Imagine a tropical escape that blends barefoot luxury with cultural soul, and that’s what Panglao Island has to offer. South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection has officially opened its doors, marking a milestone as the first international five-star resort in Bohol Island and the latest addition to Accor’s boutique MGallery Collection.
Set against the powdery white sands and turquoise waters of the Bohol Sea, the resort is more than just a place to stay because it’s a living tribute to Boholano heritage. Designed by a trio of award-winning creatives, Patrick Keane of Enter Projects Asia, Patricia Ho of White Jacket, and Philip Pond of Atelier Pond, the property’s 188 rooms and suites are layered with native textures like banig mats, coconut wood, and bamboo, all handcrafted by local artisans. Eight beachfront villas, named after Filipino nature deities or “Diwata,” offer a deeper connection to the island’s mythology and natural rhythms.
The resort’s culinary offerings are equally rooted in storytelling. Tiya’s House, the main restaurant, reimagines a traditional ancestral home with Southeast Asian flavors, while Manja brings Mediterranean comfort food to communal tables. UMA, an open-air market-style venue, and the beachside Sirenna Bar round out the dining experience with fresh seafood and locally inspired cocktails — including one made with lambanog, a Filipino coconut spirit.
Wellness is woven into every corner, from sunrise yoga to the soon-to-open Lola’s Spa, nestled in the garden canopy. Guests can also take part in curated cultural experiences, like learning to craft Asin Tibuok, Bohol’s rare sea salt, in a hands-on “M Moment” that connects them to the island’s artisanal roots.
Just 10 minutes from Bohol-Panglao International Airport and a short drive from the famed Chocolate Hills and tarsier sanctuaries, South Palms is positioning Panglao as Asia’s next must-visit destination. With its blend of design, tradition, and community engagement — including support for local orphanages — this resort isn’t just redefining luxury. It’s redefining what it means to travel with purpose.
To celebrate the opening, an exclusive “Elite Access” offer, which includes P3,000 in resort credit for dining experiences and leisure activities, can be booked until Oct. 31, 2025. Reserve your stay via Accor’s website.
Check out MGallery Hotel Collection’s website, Instagram, and Facebook for more information and exclusive privileges.
