat rentals on Monkey Lake include:

  • Fishing Boats
  • Ski Boats
  • Pontoon Boats
  • Tritoon Boats

With our rentals, you will be out on the water in no time, and you’ll be able to spend an idyllic day cruising Grand Lake. Pack your sunscreen and some beverages, and you’re in for a glorious day on one of the best boating lakes in Oklahoma. 

Ride a Jet Ski

Boating isn’t the only way to get around Grand Lake. For guests with a need for speed, we recommend zooming across the lake on a jet ski. Grand Lake’s wide-open spaces give you plenty of room to zip around, and you can easily navigate the lake’s many channels. If you need to rent one, we have jet ski rentals available at Shangri-La marina as well. 

Reach New Heights Parasailing

Thrillseekers on Monkey Island love parasailing on Grand Lake. Ride on a boat before getting strapped into a harness attached to a canopy wing, which resembles a parachute. After being strapped in, the boat will accelerate, and you’ll get sent up higher and higher into the sky. This watersport is definitely not for those with a fear of heights! However, once in the air, you’ll have excellent views of Monkey Island, Grand Lake, and the area’s gorgeous scenery. Parasailing is undoubtedly an experience you’ll remember forever. 

Stay in Luxury on Monkey Island

After an exciting day out on Grand Lake, return to Shangri-La Resort and relax in well-appointed accommodations. In addition to our resort and marina, Shangri-La also offers a championship golf course, tantalizing restaurants, and on-site activities. Whether you’re traveling for business or taking a good old-fashioned family vacation, we have you covered. Book with us online now!

Plan A Lakeside Family Vacation in Northeast Oklahoma

Shangri-La Resort cannot wait to welcome you and your family for an unforgettable, exclusive family vacation in Northeast Oklahoma. We proudly serve our guests with world-class hospitality, personalized attention, and all the lakeside activities you can dream of. Pack your bags, put in your leave requests, and leave the city behind this summer for our island paradise right on Grand Lake. 

Our resort is the ideal spot on Monkey Island for any lakeside family vacation, no matter where you’re traveling from—whether it be St. Louis or Oklahoma City! Get ready to have a world of fun during summer break, hanging at the activity park with your kids, enjoying a restaurant date with your special one, or relaxing alone at the spa. Continue reading for exciting information. 

There’s Something for Every Family Member at Shangri-La

You and yours will undoubtedly find something to keep entertained during your upcoming Oklahoma family vacation, from easy lake access and championship golf to pickleball courts and plentiful dining. Our island is your island! We are the prime destination for folks looking to do everything or nothing at all. See the great amenities and activities awaiting your arrival below: 

  • The Anchor: This all-new nautical-themed adventure park is home to one-of-a-kind gaming experiences– VR games, golfing simulators, escape rooms, arcade games, and more. You’ll also find our Racquet Club, fire pits, indoor sports bars, ping pong, and all the family-friendly fun imaginable!  
  • Golf Course: Looking for a nice guy outing or traveling with a family of golf enthusiasts? Shangri-La’s championship golf course is the perfect place for you! Your family can enjoy 27 holes of pristine greens, suitable for all levels of golf. 
  • The Spa at Shangri-La: No island trip is complete without a visit to the spa! Located inside the hotel, The Spa at Shangri-La can be your oasis away from the bustle—while your family spends the afternoon at The Anchor or on the water. Check out the lavish spa services menu online. 
  • Marina: Dock and play at the resort’s full-service marina for boat service, rentals, snacks, and shuttle services. You will have access to 1,300 miles of gorgeous shoreline, where you can rent watercrafts or explore the lake on your own vessel. Folks love tubing, jet-skiing, boating, parasailing, dining, and more right on Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees. 
  • Monkey Grind: Where there’s a resort hotel, there’s sure to be a Starbucks® Coffee! Our on-site coffee shop is located in the Pensacola Lounge and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can rest assured that all your favorites will be available, from iced beverages to mochas! We take food seriously at Shangri-La, so please explore our various other dining options, making us a top dining destination in the four-state area. 
  • … And so much more! As one of the top resort hotels in Oklahoma, we pride ourselves on having state-of-the-art amenities that elevate every family vacation. Feel free to ask our staff any resort-related questions by calling 918-257-4204. 

Get ready for the Oklahoma family vacation of a lifetime at Shangri-La Resort. We offer 119 well-appointed rooms and suites. Book with us online now!

Top 3 Summer Activities at Shangri-La || Oklahoma Lake Vacations

Oklahoma lake vacations are always a fantastic way to spend your summer, surrounded by pure relaxation and lakeside bliss. The Shangri-La Resort, a premier Northeast Oklahoma hotel, will quickly become your family’s home away from home, no matter the time of year. You and yours have the opportunity to do it all, from parasailing to dining by the Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees—or nothing at all. 

No matter what you decide to do, one thing’s certain: every day is a beautiful day at our island resort and marina destination! This summer, escape the bustle of the city and head to our luxury oasis, situated at the tip of Monkey Island. Our top three summer activities will keep you entertained for days. Keep reading for more information—

Shangri-La is Made for Activity-Filled Oklahoma Lake Vacations

The perfect escape awaits you at Shangri-La, a 119-room resort with state-of-the-art amenities, setting us apart from the rest of Oklahoma resorts. Guests come back year after year to enjoy our plethora of things to do. No family summer vacation is truly complete without an abundance of endless activities, and that’s exactly what we pride ourselves on delivering to every guest! You don’t want to miss out on our top warm-weather activities, listed below: 

Golf

We are known for premier championship golf, boasting 27 holes of pristine lakeside golf. Summer is a wonderful time to hit our greens, with various golf experiences for all levels of golfers. No crowds, no rushed play, just a relaxed, traditional reminder of what a golf outing should be! You can even brush up on your skills with professional golf instruction for all ages.

Pickleball

This captivating sport is sweeping the country, and our resort is home to six fantastic pickleball courts for all ages. The courts are housed in Shangri-La’s 12 million-dollar activity park. All members, hotel guests, and the general public are welcome to join in on the pickleball craze with our Racquet Club. New to pickleball? Great, the Anchor team can help deck you out with all the best gear! The director and manager of the Racquet Club, Todd Kerr, is available for coaching and instruction.

Swimming Pool

Oklahoma summer lake vacations are always a great excuse to splash about in the pool! Thankfully, the Shangri-La Resort Pool is available for your use this summer. Lounge by our luxurious pool, with Grand Lake as your scenic backdrop. The whole family can enjoy a pool day, complete with pool-side food and drinks from Doc’s Bar & Grill. We always strive to give our guests exclusive experiences, so pool access is reserved only for hotel guests and members. 

Spend Your Summers at Shangri-La Resort & Marina

This summer, take your Oklahoma lake vacation to the next level by staying at Shangri-La Resort. Our island oasis will soon become your island! Your family will never experience a dull moment at our Grand Lake resort with our top three summer activities. We also offer private membership. Call us today at 918-257-4204 or simply book with us online!